From rural retreats to floating farmhouses and tropical abodes, accommodation platform Vrbo has rounded up the best glass homes to rent. Whether you want a romantic getaway or a big space for a family get-together, these light-flooded homes will provide more than just stunning views.
Catskills, New York
This lake house in Eldred, New York sits on the edge of a Catskills swimming creek. The original manor home was built in 1820 but has been refurbished and transformed into a modern space with clean lines and lots of original character. It sleeps up to 10 people with five bedrooms and hosts an enormous kitchen with a wood-fire pizza oven. If you need to slip out, restaurants and farmers markets are nearby. And if you want to up the ante on luxury, personal chef services, yoga classes, and massage therapy can be arranged on-site. Starting at $1480 (£1139) avg/night. See here for more details.
Tucson, Arizona
An architect-designed house in the Sonoran desert with high sloping ceilings and wraparound glass walls with views of the Catalina and Tucson mountains, this is a sweet spot for couples. The glass cottage is comprised of two separate units, connected by a covered breezeway. It has a double bedroom and bathroom on one side; a Scandinavian-style kitchen and sitting area on the other. Despite its desert location, it's just a short drive from downtown and to Saguaro National Park. Starting at $159 (£122) avg/night. See here for more details.
Quepos, Costa Rica
Quepos is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park and this house is just a short drive from the park's beach-lined rainforests. It features two properties: the Villa Mariana, which sleeps 10 people, and the Casita Romantica, which sleeps eight. It sits on two acres of lush, green jungle, so expect to see some toucans, sloths or monkeys nearby. The property features two infinity-edged pools, an outdoor bar and lots of space to soak up the sun (both indoors and outdoors). Starting at $1095 (£842) avg/night. See here for more details.
Stowe, Vermont
Nestled in the Vermont village of Stowe, with uninterrupted views of Mount Mansfield from its glass curtain wall, this home sleeps 12 people with five bedrooms. A clean and cosy design, with a focus on utility, it's made for snow/ski retreats. The lower level serves as the activity hub, with lockers and storage for ski equipment, as well as a cedar-lined indoor sauna. There's also an outdoor pool, three wood-burning fireplaces and a games room. Known as the 'Stowe Glass House', it was a 2017 Boston Society of Architects Design Award winner. Starting at $2250 (£1731) avg/night. See here for more details.
Wimberley, Texas
An hour south of Austin, in the heart of Texas Hill Country, this dramatic three-bed house sleeps up to 10 people with one king, three queen and two bunk beds. The pièce de résistance is the massive glass wall with stunning views of the valley beyond. Perfect for celebratory get-togethers, the limestone and steel house features an indoor/outdoor pool, a loft-like living/dining room and a massive limestone inglenook fireplace. Starting at $600 (£461) avg/night. See here for more details.
Waikato, New Zealand
The glass expanse of this nature lover's retreat stretches vertically to make the most of the ocean and Mercury Island views – which means you might spot dolphins or orcas in the bay over breakfast. It sleeps up to two people in one bedroom, at the edge of Coromandel Forest Park. According to the listing, native birds like Tui, Kereru, Kaka tend to drop by, as well as owls, pheasants and quail. An idyllic seaside retreat that glows when the sun sets, it's just a short stroll to Tuateawa beach. Starting at $225 (£173) avg/night. See here for more details.
