Homeowner tips for creating a standout vacation rental

Insights from 20 top homes of 2021

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2021 was the year that travel returned. People were back at it—planning, dreaming, and going on their much-deserved vacations. We were curious which Vacasa vacation homes drew the most attention during this time. So like last year, we dug into our website data and found the most-favorited homes of 2021.

Want to know what makes a standout vacation rental? Learn from the vacation rentals that won the most hearts on our website this year.

Living room in a vacation home rental with floor to ceiling windows in Mason, WA.

1. Heaven at Wapato Point - Manson, WA

Tip: Offer oversized seating to fit large groups

These homeowners knew how to make their property—with a max. occupancy of 8—feel like it could fit twice as many guests. They intentionally chose oversized furnishings, but kept the total number of pieces to a minimum. With plenty of spacious, plush seating—both inside and outside on the large deck—the home is an ideal retreat for families or groups who want to enjoy time together without feeling cramped. A roomy hot tub completes the scene.

“This home served as the best backdrop at the end of the school day for the kids to go out and run around.” — guest Jesse B.

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Kayaks rest on the beach near the water in front of three story beach house

2. Horizon - Marathon, FL

Tip: Give every bedroom access to the outdoors

How can you top astounding Atlantic Ocean views? Make them incredibly easy to access and enjoy. In every bedroom, Horizon’s owners placed sliding glass doors that open to the oceanfront balcony. On top of that, they offer a second expansive balcony from the dining room, plus recently installed a new observation deck to take in even more scenery. When guests finally decide to head to the water, the homeowners provide complimentary kayaks and paddleboards.

“5 stars is simply not enough to describe how wonderful our experience was at this home in the Florida Keys.” — guest Emily S.

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Exposed wood beams and open layout with a blue coach and beautiful views in Chilmark, MA.

3. The Eliot Noyes - Chilmark, WA

Tip: Make even spacious rooms feel warm and intimate

The famed architect behind this Martha’s Vineyard home brilliantly made an airy open floor plan feel cozy. Built by Eliot Noyes, one of The Harvard Five architects hailing from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, this mid-century retreat keeps things warm yet spacious. You don’t have to be a modernist master to achieve that same effect. Just mimic some of the property’s homey details—wood paneling throughout, open shelving, floor-to-ceiling windows, and books galore.

Fun note: This remarkable home was once featured in Life Magazine.

“The beauty of the house and the art in it...just a wonderful place.” — guest Jason F.

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Outdoor hot tub of vacation home with views of Lake Michigan

4. Barefoot Beach House - Union Pier, MI

Tip: Create an outdoor oasis worth booking

These savvy homeowners didn’t expect their guests to just sit back and enjoy the Lake Michigan views all day (though they knew there would still be plenty of that). They wanted to create a waterfront oasis worth booking on its own. They decked out their multi-leveled outdoor terraces with natural rock surfaces, a waterslide, a 7-foot-tall waterfall, a pool, a spacious in-ground hot tub, and a surprise—a pond stocked with resident goldfish. This home is also one of the largest vacation rentals in the area, with two wings housing 4 bedrooms each.

“The home was very spacious, with many spots to gather, while still being warm and inviting.” — guest Meg

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Modern style vacation rental in Palm Springs, CA with floor to ceiling windows and desert views.

5. The Lookout - Palm Springs, CA

Tip: Decorate the indoors with outdoor elements

How do you make a desert vacation home’s interiors just as stunning as its majestic landscape? These homeowners had the answer—bring the outdoors in. Inside, guests will find numerous outdoor-inspired vacation home amenities, like a stone soaking tub, walnut cabinets, and plush, grass-textured pillows. The wall-to-wall windows and glass doors erase the line between indoors and out. So guests can bask in desert mountain views whether in the living room or outdoor cooking terrace.

One unique feature that guests will never forget—outdoor brick ruins (rumored to be from an abandoned casino project) that now house a billiards table and fireplace.

“Everything was absolutely perfect. From the large bedrooms and bathrooms, to the amazing backyard. It was truly a dream.” — guest Christopher S.

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Fireplace with bear decorations in a cabin in Pigeon Forge, TN.

6. Cuddly Bear Hideaway Cabin - Pigeon Forge, TN

Tip: Go all in with cabin coziness

Quaint in stature, but big on coziness, this log cabin knows how to attract guests. The owners start with the perfect name (every vacation rental needs a great name). Nothing conveys the ideal snuggle spot more than the mention of a plush bear. They deliver even more coziness with warm wood walls, rustic decor, a porch swing, and rocking chairs. The best features? Two ways to soak on a cold winter’s night—a luxurious soaking tub in the bathroom and a hot tub in the private screened patio.

“The bed was comfy, the gas fireplace added ambiance, and the hot tub was perfect in the cold mountain weather. We will be back.” — guest Jessica J.

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Adirondack chairs around an outdoor fire pit overlooking a lake with a dock in Marynardville, TN.

7. Ned’s Norris Nook - Marynardville, TN

Tip: Provide plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors

These homeowners intentionally created an experience for both lounging and living it up on the lake. They built large, wraparound decks with plenty of seating and an outdoor dining table for alfresco dinners. Plus, they outfitted each master suite with its own screened porch to enjoy the lakefront scene in private. The separate outdoor firepit area is the natural spot to gather once the sun sets. Best part—they offer full use of their covered dock for guests with boats to enjoy Norris Lake.

“I loved everything about Ned’s Norris Nook! From the location to the countless amenities. It all came together and felt like a home away from home.” — guest Clifford B.

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Living room and kitchen of a vacation rental in Crystal Beach, TX.

8. Resting Beach Face - Crystal Beach, TX

Tip: Decorate your vacation rental like a model home

The owners of this Crystal Beach house were intentional with their vacation home decor, giving their oceanfront location some glamorous appeal. They adorned each room with tranquil ocean hues and patterns of ocean waves, starfish, and coral. They were also smart about maximizing their space. They offer two sets of full/twin bunk beds for young vacationers, plus multiple seating areas for the whole group to gather.

"With multiple stays under our belt, we can say that we love this place. It always feels like you're walking into a model home.” — guest Ross S.

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Vacation rentals with grills and pools in Scottsdale, AZ

9. Sonoran Desert Chic - Scottsdale, AZ

Tip: Go modern and chic

Here, savvy owners treat their guests to a modern outdoor desert experience. In addition to the private pool, the homeowners installed an outdoor kitchen where guests can cook and relax. This home sits on two-and-a-half acres of Sonoran Desert with fantastic outdoor opportunities in the area.

“Perfect! It is more beautiful in person. The house was spotless. The beds were comfy. Each room has an on-suite. They provided plenty essentials for a single couple. The pool is perfectly situated and private. So happy we chose this home.” — guest Melissa R.

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vacation home over river in Northern California

10. Sierra Bridge House - Downieville, CA

Tip: Give guests views from every room in the house

This extraordinary home—straddling a Sierra mountain stream—is all about the views. Designed by architect Francis Joseph McCarthy, this show-stopping retreat gives beautiful views of pools, river foliage, and waterfalls from every room. The open living space gives groups plenty of room to roam and relax. Even the kitchen counter stretches to another room to allow guests to prepare their own breakfasts simultaneously without bumping elbows. When guests aren’t enjoying the 12 acres of nature that the house sits on, they can spend hours in the detached recreation room.

Fun fact: Sierra Bridge House has been featured in Sunset Magazine and many other publications.

“This house is so uniquely beautiful. You have to see it to believe it. I thought the photos were great, but it was even better in person!” — guest Cheryl M.

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10 more top home tips

11. The Container at Camp Toccoa - Blue Ridge, GA

Homeowner tip: Put as much thought into decorating outdoor living spaces as you do indoors. The homeowners designed a cozy and covered outdoor living space to be a draw for guests, even in inclement weather.

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Stone castle vacation rental with a mountain view in Sandpoint, ID.
12. The Castle - Chateau De Melusine - Sandpoint, ID

Homeowner tip: Create an experience and stay true to it throughout the property. Like straight out of a fairy tale, this real-life castle lives up to its name with enchanting details like hand-laid stone walls, curved staircases, stained glass windows, and majestic vaulted ceilings.

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Purple house with a deck as a vacation rental in Pacific Beach, Washington.
13. Admirals Quarters - Pacific Beach, WA

Homeowner tip: Think about your photography when choosing a color palette. This vacation home’s soft purple shade shade pops in photos. The owners also strategically added softer colors to the deck and railing to add even more vibrancy, while elevating the area's natural textures.

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Dog friendly vacation rentals in Oregon
14. Surfside Cottage - South Beach, OR

Homeowner tip: Earn 10–20% more by being pet friendly. The owners of this seaside cottage allow pet owners to bring not one, but four dogs with them on their getaway.

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A-frame style cabin with floor to ceiling windows in Dauphin Island, AL
15. High Point - Dauphin Island, AL

Homeowner tip: Offer a designated workspace for remote workers who need to log in while on the road. Here, guests can set up their WFH office at this desk with a view.

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Teal colored minimalist bedroom with windows looking out to a forest in Rhododendron, OR
16. Hygge Cabin On The River - Rhododendron, OR

Homeowner tip: Make a mountain cabin an even cozier guest experience by creating a reading nook. Pick a tucked away corner warmed by natural light, and fill it with a library of curated books, plush seating, and comfy pillows.

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Outdoor hot tub on a deck of a vacation home in Sea Ranch, CA
17. Stoney House - Sea Ranch, CA

Homeowner tip: What’s better than a hot tub? A hot tub outdoors with a Pacific Ocean view. The owners installed the hot tub out on their clifftop patio, surrounded by sea and sky.

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Rustic wood style vacation home in Pigeon Forge, TN
18. Smoky Mountain Tiny Home - Pigeon Forge, TN

Homeowner tip: Keep vacation rental design sleek and sophisticated in small spaces. Make even tiny homes feel large by sticking to a color palette that matches the outdoors and selecting minimalist fixtures, like this home’s modern fireplace.

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Bright living room with wood furnishings in a vacation home in Navarre Beach, FL
19. Beachview #8: Big ‘O’ Beach - Navarre Beach, FL

Homeowner tip: Condos may look identical from the outside, but you can make your interior shots stand out to potential guests by decorating with high-end style and high quality furniture. Mingle luxury finishes with modern art, rich textures, and a modern palette.

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Large backyard with park benches and water activity equipment at a vacation home in Kingsland, TX
20. Cottonwood Cottage on Lake LBJ - Kingsland, TX

Homeowner tip: Offer amenities inviting guests to explore and play in surrounding nature. Cottonwood Cottage’s owners provide paddleboards, a paddleboat, and a lily pad for guests to enjoy out on Lake Lyndon B. Johnson.

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Creating a standout vacation rental FAQ

To furnish your vacation home, first consider your goals. Is the home an investment, which you’ll rarely visit? Or, is it meant to be a second home where your family will vacation? Then, think about what ambience you’d like. You’ll want to design a cozy cabin much differently than a modern, high-end lakefront haven.

How to furnish your vacation home like an interior designer >

Stage your vacation rental and get it photo-ready by first eliminating clutter and tucking away unsightly items in each room, such as TV wires and trash bins. Let in as much natural light as possible and turn on all lamps to illuminate your photos. Hide any personal items, such as family photos or personal collections. In the bedroom, smooth out any wrinkles and tuck in sheets. Finally, hire a housekeeper to professionally clean your home to make it spotless.

Get more tips to stage your vacation rental >

Stocking your vacation rental can feel like a seemingly endless task. There’s a lot to consider—from bedroom mirrors to coffee tables, cooking utensils to fluffy towels. Make the process easier by using our room-by-room checklists for your bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, and living room. Or, download our ultimate vacation home inventory checklist so you’ll know exactly what to stock throughout your entire home.

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