7 Jane Austen-Inspired Airbnbs for a Romantic Stay that Celebrates the Beloved Author

• Rate: from $207/night
• Sleeps: 3
• Amenities: rainfall showerhead, heated towel rack, Wi-Fi, courtyard views, washer/dryer in unit

Marissa Wu, SEO and Audience Development Editor is a huge Austen enthusiast and says that Bath is a must-see for fellow fans of the author: “In the world of Jane Austen, Bath is ICONIC! Austen was actually a Bath resident for part of her life (1801-1806), and it's home to the Jane Austen Centre. She writes fairly extensively about Bath in her novels—the city was once a popular spa town in which the wealthy would congregate. (Perfect for some romantic drama!) While the town is mentioned in all six of her completed works, it's most notable in Persuasion (an underrated Austen work, IMO) and Northanger Abbey, where Anne Elliot and Catherine Morland spend much of their time.”

Indeed, Austen resided at this very home from 1801 to 1805 and even began work on her earliest (and unfinished) novella “The Watsons” there. The space has since been thoughtfully restored to be a writer’s retreat and a beautiful Georgian oasis for fans of the author. The original flagstone floors have been left intact and the open, sun-drenched kitchen overlooks a beautiful (and oh-so romantic) rose garden. Tasteful decorative touches, including era-appropriate artwork and antiques, adorn the walls and shelves. Indeed, staying here feels like taking a step back in time—that is until you acquaint yourself with some of the more modern amenities, like the rainfall shower, surround sound stereo, heated mirrors, washer, dryer…and the list goes on.

• Rate: from $226/night
• Sleeps: 6
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, washer, HDTV, baby gear, children’s toys and books

This centrally located apartment, situated on The Paragon (i.e., Bath’s historic promenade), was also once occupied by young Jane Austen herself. The current owners believe the bedroom she called her own when she first moved in is now the dining room. The well-restored interior is elegantly decorated with a charming mix of Georgian-era furnishings and modern pops of color. By all accounts, the flat is very spacious with large rooms, high ceiling and top-notch bedding. Glowing reviews also remark on the lovely views from the flat and the general comfort of the accommodations. Plus, if you’re planning a visit to Bath, this place will have you within walking distance of every attraction.

• Rate: from $173/night
• Sleeps: 3
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, HDTV, backyard, baby gear, indoor fireplace, complimentary breakfast

“While both located in southern England, Bath is much more glamorous—and perhaps slightly more well-known—than Chawton. However, if you're truly a fan, then Chawton is where the real Austen lovers go. It's home to two attractions I've been dying to visit: Austen's House and Chawton House. The former is the cottage where the author wrote all her books, the latter formerly belonged to her brother, Edward, and is now a museum dedicated to female writers. Austen, of course, is among them. She often mentioned Chawton House in her letters, referring to it as the Great House, and spent many pleasant hours there,” says Wu.

Book a stay here and you can actually sleep on that very property, which boasts three acres of mature gardens and is within walking distance of relevant attractions, including the Jane Austen Museum and Chawton House Library. Be sure to stop by Cassandras Cup, a cafe, modeled after a traditional English tearoom, that sits right across from the Jane Austen House. Glowing reviews describe this guest favorite as clean and beautifully furnished, with one reviewer writing that “the room was cozy and full of character, with thoughtful touches throughout.”

• Rate: from $269/night
• Sleeps: 4
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, washer, backyard, indoor fireplace, outdoor dining area

Here, another Chawton gem—this property was originally a 17th century falconry that has since been converted into an ever-so-charming, two-story cottage. The exposed oak beam ceilings and mullion windows give it a romantic, rustic vibe but the amenities are all perfectly modern. There’s a raised deck with a nicely furnished outdoor seating area, beautiful private gardens for guests to enjoy and a spacious interior with two bedrooms and an airy open floor plan kitchen and living area. It’s also worth noting that this well-appointed property has a perfect five-star rating, with many reviewers remarking on the beauty of the interior design and the numerous amenities provided.

• Rate: from $179/night
• Sleeps: 2
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, HDTV, private pool, private outdoor area, washer/dryer

“Perfect, peaceful little place for exploring Alton and Chawton with gorgeous views and surrounding and lovely hosts!” writes one of many happy guests of this small annex of a grand 17th-century farmhouse. The lush and gorgeous grounds feature an ornamental pond and charming walled garden that’s exclusively reserved for guests’ private use. There’s also a heated swimming pool and tennis courts that visitors can use with prior arrangement. (Note: The hosts do not welcome toddlers or young children due to the unfenced pond.) As for the interior, you can expect a spacious bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and a small, but well-equipped kitchen and living area.

• Rate: from $5,387/night
• Sleeps: 12
• Amenities: daily breakfast, private chef, washer/dryer, central air, Wi-Fi, HDTV, media room, sound system, mini bar, exercise equipment

If you’re an Austen fan who prefers a more urban retreat, you’re in luck. “London, London, London! Whenever Austen wrote about ‘going to town,’ it was always London. Elizabeth Bennet famously had an aunt and uncle in Cheapside (the financial district near Saint Paul's), while affluent characters kept homes in the fashionable, wealthy West End enclave of Grosvenor Square in Mayfair,” says Wu, adding that “though her novels' settings are mainly the countryside, plenty reportedly happens to her characters in London. The Hursts (Charles Bingley's sister and brother-in-law) keep a house in Grosvenor Square, the Dashwood sisters stay near Portman Square and Emma's sister, Isabella, is a happy resident of Bloomsbury. The characters liked to do what we all do in London: Head to the theater, shop and have a cup of tea.”

As for you? I suggest this glamorous Georgian townhouse, which was once owned by Austen’s favorite brother, Henry. This elegant home boasts a whopping six bedrooms (all with ensuite bathrooms) and multiple well-appointed sitting rooms. The interior is tastefully decorated with antique Georgian-era furnishings and art. The property is also fully staffed with a full- or part-time private chef, dry cleaning service and a delicious daily breakfast menu included in the cost of the rental, and there’s even a media room where you can watch all your favorite film adaptations of Austen’s novels. It’s like a private hotel that would make any Austen enthusiast swoon.

• Rate: from $165/night
• Sleeps: 2
• Amenities: ensuite bathroom, refrigerator, private balcony, children’s books and toys, Wi-Fi

If a trip across the pond is not in the cards for you, fear not: I found a Jane Austen-inspired rental in the states that has a perfect five-star rating and romantic charm to spare. This spacious Victorian home functions as an inn and each room has its own personality. Guests will appreciate the antique furnishings and curated selection of art (for sale), as well as the complimentary Continental breakfast. The Jane Austen room boasts sweeping mountain views and the location, ideal for exploring the natural beauty of the Catskill region, also provides easy access to skiing at Belleayre Mountain.