11 amazing holiday homes with a secret

Extraordinary properties for your next adventure

Daniel / Airbnb

What you see isn't always what you get with these holiday homes. Hidden behind closed doors, you'll discover an abundance of fun and quirky secrets inside these luxury properties. From eating breakfast with a giraffe to whizzing down your very own water slide, holidays will be anything but dull in these unusual homes.

Luxury villa, Florida, USA

Babatunde / Airbnb

This luxury holiday home in Florida, USA is filled to the brim with an array of amazing facilities and luxury amenities. With 15,000 square feet of space, the unique mansion is just over five miles from Disneyland and has views over the world-famous Jack Nicklaus golf course. But there's something surprising here that may keep you indoors...

Luxury villa, Florida, USA

Babatunde / Airbnb

Overall, the home has 10 bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms and can sleep up to 24 people. The two executive suites are located on the second floor and have their very own lift access. The opulent home also comes with four living spaces and two top-of-the-range kitchens.

Luxury villa, Florida, USA

Babatunde / Airbnb

Outside there's a private infinity swimming pool that has a sunken bar and illuminated fountains, which are perfect for night-time entertaining. It also has a summer kitchen complete with a gas grill and a drinks cooler, as well as an HDTV.

Luxury villa, Florida, USA

Babatunde / Airbnb

However, hidden deep in the house is the ultimate in luxury entertainment: a bowling alley! With two lanes, it's the perfect place to get competitive and even has a comfortable lounge space and TV screens so you can keep track of who's winning. At £2,052 ($2,608) a night, with a minimum stay of four nights, it'll be an expensive game of bowling.

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Downtown garden apartment, Colorado, USA

Earl / Airbnb

This modern apartment in Buena Vista, Colorado is the ideal space for a weekend getaway and holds a secret inside that's perfect for the active holidaymaker. With its own garden and seating area, it can sleep up to four people and has all the latest modern amenities.

Downtown garden apartment, Colorado, USA

Earl / Airbnb

The small but light apartment has 600 square feet of space with an open floor plan. The small kitchen area has everything you need for a short stay and even includes a two-seater dining room table. The master bedroom sits just through the wide door frame next door.

Downtown garden apartment, Colorado, USA

Earl / Airbnb

The apartment sits right in the heart of historic downtown Buena Vista and is convenient for a number of activities including fishing, climbing, running or paddle-boarding. At around £284 ($361) for a two-night stay, it's also pretty affordable and it's got a little something extra for that price, too...

Downtown garden apartment, Colorado, USA

Earl / Airbnb

It's got an indoor climbing wall! Luckily you're guaranteed a soft landing as it is surrounded by the apartment's second bed piled up with convenient cushions.

City escape, Melbourne, Australia

Klaudia, Jonathan, Maria & Tony / Airbnb

This tower block in Melbourne, Australia might look like nothing special but just wait until you get inside the wacky themed apartment that sits inside...

City escape, Melbourne, Australia

Klaudia, Jonathan, Maria & Tony / Airbnb

Designed as a break from busy city life, guests walk into a magical forest where the relaxing living room features a log stool and a fun swinging chair. The enchanting woodland doesn't come without modern-day amenities and includes a smart TV and air-conditioning.

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City escape, Melbourne, Australia

Klaudia, Jonathan, Maria & Tony / Airbnb

From floor to ceiling, the apartment is filled with indoor trees, plants and grass. The modern kitchen has taken a more functional approach with a washer, mini fridge, gas oven and espresso machine. The dining space just around the corner has a breakfast table and real log chairs.

City escape, Melbourne, Australia

Klaudia, Jonathan, Maria & Tony / Airbnb

If jungle life gets a bit too much, the bedroom is the perfect calming retreat where you can sleep in the clouds. Literally! The heaven-themed room has cloud wallpaper, twinkling lights and soft, fluffy bedding. At £160 ($203) a night, the retreat makes the perfect city break.

Domus Civita, Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

Patrizio & Mark / Airbnb

Domus Civita is a fully restored 14th-century palazzo located in Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy. The house and its surrounding views are rich in history and contain a very special secret inside.

Domus Civita, Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

Patrizio & Mark / Airbnb

Located on the first floor of the house, the living room and kitchen are full of original features including a basalt stone fireplace, terracotta floors and wooden beams, which all date from the 14th century. Overall the villa can sleep six people in three bedrooms which are surrounded by arched doorways and exposed tufa rock.

Domus Civita, Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

Patrizio & Mark / Airbnb

Domus Civita may just look like your typical Italian villa, but hidden underneath are two secret caves, which were carved into the rock face centuries ago. They house a meditation room, a swimming pool and hot tub as well as a garden kitchen and underneath, a wine cellar.

For more inspiration, check out these incredible cave homes.

Domus Civita, Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

Patrizio & Mark / Airbnb

The caves also give access to the formal Italian garden which sits between the two cliff faces. Looking over the surrounding valley, they are the perfect place to enjoy the wine from the cellar below on a warm evening. The villa is available to rent at £458 ($582) a night.

Artist's house, Pennsylvania, USA

Martin&Jesha / Airbnb

This house in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania may look pretty ordinary from the outside but look carefully and you can see something shiny peeking through the hedge. The artist's house and studio is even more striking inside, with one room, in particular, a standout feature.

Artist's house, Pennsylvania, USA

Martin&Jesha / Airbnb

The house is packed full of retro, mid-century modern furniture. The informal dining room has a striking black and white colour scheme with a six-seater table and a dividing screen for the living room.

Artist's house, Pennsylvania, USA

Martin&Jesha / Airbnb

The house has three bedrooms and can sleep up to 10 guests with most of the furniture having been made by the host. The kitchen is decked out with hanging utensils and a serving hatch. But it's the dining room that'll be the talking point of the holiday...

Artist's house, Pennsylvania, USA

Martin&Jesha / Airbnb

This formal dining room is one of a kind. With mirrors all over the walls and ceilings, a monochrome dining set and reflective disc chandeliers overhead it is a space like no other. Selfie time!

Rural getaway, Tipperary, Ireland

Erron / Airbnb

Guests at this Irish bolthole can experience a unique slice of local history. Located in sleepy North Tipperary, it is said to be one of Ireland's most famous and unique self-catering holiday homes. Step inside to see why!

Rural getaway, Tipperary, Ireland

Erron / Airbnb

Visitors are greeted with an open stone fireplace in the traditional-style living room, which is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a brisk walk in the Irish countryside.

Rural getaway, Tipperary, Ireland

Erron / Airbnb

The home sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms with the old snug being turned into a cosy spot for a nap. Just wait until you see the kitchen, which makes the stay a truly unique one!

Rural getaway, Tipperary, Ireland

Erron / Airbnb

The house is actually a converted pub. Known as Conroy's Old Bar, the drinking area has been converted into a kitchen to fulfil all your needs. Don't expect to pull a pint from one of the taps though, as the bar lost its alcohol licence when the pub shut down. The converted alehouse costs £204 ($259) for a two-night stay per guest.

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The Rancho, Alajuela, Costa Rica

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This tropical retreat sits in nearly four acres of lush tropical land and is the perfect place to get away from it all. Filled with fruit trees and surrounded by coffee farms, it gives guests a taste of the real Costa Rica.

The Rancho, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Jean / Airbnb

Made from tropical hardwoods, the small space has everything you need for a comfortable stay with a central open-air living and dining area, a small kitchenette with all the amenities, and a sink carved from a piece of local wood.

The Rancho, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Jean / Airbnb

At £114 ($144) per night, the treehouse offers an affordable jungle experience. Upstairs there's a double bedroom that's perfect for a couple and just wait until you see the bathroom.

The Rancho, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Jean / Airbnb

The unique space is made using black lava rock from the nearby Arenal Volcano. Complete with a stone shower stall, a big wooden bathtub and modern plumbing, the unusual space adds to the natural feel of The Rancho.

Treehouse, Alessandria, Italy

Mauro / Airbnb

One for nature lovers, this suspended property in Alessandria, Italy is set in a field surrounded by linden trees with panoramic views over the hills.

Treehouse, Alessandria, Italy

Mauro / Airbnb

The one-bedroom treehouse comes with just one bedroom, so can host two guests. The shabby chic decor is white with wood panelled walls and rustic lighting. Head out onto the small balcony for a relaxing evening looking out over the scenery.

Treehouse, Alessandria, Italy

Mauro / Airbnb

For a small space it comes with all the creature comforts you could want. The private bathroom comes with a shower and toilet with sink area. Inside is super cosy, but just wait until you see what's in the grounds.

Treehouse, Alessandria, Italy

Mauro / Airbnb

The treehouse actually sits in the grounds of a mansion, where guests get access to a wine cellar which was carved in the late 19th century. Sit among the old barrels and take a look at the ancient press that is used to produce wine.

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Tropical guest house, California, USA

Darrell / Airbnb

This tropical guest house tucked away in Topanga, California is super private and comes with an abundance of waterfalls, ponds and unusual quirks. At £176 ($225) for a one night stay, it's the perfect relaxing retreat that has a secret once the sun goes down.

Tropical guest house, California, USA

Darrell / Airbnb

With a pirate theme, it looks like something out of a film set and even features a shell-encrusted outdoor bath. The space can hold up to two people with one bathroom and one bedroom, as well as a small kitchenette which has everything you'd need.

Tropical guest house, California, USA

Darrell / Airbnb

The winding paths lead to a host of outdoor features including a day bed, private nooks and a hot tub as well as a lounge tepee. Just wait until you see the garden in darkness.

Tropical guest house, California, USA

Darrell / Airbnb

At night the garden is illuminated with colourful lights in pink, greens and blues to make it a true spooky pirate haven. Head down to the hot tub where lasers highlight the plants and there's a fire pit to keep you warm.

Dar el Sadaka, Marrakesh, Morocco

Luxury Retreats

Set in 25 acres of private gardens in the heart of Marrakesh, this holiday home was designed by an artist with an unusual eye. The villa's grounds feature every amenity you can think of, including a running track, tennis court, yoga area, bocce court and sculpture garden, but take a look inside and you'll find something rather unusual.

Dar el Sadaka, Marrakesh, Morocco

Luxury Retreats

Inside, the grand home is dotted with lifelike animal sculptures by French artists Jean-François Fourtou. From the swinging apes in the living room to a huge giraffe in the dining room, the fun decor will surprise and delight you.

Dar el Sadaka, Marrakesh, Morocco

Luxury Retreats

The villa doesn't come without a host of resort-worthy amenities including a home theatre, bar, hammam and fitness room, which are all shared with life-sized animal sculptures. The high ceilings, white walls and sleek furnishings leave the space feeling modern and fresh for a relaxing stay.

Dar el Sadaka, Marrakesh, Morocco

Luxury Retreats

Each of the nine bedrooms has its own life-like sculpture and theme, so guests can pick their favourite. All nine rooms have ensuite bathrooms and feature amenities such as minibars, wood burners and private gardens. Prices start at £3,017 ($3,835) a night, and we can see why.

Want more? Check out these secret holiday homes of the rich and famous.

Extravagant villa, Surat Thani, Thailand

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Located on the northeast coast of Koh Samui, this four-bedroom villa comes with everything you'd ever need for a luxury break including panoramic sea views, a complement of full-time staff and a fun secret hidden in the grounds.

Extravagant villa, Surat Thani, Thailand

Daniel / Airbnb

Spread over four floors, the villa comes with plenty of communal living space that includes two kitchens that are catered to by staff and an open-plan dining area that has a table with enough room for 10 people, as well as an additional breakfast bar. With every room having floor-to-ceiling glass windows, there are panoramic views over the picturesque Gulf of Thailand.

Extravagant villa, Surat Thani, Thailand

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Each of the four bedrooms has its own balcony and sea view plus ensuite bathrooms with large rain showers. Head to the ground floor for a space dedicated entirely to entertaining with pool tables, a casino poker table and a television.

Extravagant villa, Surat Thani, Thailand

Daniel / Airbnb

But the biggest surprise is outside. The house has its very own 25-metre water slide. Imported from Australia it starts from one of the upper levels and loops around the side of the villa to land in the infinity pool at the front of the property. It's no wonder the villa is priced from around £872 ($1,108) for two nights.

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