Have you ever fantasised about running your own bookshop? If so, you’re in luck: a new Airbnb apartment lets you do just that.
Called ‘The Open Book’, the apartment is located above a traditional bookshop nestled by the sea in the literary-loving location of Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town.
Guests who rent the apartment take full ownership of managing the bookshop for the duration of their stay, aided by a team of friendly volunteers. Founded by The Wigtown Festival Company, the one bed apartment costs just £28 per night to rent, with wifi, a laptop and bikes thrown in for free.
The world’s first bookshop residency, the stay offers guests a truly unique experience.
On Airbnb the listing states that “you can enjoy the bookshop as you wish”. It continues to say that “many residents have had a busy time joining local families for dinner or gatherings at the pub, other residents spend the holiday in the cozy apartment upstairs and out exploring”.
Those who rent the apartment are welcome to host readings, events and “any activity biblio-related” during their stay, meaning the world is your oyster when it comes to book-based fun. Past residents have also set up a blog to describe their experiences of running the bookshop and future guests are invited to contribute.
The listing asks that guests “contribute to the unique literary community of Scotland’s National Book Town”, which has 1,000 residents and just 10 bookshops.
The town is set in Galloway, a picturesque location with crumbling castles, woodlands and nature preserves, plus the obligatory Scottish whisky distillery.
Image Source: Airbnb.com
