This picturesque Airbnb in the Scottish countryside has a two-year waiting list — but there’s a catch

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

Nestled in the windswept town of Wigtown in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll find The Open Book, a unique one-bedroom literary escape for any book lover.

“The Open Book is a charming bookshop with an upstairs flat in the heart of Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book City. Live your dream of owning your own seaside bookshop in Scotland – for a week or two, the listing says.

And here’s the twist, guests must work at the bookstore’s front desk during their stay.

“We’ll provide you with your own apartment and bookstore below, supported by a team of friendly volunteers to make your trip as enjoyable as possible,” the description explained.

“The fee for your stay is low because we are a non-profit organization. It covers vacation expenses, but that’s about it. A laptop and WiFi are provided.â€

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

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

“What a great experience we had at The Open Book. Warmly welcomed by Anne, Joyce and the local community, very comfortable stay in the apartment and lots of fun in store! Well worth the wait and a very unique experience,” one person wrote in the review section.

“The apartment was comfortable and had everything we needed. Running the store was something we waited three years to do and it exceeded our expectations,” said another.

One woman described her attitude as “sensational”.

“The flat is spacious and comfortable and well equipped with everything one might need” The whole enterprise (running the bookshop and staying in the flat) is very well organised. I hope to return!

The Open Book is the first holiday bookstore experience to be created by The Wigtown Festival Company.

It aims to celebrate books, independent bookstores and welcome people from all over the world.

The store welcomed its first vacationers 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 who expect to get paid, the list makes it so that guests don’t get paid to work at the bookstore.

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

“It is the sole responsibility of the resident to ensure that they comply with any visa requirements or similar regulations.â€