Have you ever dreamed of owning your own bookshop? Do you find joy in carefully organizing your bookshelves? If so, you might just be able to live out that dream by booking a stay at one of the world’s most unique Airbnbs. The Open Book, nestled in the charming town of Wigtown in Scotland, offers guests an unforgettable experience: sleep in the upstairs flat by night and run the bookshop by day – a truly magical blend of literary escapism and entrepreneurial adventure.
Dubbed Airbnb’s ‘first ever bookshop holiday residency experience,’ The Open Book has sparked a frenzy among book lovers worldwide, resulting in a two-year-long waiting list. Since welcoming its first guests in 2014, the property has hosted over 450 aspiring booksellers, with visitors hailing from as far away as Beijing and Hawaii.
Supported by The Wigtown Festival Company, the listing aims to celebrate books, independent bookshops, and welcome people from all corners of the globe. It also generates a substantial £10,000 annually for the festival’s charitable endeavors.
Located right by the sea and nestled within Scotland’s National Book Town, The Open Book is a bibliophile’s paradise. Wigtown earned this prestigious title in 1998 and is now home to an array of other bookshops – a total of 10 – including The Wigtown Emporium, Number 11, and Faodail. Situated just south of the Galloway Forest Park, this enchanting region has inspired literary classics like John Buchan’s spy thriller, The Thirty Nine Steps, and Sam Simpson’s historical thriller, The Richmond Papers, making it an undeniably magical destination for bookworms.
But what exactly does running The Open Book entail? Guests are empowered to create their own unique experience. Supported by a team of dedicated volunteers, visitors are given free rein to rearrange displays, price books, and even re-categorize them according to their personal preferences. They also have the opportunity to unleash their creativity on the welcoming blackboard that greets customers upon entry.
While some temporary booksellers find contentment in the quiet joy of running the shop, others bring their own creative flair to the table, injecting their personalities into the space. This week, the shop is welcoming Daisy Yeung, 41, and Lydia Man, 42, two longtime friends who have decided to take on this unique challenge.
‘My dream is to be a bookseller one day, but since it is very hard to be a bookseller and make enough money, we thought it would be fun to have a taste of it,’ shares Daisy, who traveled all the way from Hong Kong to stay at The Open Book.
The friends have decided to infuse their bookshop experience with a special theme: China’s Mid Autumn Festival, celebrated annually on September 17.
‘Traditionally, we Chinese people gather with our family and friends on this day and light up lanterns and eat something called moon cakes – which is what we have brought and are sharing with people,’ explains Daisy. ‘The festival is a time for loved ones to come together, and we are sharing that spirit with people here – trying to have a good time with the visitors and book lovers alike.’
Intrigued by the prospect of playing bookseller for a week or two? You’ll need to keep a close eye on The Open Book’s availability on Airbnb, as it’s already booked out until August 2026. This truly unique experience is sure to remain in high demand, so start planning your bookish adventure today!
