Outdoor Airbnb Styles That Guests Love

Vermont & New England STR Photography Inspiration

When guests book a Vermont or New England Airbnb, they’re rarely booking just a place to sleep. They’re looking for an experience: crisp mountain air, cozy evenings outside with a hot cocoa, glowing string lights, hot tubs under the stars, and slow mornings wrapped in blankets with steaming coffee in hand.

Outdoor spaces are often the deciding factor in whether a short-term rental gets saved, booked, or scrolled past — especially on platforms like Airbnb and Pinterest. I know when I book at stay, I'm definitely going to be peeping what the outside spaces look like!

As a Vermont-based Airbnb and short-term rental photographer, I see firsthand how thoughtfully styled outdoor spaces photograph beautifully and perform better online. Below are some of the most loved outdoor Airbnb styles across Vermont and New England — and why they matter.

1. Cozy Outdoor Seating That Feels Inviting

Your outdoor seating area should feel like an extension of the interior — not a random afterthought. It's part of the thoughtful design

The most successful New England Airbnbs feature:

• Adirondack chairs or cushioned seating

• Outdoor sofas or benches with layered pillows

• Blankets for cooler evenings

• Low tables for drinks, books, or snacks

From a photography standpoint, cozy outdoor seating creates instant emotional connection. Guests can imagine themselves sitting there — and that’s what turns views into bookings.

Pro Tip: Elevating these images with blankets, charcuterie spreads, or s'mores kits will REALLY put your guests in the space

2. String Lights & Warm Exterior Lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to elevate an outdoor Airbnb space — and one of the most impactful visually.

Popular lighting styles include:

• Cafe string lights over decks and patios (definitely a personal favorite)

• Lanterns along pathways (solar lights are great for this)

• Soft wall sconces or porch lights

• Firelight from pits or chimineas

For Airbnb photography, exterior lighting begs for twilight and blue-hour photos, which consistently perform well on Airbnb listings and Pinterest. These are also some of my favorite scenes to capture.

What does warm light scream? It signals comfort, safety, and (maybe most importantly) atmosphere — three things guests subconsciously look for.

3. Hot Tubs, Fire Pits & Outdoor Features

In Vermont and throughout New England, outdoor amenities can be the main draw, no matter what the season

.

Some of the most searched and booked features include:

• Hot tubs (especially winter-friendly setups- think walls or "roofs" )

• Fire pits with seating

• Wood-burning stoves or stone fire pits

• Covered porches with heaters

  
  

From a photography perspective, these features deserve intentional and thoughtful shots:

• Steam rising from a hot tub

• Fire pits and string lights glowing at dusk

• S'mores kit set up with the fire blazin' behind it

• Towels, mugs, or robes nearby for lifestyle context

These details help your listing feel luxurious, intentional, and guest-ready. You're already creating an experience and feelings of being taken care of even before they ever step foot in the door.

4. Outdoor Saunas & Wellness Spaces

Outdoor saunas have become incredibly popular in Vermont and across the Northeast, especially for wellness-focused retreats and higher-end STRs.

Photogenic sauna spaces often include:

• Wood textures and natural materials

• Clean, simple surroundings

• Pathways or deck connections (maybe some of those string lights?!)

• Subtle lighting or candle glow

When photographed well, saunas signal:

• Wellness

• Intention

• Elevated guest experience

• Luxury

They’re also incredibly Pinterest-friendly and often shared well beyond Airbnb.

Tips: Styling Outdoor Spaces for Photography

Styling matters just as much outside as it does inside. It's so imporant for yoru place to be camera-ready, so here are a few suggestions and tips to make this go smoothly.

Before a photography session, I often recommend:

• Removing clutter (extra hoses, tools, unused furniture, etc.)

• Adding blankets, throws or cushions for added texture and depth

• Including one or two lifestyle elements (a mug, book, towel, sunglasses, sandals or boots)

• Straightening chairs to feel relaxed, not staged (but you can leave this to the pros!)

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s believability, it's a lived-in/relaxed quality. Guests want to feel like the space is ready for them.

This is where professional Airbnb photography makes a difference: knowing how to style and capture outdoor spaces so they feel warm, calm, and lived-in.

Why Outdoor Airbnb Photography Matters

Outdoor photos often:

• Become the first image guests see

• Perform best on Pinterest

• Differentiate listings in crowded markets

• Shows diversity of location (like summer, foliage, snow, etc)

• Justify higher nightly rates

Especially in Vermont and New England — where seasonality, foliage, snow, and light play a huge role — outdoor photography helps tell the full story of a rental.

Vermont & New England Airbnb Photography

I work with Airbnb and short-term rental owners across Vermont and New England to photograph:

• Outdoor living spaces

• Cabins, farmhouses, and retreats

• Twilight and seasonal exteriors

• Lifestyle details that elevate listings

My approach focuses on experience-driven storytelling photography — capturing what it feels like to stay there, not just what it looks like.

If you’re investing in your outdoor spaces, your photography should reflect that.

Want help showcasing your outdoor Airbnb?

These are literally my favorite favorite favorite sessions! It is my biggest pleasure and challenge to make your space come to life.

You can learn more about my Airbnb and STR photography services here!