Airbnb with two-year wait has wild twist

It’s an Airbnb listing unlike any other with people often waiting up to two years to snag a stay.

It’s an Airbnb listing unlike any other with people often waiting up to two years to snag a stay.

Tucked away in the windswept town of Wigtown, in the Scottish highlands, you will find The Open Book, a unique one-bedroom literary escape for any book lover.

“The Open Book is a charming bookshop with apartment above in the heart of Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town. Live your dream of having your very own bookshop by the sea in Scotland … for a week or two,” the listing reads.

And that’s the twist, guests have to work the front desk of the bookstore during their stay.

“We’ll give you your very own apartment and bookshop below, supported by a team of friendly volunteers to make your trip as lovely as possible,” the description explained.

The Open Book, a unique one-bedroom literary escape located in Wigtown, in the Scottish highlands. Picture: Airbnb

“The fee for your stay is low because we are a non-profit. It covers the running costs of the holiday but that is all. A laptop and WiFi are provided.”

Every single day up to September 2026 is already booked with people from all over the world travelling to the country town for the unique experience.

Those who have tried and tested the Airbnb say it’s “well worth the wait”.

It has a two-year waiting period. Picture: Airbnb

“What a lovely experience we had at The Open Book. Welcomed warmly by Anne, Joyce and the local community, very comfortable stay in the apartment, and lots of fun had in the shop! Worth the wait and a very unique experience,” one person wrote in the reviews section.

The twist is guests also have to work at the bookstore – but it’s all part of the fun and the reason why the listing is in such high demand. Picture: Airbnb

It’s the first ever bookshop holiday / residency experience. Picture: Airbnb

“The flat was comfortable and had everything we needed. Running the shop was something we have been waiting three years to do and it exceeded our expectations,” said another.

One woman described her stay as “sensational”.

Inside the cosy one-bedroom rental. Picture: Airbnb

Those who have stayed can’t stop boasting about their experience. Picture: Airbnb

“The flat is spacious and comfortable, and it is well-equipped with everything one might need … The whole enterprise (running the bookstore and staying in the flat) is very well organised. I’m hoping to come back!”

The Open Book is the first ever bookshop holiday residency experience that was set up by The Wigtown Festival Company.

The Open Book is a charming bookshop with an apartment above in the heart of Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town. Picture: Airbnb

It aims “to celebrate books, independent bookshops and welcome people from around the world’’.

The shop welcomed its first holidaymakers in August 2014 and since then the charity-run Open Book Airbnb has exploded in popularity.

According to the Scottish Sun, more than 450 guests have enjoyed the unusual experience of running their own bookshop.

For those expecting to be paid, the listing makes it guests won’t be receiving payment for working at the book store.

“Please note that this is not a volunteer opportunity, nor are we paying you to work. This is a holiday that you are paying for, classified under cultural tourism and you can enjoy the bookshop as you wish,” it explains.

“It is the sole responsibility of the resident to ensure that they adhere to any visa requirements or similar regulations.”