Unique Airbnb in Alberta: Reclaimed Grain Bin

I grew up in a prairie city. I wouldn’t say I know all about farming life, but I know a bit.

I got into tiny houses and alternative housing years ago when I realized that I truly wanted an unconventional life.

Then I started to get really interested in alternative structures — tiny homes, van homes, those homes that are made from tires and mud — Earthships, repurposing strange materials into housing structures like grain bins, silos and old depilated airplanes. I am just fascinated with repurposing.

So when I saw this silo/grain bin turned into a glamping oasis I had to book in for the weekend.

I am not going to lie I acted on instinct, and I acted on emotion and I acted on trends because I knew I needed to be at one of the coolest Airbnb’s in Alberta.

This Airbnb is exactly as the photos show. Its structure is a reclaimed grain bin that has had some repairs done and then reworked into a functional tiny home in the middle of the prairies — a silent retreat for relaxation.

In this year of not being able to really travel much internationally I have taken to opening myself up to exploring some of the lessor known places around Alberta. This led me to Mossleigh and to this reclaimed grain bin to stay for the weekend.

This place is perfect for the solo adventurer or a couple wanting a quiet weekend away. It sleeps 3 (2 upstairs in a double and one down on a futon) but, in my opinion, more comfortably sleeps 2.

Lee, one of the hosts, told me the story of this dented grain bin that lived on the yard for quite some time and how he had offered it to a couple of potential owners on the condition they needed to transport the bin off the property but … it never ended up happening.

Eventually they decided to build their own oasis.

This is the Cabin.

This is probably about as rural Alberta as I have been in years. It is located about 10 minutes past the hamlet of Mossleigh. There were some gravel roads, and I am not even going to pretend me driving my 2-door city girl FIAT didn’t get lost. But according to Lee and Trish (the hosts) I was the only one ever to get lost trying to find the place. Lee came and rescued in Mossleigh.

I think being at the cabin just letting me sit in possibility, sit in my creativity and sit in my solitude was exactly the moments I needed.

The bin is decked out in true country style — the way you would expect horses loving farmers to decorate and that is part of its beauty and charm and amazingness.

You are tucked away in the back corner of the property away from the house. The yard is surrounded by acres of land that are used by the family for grain farming. If you are looking for quiet this is the place. There is a fairly large garden that you are welcome to dig up for eats and a wall of sunflowers giving you privacy.

When I was chilling on a blanket on the grass reading my book, I noticed a deer watching me. Probably waiting for me to leave so they could get in on the garden.

There are 5 barns cats that roam the property, but they didn’t really approach me. The dog, Boone — it was instant love. He definitely came for snuggles and pats many times.

My favourite part of the cabin was the outdoor shower. There is nothing quite like standing naked outside with hot water sprinkling down from the shower head while the light breeze dries your skin cool to the touch. The smell of the water hitting the concrete pad under your feet is like the smell after a rain. I don’t think I have had a shower quite this amazing before in my life (except for the one time I used a bathhouse in Dawson City and boiled my own hot water to pour in buckets on my head in a sauna structure). This shower alone is definitely worth the visit.

The place is set up for the typical weekender. There is a 2 burner hot plate and microwave inside, apartment sized fridge — coffee maker, dishes and all the things you need to make smores over the outdoor firepit. There is even a BBQ if that is your jam.

You can find this place listed on Airbnb linked here (no, not an affiliate link)

AND

If you are interested in a virtual tour. Check out my video on YouTube.

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