By Teri Errico Griffis, Chloe Barlow and Abby Ann Ramsey [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
If you're looking for a getaway without having to push past the record-high passengers at South Carolina's airports, the state has plenty of locally run rentals that offer a less traditional vacation than the four walls of a hotel.
A treehouse in the Upstate, a converted church in Columbia and a decommissioned caboose in Due West are among dozens of unique short-term rentals around South Carolina.
Jeremy Overholt, who rents out the caboose on Airbnb, said this father, Galen, was the one who found the vacant 1969 rail car about 5 miles from its current location in a private field.
"Someone got it from the railroad after they went out of commission and wanted to turn it into a hunting cabin of sorts," Overholt said. "They did not end up doing that and it sat in a field rusting for 20 years."
His father ended up purchasing the caboose for roughly $20,000.
To move it onto his property, Overholt's father hired a man named Jerry Wilson, one of the few people in Abbeville County to have a lowboy trailer and a semi truck. Wilson used a 350 Caterpillar to pick up the caboose and a police escort followed for the 5-mile drive.
Renovations began from there transforming the former train cabin into the two-bedroom, one-bathroom Chessie Rails getaway -- a nod to the car's original role in the Chessie System. The vintage car is outfitted now with a smart TV, Wi-Fi, a bar, walk-in shower, a refrigerator and a stove. The owners sweeten the stay with complimentary home baked goods and farm eggs.
Outside of the property, guests have access to a hot tub, custom-built waterfall, wood firepit, outdoor shower and even a grazing cow or two.
Since coming online in August, Chessie Rails is a guest favorite on Airbnb with a 4.96 rating.
"We just want to share the space with everyone on the Airbnb platform" Overholt said. "My mother, Deb, has the heart of a hostess and loves when people come and talk about what a nice time that they have. She puts a lot of work into making Chessie Rails as welcoming as possible."
Here are some other unique properties and vehicles South Carolinians have converted into short-term rentals:
Converted church, Columbia
The Carraway on Vestry Road is a former church that has been converted into five unique units, each uniquely decorated be it art deco, mid-century modern or steampunk. The 2-story Carraway is part Victorian, part Alice in Wonderland, part "Antique Road Show" with its hand painted wall murals, tigerwood furniture and funky sleeping quarters with uplit beams. There's also the Sherlock, the Watson, the Gypsy and the Alchemist depending your style.
Blackwater Acres alpaca farm, Johns Island
This family-run rental sits on the fully operational Blackwater Acres farm. The house sleeps four but the attractions are on the outside where you can tour the property, feed the animals and shop the owners' handmade goods like knitted scarves made from alpaca fibers, goat's milk soap and wooden clocks carved from trees on the property.
Harry Potter-themed apartment, Greer
Instead of taking your chances with Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station, you can zip over to Greer for lengthy Hogwarts stay. This 1,200-square foot Harry Potter-themed castle fits five with a king-size bed in one room and three single beds in the second. The medieval decorated castle also has foosball, arcade games and a knight that stands guard at the entrance.
Houseboat, Summerville
Seasickness isn't a problem in this landlocked Summerville yacht, delightfully dubbed "Hakuna Matata." The defunct boat from 1978 offers a unique stay with a king bed in the back room and a couch that pulls out into a second bed, a full bathroom and a deck for sunning. The yard is shared with three other rentals, including a playground treehouse, a tiny house and a cottage. For fun, there's a life-size chess set, a firepit and a gazebo with grill.
Shipping container, Walhalla
Far from the roar of a tractor trailer, these industrial cargo carriers have been transformed into a quiet cabin-like lodge. In addition to the master bedroom, there's a vintage bathtub overlooking the forest, an indoor dropdown movie projector and an open sundeck with a four-seasons view all the way to Table Rock.
Golf-themed house with simulator, Myrtle Beach
If you're planning a trip to the Golf Capital of the World, embrace everything the sport has to offer with a golf-themed getaway. The house has a simulator, an indoor putting green with a TV and a working Golden Tee arcade game, as well as three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an exercise room.
Refurbished Old School Bus, Hollywood
This renovated, original 1989 school bus gives vintage vibes, but with modern amenities. Inside comforts include a queen-size bed, bathroom and heating and cooling. Outside offers entertainment with disc golf, cornhole and a fire pit -- plus 20 acres of woods to get lost in. Tall folks, be warned: The ceiling height at the center of the bus is 6'1."
Geodome Farm Experience, Salem
This geodome experience puts the excitement of a weekend spent under the stars at your fingertips -- shielded as they may be. Watch the sunrise over the pasture, spend the day riding the zipline across the property or explore the surrounding mountains before you relax at night in the private hot tub. The host provides treats to feed the pasture animals -- they'll come right up to the fence to eat out of your palm.
Ye Olde Stone Lodge, Spartanburg
Built in 1949, this hand-built stone lodge looks like it was transported straight from the scenes of "Outlander." The two-bedroom, one-bath guest house is in the top 1 percent of highest ranked Airbnb homes based on ratings, reviews and reliability. The rental offers room for two with a private patio overlooking Fairforest Creek. Or you can drive three minutes into downtown Spartanburg for modern creature comforts.
Peach Shed, Chesnee
Experience life on the farm at this renovated peach shed with roaming chickens and mountain views. With two bedrooms and access to an outdoor bar, firepit, pool and a creek, guests have plenty of opportunities to unwind and relax on 50 acres. If you get antsy, wineries, state parks and stables are nearby.
Glass Home Overlooking Waterfalls, Westminister
Whether you prefer enjoying nature up close or from the comfort or a couch, unplug in this glass-enclosed escape into nature. Built by iconic "highlands design" architect James Fox, guests can take in multiple views of Longnose Falls from the cliff-side home. Outside, there are paths through more than 100 acres of property to roam.
Treehouse Adventure, Greenville
Indulge your inner child in this grown-up treehouse. With three porches, high ceilings and more windows than walls, opportunities abound to take in the aerial Upstate view. Hang out in the living room or relax above the fray in the cargo hammock draped from the second story landing. The listing only features a kitchenette, but downtown Greenville is just minutes away with plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Yurt on a Farm, Piedmont
If you love camping, but not the dirt and bugs that come with it, this private yurt that sleeps two might is available to rent. Neighbors may include pigs, chickens, and sheep, though. There's an outdoor shower, kitchen and refrigerator, plenty of books and games to pass the time, and fans and a heater depending on the season.