As PureWow’s resident gentle Swiftie, I know more than I care to about Taylor Swift. The names of her cats, for instance, or every word of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version).” While I’ve tried to refrain from delving too deeply into her personal life, even I have not been immune to Swift’s lore, AKA her “humble” beginnings on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania. So when I got a chance to stay in one of Airbnb’s most wish-listed properties that happened to be a literal 20 minutes from her hometown, I said, YES. Below is my review of the charming, peaceful Texter Mountain House—with all the Swift pit stops you need to make.
I Stayed in One of the Most Wish-Listed Airbnbs in America, and Every Swiftie Needs to Book It
It’s Time to Cue up “Christmas Tree Farm”
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Published Jun 19, 2026
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original photos by marissa wu
The Texter Mountain House
Airbnb
This property is one of Airbnb’s most wish-listed across the platform, and upon entering it was easy to see why. The cozy A-frame faces the woods, so when you wake up to the light pouring in from the floor-to-ceiling windows, you’re met with a swath of greenery. Music to my ears, coming from the concrete jungle.
The setup is a two bed/one bath that sleeps four; I took my friend along for a mini Mom vacation (she just had her first baby five months ago). The beds are plush with firm mattresses; the bathroom is as big as some NYC apartments—that’s to say, you won’t have trouble sharing the mirror. We didn’t do much cooking, but the kitchen was fully equipped for a culinary escapade, with sparkling appliances and plenty of dishware.
My favorite part about the house was the deck—divine for listening to birdsong on a fresh morning. There’s also a small patio area with a fire pit and string lights. If you’re feeling brave, you can build a fire and sit in the Adirondack chairs.
As a notoriously light packer, I love any place that provides soap and shampoo, and a washing machine. The gracious hosts of Texter Mountain House had both, with the former featuring a sustainable home goods brand. (A win for my Californian, sustainability loving heart.)
The only thing I’d flag is that the property is remote! At least, remote to someone coming from a huge metropolis. You will need to drive. The roads are meandering and dark, but the hosts gave clear directions and we found the property without issues.
Fast Facts
- Sleeps: 4
- Bed/Bath: 2/1
- Rate: from $327/night
- Distance from NYC: 3 hours
Getting There
Airbnb
My friend and I took Amtrak from Penn Station to Philadelphia, then picked up a rental car on-site. If you have a car, it’s about a three-hour drive (with traffic) from Manhattan. Honestly, taking the train was so seamless, I’d opt for that.
Exploring Lancaster
The Airbnb property is located in Robesonia, itself described as a suburb of Wyomissing, and that is a suburb of Reading. The nearest, largest city within an hour’s drive is Lancaster, home of the U.S. capitol for one day and in the heart of Dutch Country. It also has the distinction of being one of the country’s oldest inland cities. Though the population is just under 60,000 (slightly smaller than my hometown, which, by California standards is so small it’s “unincorporated”), there was not a want of things to do. And one of the best ways to get your feet underneath you is to take the Lancaster Sweet & Savory Tour (from $79/person). Over the course of a couple hours, you get a comprehensive historical tour and diverse tasting of the city’s many culinary delights, which range from international cuisine to dessert and specialty shops. Some of the standouts: Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom (basil olive oil and lemon white balsamic vinegar = your life, changed), Lancaster Pickle Company (where I picked up an emotional support pickle I named Larry) and Lancaster Sweet Shoppe (stroopwafels!)
After the tour concluded, I finished the day’s work at Mayhem's Bookstore & Board Game Café, before I took my friend to dinner at Shot & Bottle, where we sat on the patio, ate French fries and sipped a cocktail humorously titled Dax the Rich (rum, lime, amaro).
original photo by marissa wu
The Taylor Swift Lore Tour
And now, for the part you Swifties came for. While I am a gentle Swiftie, my friend, the culture writer and author of the In Deep newsletter, Mia Brabham Nolan, is a downright authority. So, it was thanks to her that we ended up on a tour of Swift’s hometown. The Texter Mountain House is an easy 20-minute drive from Wyomissing, where Swift grew up before relocating to Nashville. We dropped by her family’s former home (a stately colonial), though not the mythical Christmas tree farm. The neighborhood was quiet and friendly, with plenty of sidewalks, parking and a mansion of “Blank Space” proportions next door. (Was this the inspiration for the setting that ultimately became Oheka Castle on Long Island?)
We also couldn’t resist taking a selfie at the Wyomissing County sign. Stunningly, despite literally being in Swift’s provenance, there is really no mention of her whatsoever in town. But we did have a nice time cruising through the downtown main street of Wyomissing on our way back to Philly.
Whether you’re coming for a city break and tranquil nature escape or to see the humble beginnings of global superstar, there’s something to see, do and eat for everyone. I, for one, can’t wait to go back. (And, yes, I might just have to track down that Christmas tree farm after all.)
