Incredible fairytale homes that people can actually live in (2024)

Alix McInstosh / Airbnb ; AJ Pics / Alamy Stock Photo

Step inside the swamp house...

"What are you doing in my swamp?" Shrek may ask.Well, a few lucky guests will have an easy answer very soon – Donkey invited them! This Halloween, Donkey is 'swamp-sitting'for his best friend, and for two nights only he’s inviting peoplefrom far and wide to hunker down with him. The much-loved, moss-covered dwelling from one of our favourite animated films has been brought to lifeon the grounds of a secluded estate in the Scottish Highlands. Click or scroll to tour Shrek's home andfind out more about this ogre-ific stay…

Alix McInstosh / Airbnb

A different kind of tree house

It may look too perfect to be real but this remarkable structure has been created by DreamWorks in partnership with Airbnb.Shrek’s iconic home has been recreated to an incredibly high standard inside and out, complete with ‘earwax’ candles, a cosy fireplaceand Shrek’s comfy green recliner. If the pictures aren’t enough to sell you on the stay, maybe a ringing endorsem*nt from Donkey will be. "Shrek’s Swamp is lovely. Just beautiful. The perfect place to entertain guests,"Shrek’s four-legged friend gushed about the stay.

Alix McInstosh / Airbnb

A cosy cabin in the swamp

For all the painstaking attention to detail, Shrek’s home is as rustic and rudimentary as you may remember from the films. The house has only one room, which includes the bed, lounge chair, and dining table in front of the fireplace, rendering it suitable for up to three guests, according to the listing.

Alix McInstosh / Airbnb

Outhouse, anyone?

More rustic still, the home doesn’t include bathroom facilities – although you will have access to Shrek’s swamp-chicouthouse. However, before you start to panic, you’ll be relieved to learn that slightly more modern facilities will be available off-site, approximately 20 metres from the house.

Alix McInstosh / Airbnb

Donkey's making waffles!

If the home’s rough-and-ready appearance and the 'BEWARE'signs out front haven’t scared you away, you might be wondering how to book this Shrek-tastic experience. Booking will open on Friday, October 13, at 6pm BST. The entire stay is free of charge, but guests will be responsible for their own transport to and from Scotland. The home is available to rent between October 27-29, a two-night stay which includes breakfast in the morning – you guessed it, Donkey’s making waffles!

Alix McInstosh / Airbnb

A charitable investment

Even sweeter, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to HopScotch Children’s Charity, an organisation which provides disadvantaged children in Scotland with respite breaks through nurturing and dynamic holiday trips, according to thelisting.

Alix McInstosh / Airbnb

Donkey is waiting...

Michelle / Airbnb

READ MORE: Real fairytale homes around the world

Enchanted castles and towers worthy of Rapunzel are usually the stuff of childhood daydreams, but these incredible properties are far closer to reality than you might think. Plucked from the pages of our favourite fairytales and children's storybooks, we've rounded up the most enchanting real-life homes that people actually live in. Click or scroll on and let's journey to a kingdom not too far, far away...

Alexis / Airbnb

Cob cottage, British Columbia, Canada

For nature-lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle, it doesn't get much more magical thanthis unique cob cottage,hidden inside a dense forest in Canada. Available to rent, this charming home has no end of kerb appeal with its curved walls and quirky windows.

Alexis / Airbnb

Cob cottage, British Columbia, Canada

Located on British Columbia's Mayne Island, the popular retreat is hand-sculpted from cob, which comprises soil, organic materials, water and sometimes lime. As well as the main home, the extensive rural site features surrounding woodlands, sheep, gardens and orchards.

Alexis / Airbnb

Cob cottage, British Columbia, Canada

The romantic retreat features a small kitchen and living area, complete with intricately crafted centrepieces, from the breathtaking hearth to the stunning staircase shaped out of branches and tree trunks.

Alexis / Airbnb

Cob cottage, British Columbia, Canada

The cosy little cottage comfortably sleeps two and is in easy reach of local amenities and attractions. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the beach and a 20-minute walk to a family-run grocery and deli, as well as galleries, a bookstore and a spa. What more could you want?

Judy / Airbnb

The Boot, Tasman, New Zealand

This has to qualify as one of the world's weirdest properties! The Boot bed and breakfast in Tasman, New Zealand, is now a hugely popular fairytale escape for those coming from far and wide.

Judy / Airbnb

The Boot, Tasman, New Zealand

And you can see why. A two-storey cottage in the shape of a giant boot, the fantastical retreat is located centrally between the Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park and the town of Nelson.

Judy / Airbnb

The Boot, Tasman, New Zealand

Available to rent out via Airbnb, The Boot is nestled amongst hazelnut trees, offering visitors plenty of privacy. Sheltered beneath the canopy is this picturesque courtyard, featuring an alfresco dining area and a large outdoor fireplace, perfect for toasting marshmallows in the colder months.

Judy / Airbnb

The Boot, Tasman, New Zealand

The bright and airy interior is wonderfully characterful, with a curved barrel ceiling and an impressive open hearth taking centre stage. The snug hideaway offers a queen-sized bedroom and one bathroom, a stone's throw away from the area's rugged coastline.

The Vendocasa Group

Mushroom House, Bardineto, Italy

Aptly named The Mushroom House, this one-of-a-kind property lies in Bardineto, Italy, in what locals call the "Village of the Smurfs". Nestled on 64,583 square feet of land, surrounded by soaring trees, the quirky home is worth buying, if only for its garden!

The Vendocasa Group

Mushroom House, Bardineto, Italy

The magical tiny house measures just 279 square feet and features a bulbous exterior form with pretty shuttered windows and two mushroom-like roofs. Inside, it comes complete with a living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, two bathrooms and a home office.

The Vendocasa Group

Mushroom House, Bardineto, Italy

As for interior design, the property is overflowing with fairytale magic. From exposed beamed ceilings, to rustic fireplaces, dainty windows and a characterful staircase, there's something interesting to see in every room.

The Vendocasa Group

Mushroom House, Bardineto, Italy

The wonderful round housealso boasts autonomous heating, meaning there are absolutely no running costs! That makes this pretty storybook home eco-friendly as well as unique. Though it's now off the market, the adorable home was recently for sale with The Vendocasa Group fora mere €109,000, that's only £94,800 ($118k).

Arsine / Airbnb

The Castle in the Forest, California, USA

Encircled by a dense forest, this magnificent mansion is Cinderella's castle, à la Disneyland, to a T. Offering 10,000 square feet of accommodation, the dramatic façade features impressive Gothic windows, mock-Tudor detailing and no end of turrets.

Arsine / Airbnb

The Castle in the Forest, California, USA

Inside, the home's impressive interior does nothing to dispel the magic, just look at this exquisite sitting room. From the regal wood panelling to the marble hearth and sumptuous velvet sofas, it's the ideal spot for a prince or princess to put their feet up after a long day exploring the manicured grounds.

Arsine / Airbnb

The Castle in the Forest, California, USA

Available to rent, the extravagant home doesn't offer style over substance either. The state-of-the-art kitchen is home to anarray of luxury appliances and a grand double range cooker, providingeverything you need to cook up a storm, while characterful details like the coffered ceiling and carved cooker hood keep the whimsical charm alive.

Arsine / Airbnb

The Castle in the Forest, California, USA

With seven luxurious suites situated across the home's numerous levels, there's plenty of choices when it comes to finding a plush spot to lay your head. Personally, we'd opt for this opulent room with a four-poster bed complete with carved wooden posts, surely an essential when you live in a fairytale castle.

Michelle / Airbnb

Robin Hood's Hideout, Texas, USA

While it may be on the smaller side, thewoodland retreat, which was once offered as a holiday letand now a filming location,is no less enchanting. Known as Robin Hood's Hideout, this remarkable home in Dripping Springs, just west of Austin, offers a fantastical break from everyday life.

Michelle / Airbnb

Robin Hood's Hideout, Texas, USA

The rustic, wood-clad interior is brimming with character, from the bright pops of blue across the weathered woodwork to the beautiful stained glass windows. Crafted from reclaimedwood and fixtures from around 30 different structures, it has to be the ultimate upcycled tiny home.

Michelle / Airbnb

Robin Hood's Hideout, Texas, USA

Swathes of bespoke windows bathe the quirky living spaces in light, allowing every thoughtful detail across the handcrafted fixtures to shine. One of our favourite talking points has to be the curved staircase, with its floating treads and exquisite balustrade made from intertwined tree branches.

Michelle / Airbnb

Robin Hood's Hideout, Texas, USA

The snug property offers one compact double bedroom in the loft above the living area, with just enough space for two. Downstairs, however, even the bathroom has been given the fairytale treatment. Clad in stones and shiplap, we love the combination of antique mirrors, Victorian-style light fixtures and decorative stained glass, not to mention the copper sink.

Sykes Holiday Cottages

Brynkir Tower, Gwynedd, UK

If Rapunzel had found herself in this spectacular tower in North Wales, she might not have been in such a hurry to leave. Soaring over rolling fields in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, the views from this captivating escape are second to none.

Sykes Holiday Cottages

Brynkir Tower, Gwynedd, UK

With living spaces staggered across the tower's many levels, the kitchen is situated towards the top of the property. Soft blue walls frame an airy dining area that's ideal for families, but it's the windows that steal the show. Set into deep arched bays, the Gothic wooden frames are nothing short of breathtaking, transporting guests into their own medieval fairytale.

Sykes Holiday Cottages

Brynkir Tower, Gwynedd, UK

Available to rent out, the tower offers two plush bedrooms fit for royalty, one decked out in pastel blue and the other in blush pink. The master features a hearth and this gorgeous window seat, the ideal spot to get lost in a good book or admire the breathtaking rural vistas.

Sykes Holiday Cottages

Brynkir Tower, Gwynedd, UK

As far as bathrooms go, this magnificent space takes some beating. Situated on the fifth floor away from prying eyes, it's home to a beautiful cast iron roll-top bath and antique-style fixtures. After a long day exploring the hills, we can just imagine taking a long, indulgent soak and admiring the stunning outlook across the treetops.

Michelle / Airbnb

Wicked witch's hideaway, Texas, USA

On the same site as Robin Hood's Hideaway, lurking in the woods in Hays County, Texas, this unusual Gothic-style tiny home would give us the heebie-jeebies if we stumbled upon it on dark night. With its eerie weathered door, lattice windows and red and black detailing, it's a dwelling worthy of a fairytale villain.

Michelle / Airbnb

Wicked witch's hideaway, Texas, USA

Available as a filming location and impeccably crafted, the Victoriana theme extends inside, black damask motifs adorn the shiplap walls, while period portraits, old-fashioned sconce candle holders and a black antique-style piano add a historic feel to the living areas.

Michelle / Airbnb

Wicked witch's hideaway, Texas, USA

Opposite the front door, red swagged curtains make a theatrical statement andLouis XV-stylesofas evoke a certain air of faded opulence. The period-inspiredhome is a treasure trove of the past, with curated antiques and hidden foxes scattered around. The property even includes a snug bathroom on the ground floor, complete with a traditional claw-foot tub.

Michelle / Airbnb

Wicked witch's hideaway, Texas, USA

Upstairs tucked away in the eaves is a pocket-sized, but no less imposing, double bedroom. Decked out in the home's signature red and black, a stained glass window draws light into the low space, while touches like the antique bedside table and miniature Persian-style rug carry the Gothic aesthetic through.

Maria / Airbnb

Spellbinding castle, Connecticut, USA

Built in 1917 on seven acres of land, this magnificentcastle was inspired by a trip that its prosperous originalowners, the Ellington family,took toEngland. Complete with a turret and regal interior décor, it's the perfect place to live out your own royal fantasy.

Maria / Airbnb

Spellbinding castle, Connecticut, USA

In early 2000, a local artist bought the castle and spent five years refurbishing it to the standard you see today. The cosy living room has stone walls, classic furniture and an imposing fireplace, while the inside porch is guarded by a medieval knight to finish off the regal vibe.

Maria / Airbnb

Spellbinding castle, Connecticut, USA

Upstairs, each of the three bedrooms has its own historic theme, including this Romeo and Juliet room with a red colour scheme, faux canopy and a romantic balcony, naturally!

Maria / Airbnb

Spellbinding castle, Connecticut, USA

The sensitively restored kitchen has been modernised to include everything you need to cook up a feast. Large picture windows overlook the castle's immaculate grounds, which house a fountain, gazebo, pond and pergola. Fancy playing royalty for a weekend? You can rent the castle here.

Howard Hanna / Zillow

Pod House, New York, USA

The Pod House, sometimes called The Mushroom House (clearly a popular name) is a unique home which takes inspiration from the flowers of a Queen Anne’s Lace plant. It was constructed between 1969 and 1972 for attorney-artist couple Robert and Marguerite Antell and was designated a town landmark in 1989.

Howard Hanna / Zillow

Pod House, New York, USA

The house is made up of four 80-ton pods, which sit on reinforced concrete pillars of between 14 and 20 feet in height. The clever design means that the view will never be restricted as each pod features panoramic windows. Available to rent for $5,500 a month(£4,422) it's sure to be one of the most unique places you'll stay.

Howard Hanna / Zillow

Pod House, New York, USA

Amongstthe world's most famous houses, each pod in the property serves a different function. One is the kitchen and family room, another acts as the living and dining area, and two are sleeping areas. There’s also a half-pod with an open deck for the warmer months.

Howard Hanna / Zillow

Pod House, New York, USA

This pod was once the main entrance to the original home, but is now the kitchen. It opens out into the family room, complete with a spectacular tree-like plaster centrepiece and a gas fireplace, demonstrating how each zone flows seamlessly into the next. Where do we sign that rental agreement?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

1950s storybook home, Michigan, USA

This incredible and rare home is positioned in the city of Charlevoix, Michigan. Constructed in the 1950s, the storybook residence was designed by iconic American architecture, Earl Young, who grew up in Charlevoix. During his career, he designed and built 21 properties in the city, and this one might just be his most impressive.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

1950s storybook home, Michigan, USA

Just one block from Lake Michigan beach, the unique property is nicknamed The Mushroom House and features an undulating cedar shingle roof, Onaway stone walls and pretty leaded windows that Young sourced from a Polish castle.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

1950s storybook home, Michigan, USA

Inside, the 2,085-square-foot residence is just as amazing, with a living room, kitchen, four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Every room includes plenty of distinctive design details, from eye-catching fireplaces to beamed ceilings, hand-painted murals and even real climbing ivy.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

1950s storybook home, Michigan, USA

This incredible vintage bathroom is like a time capsule, with rough stone walls, a sloping timber ceiling, a built-in tub platform and even a shag pile carpet. The dressing table would also have been the perfect spot for any 1950s film starto get ready. Last listed withBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices for£1.2 million ($1.4m), this remarkable home was quickly snapped up by some lucky buyer!

DeTraci / Airbnb

Gingerbread House, California, USA

Living in a gingerbread house is the stuff of childhood dreams, but this spellbinding property could make those fantasies come true. While this house in California is not exactly made from gingerbread (which is the dream, let’s face it), it definitely looks the part, and what's more, it's available to rent out for holidays.

DeTraci / Airbnb

Gingerbread House, California, USA

Located in Geyserville, California, the house sleeps up to three people, with a cosy double bed downstairs and an extra loft room situated in the roof. The property is adorned with decorative stained glass windows that cleverly feature LED lights for illumination after dark.

DeTraci / Airbnb

Gingerbread House, California, USA

Made from cob, an eco-friendly building material, this unique holiday home was sculpted by Miguel Elliott of Living Earth Structures. While snug, the sleeping space in the eaves, complete with reed-lined walls and a glazed gable window, is one of our favourite aspects of the home. Imagine waking up each morning to the sun rising across the treetops!

DeTraci / Airbnb

Gingerbread House, California, USA