Some Airbnbs you book for location, others for amenities. When you stay in a place billed “midcentury-modern,” you’re booking the concept: open plans, clean lines, floor-to-ceiling glass, and moments of architectural history. Not every skinny-legged sofa counts—the best mid-mod Airbnbs are actually historic, designed by recognized architects of the 1950s and ’60s, and intact enough to feel of their time. Below are 11 outstanding examples across the U.S., chosen for Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and guest reviews.
1. Lambertville, New Jersey
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Private backyard, pet-friendly, record player
Known as “The Wave,” this 1960 Jules Gregory house sits in woodland near Washington Crossing Park. Its serpentine roof and floor-to-ceiling windows flood interiors with light; vibrant art and sculptures add color. A sunken game room, record player, and sculptural forms make it a memorable, lived-in architectural experience.
2. Palm Springs, California
Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 5 baths
Top amenities: Saltwater pool, hot tub, room-darkening shades
A Charles Dubois–designed villa offering classic Palm Springs midcentury opulence: an open plan, vintage and Danish furnishings, Sonos sound, backyard misting, and a saltwater pool. It’s a desert retreat within reach of Joshua Tree for day trips.
3. Wappinger Falls, New York
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths
Top amenities: Private pool, hot tub, mountain view
This 1960 villa blends midcentury and Japanese-inspired details—curved beams, moody paper lanterns—on seven private Hudson Valley acres. Floor-to-ceiling windows, terraces from each room, and surprising touches (built-in tub, pool table) offer both drama and comfort; Dia Beacon and Storm King are nearby.
4. Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Top amenities: Indoor fireplace, room-darkening shades, waterfront access
Built in 1960 by John Bloodgood Schuster, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, this home emphasizes horizontal lines, original wood paneling, and expansive windows overlooking the Manitowoc River. Designed built-ins and a stone fireplace keep the house authentic and atmospheric—a true time capsule.
5. Boise, Idaho
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: In-unit washer/dryer, dedicated workspace, private backyard
A 1955 home that feels warm and spare: oak floors, abundant natural light, modern landscape art, and curated wallpaper. Two queen bedrooms and a functional workspace make it a comfortable base near Borah Park and Boise’s amenities.
6. El Cerrito, California
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: In-unit washer/dryer, patio, pet-friendly
A glass-walled “floating” house above a creek by Beverly David Thorne, one of the Case Study Houses participants. Natural elements, large windows, and a patio looking toward the San Francisco Bay make it immersive; wildlife sightings add to the experience.
7. Beaverton, Oregon
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Room-darkening shades, indoor fireplace, private backyard
This 1964 Robert Rummer home channels Eichler-style principles—black beams, dark woods, Japanese-inspired garden, and a skylit sunroom. Cozy interior moments (fireplace, well-equipped coffee options) sit alongside thoughtful midcentury proportions and materials.
8. Knoxville, Tennessee
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: In-unit washer/dryer, private patio, private backyard
The “Daniel House,” designed by James Fitzgibbons in 1948 and on the National Register, uses salvaged Quonset-hut supports and a hillside site to dramatic effect. Balcony views, courtyard access, and an L-shaped couch in the living room blend eccentric engineering with livable comforts.
9. Michigan City, Indiana
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Courtyard view, indoor fireplace, record player
An A-frame by Ken Fryer, this home features a sunken conversation pit and abundant angles and light from woodland surroundings. Two king bedrooms and one queen/full room accommodate groups; the house is close to Indiana Dunes National Park and comes with a well-stocked kitchen and a record player for evening lounging.
10. Durham, North Carolina
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Waterfront access, firepit, barbecue grill
“Villa Pinea,” by Terry Waugh, sits on 12 forested acres beside a pond. A loft overlooks an open-concept living room, library, and dining area; the property is secluded yet near Chapel Hill and Durham. Stays support the North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation, honoring the late owners’ wishes.
11. Austin, Texas
Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: Heated pool, walk-in closet, private patio
A color-splashed AD Stenger design full of personality—abstract wallpaper, vintage appliances, and bold accents. With five bedrooms (king, three queens, and twins), a heated pool, outdoor kitchen, and TV, it’s a social, photogenic house near Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and festival areas.
FAQ
What is considered “midcentury-modern”?
Midcentury-modern homes generally date from the mid-20th century and favor post-war materials (steel, concrete, insulated glass), pared-down ornament, clean lines, open floor plans, indoor–outdoor connections, built-ins, and functional design—often with wood and expansive glazing.
Which states have the highest concentration of midcentury-modern homes?
Palm Springs, California, is famous for midcentury lines by Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and others. Other hot spots include Columbus, Indiana (notable civic architecture), and New Canaan, Connecticut, which was home to the “Harvard Five” architects who shaped many midcentury residences.
What are some famous midcentury-modern homes?
Notable examples include Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan, the Eames House in Pacific Palisades, the Stahl House in Hollywood by Pierre Koenig, Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, and Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate by E. Stewart Williams—several of which are open to visitors or appear in architectural tours.
