Best Bachelor Pads in the World?
This year, quite by accident, I seem to have started writing a series of posts about single life in the real estate world. In early May, I wrote about the Top 10 Cities for Single Men, followed shortly in August by the companion piece, Top 10 Cities for Single Women.
A lackluster economy and continually evolving social norms have conspired to lead young professionals to delay marriage, home purchases and many other milestones that were once stable traditions of post-educational life. People are staying single longer, even amongst the rich and famous, which forces real estate journalists like myself to reshape our thinking of the housing landscape. (Over the two decades that I have been following the real estate market, the age one buys his or her first home has steadily crept up to 32.)
So when Airbnb, the world leader in short-term housing rentals, announced the recent creation of their sublet category, this got me wondering: Where are the best bachelor pads in the world?
Movies such as The Hangover and television shows like HBO's Entourage have had a profound effect in depicting the successful single man's life as exotic, fun and enviable. But for unattached men in the non-fiction world, where are the best bachelor rental homes that can add a little spice to a regular Working Joe's life?
Let's take a look at nine possibilities. (All images provided courtesy of Airbnb.)
Penthouse in Reykjavik, Iceland
Rental Price: $5,856/Month
This 1,292 square foot loft penthouse sits in the heart of downtown ReykjavÃk. The newly renovated apartment divides into one open space and represents that perfect picture of cool for the expatriate man on the move.
The main shopping and restaurant areas are just 10 minutes away from the door - the perfect venue for practicing your Icelandic and impressing the ladies.
If Iceland is too a little far from home for your bachelor adventure, may I suggest something stateside?
House in Austin, Texas
Rental Price: $7,335/Month
This town in the Lone Star State has an unofficial motto: "Keep Austin Weird." A draw for artists, musicians and a variety of other hipsters, Austin is the perfect place for an offbeat single man to find the quirky woman of his dreams.
This 1930s-designed, eco-friendly pad (naturally, down the street from a Whole Foods) offers all-natural and allergen free beds in the home's two bedrooms. The fully furnished rental is a lovely marriage of old and new with a claw-foot tub/shower combo in the master bath and a 42" flat screen TV in the living room.
The next bachelor pad presents another opportunity to woo the bilingual ladies.
Penthouse in Murcia, Spain
Rental Price: $3,434/Month
Enjoy a few rounds of golf and a sexy Spanish penthouse for a relative monthly bargain. This bachelor pad is situated on the 5-star Jack Nicklaus La Torre golf resort. If you get bored of sports and splashing around with good looking women in the pool, it's a mere 15 minutes to the Mar Menor beaches.
Short on vacation time? Let's have another look at a closer locale.
Apartment in Manhattan, New York City, New York
Rental Price: $5,830/Month
This 1,000 square foot open loft is quite spacious by Big Apple standards. Bachelors are likely to find the proximity of everything from the Statue of Liberty to Battery Park highly appealing.
One inclement weather days, the single man can invite his new lady friend to make use of the building's fitness center, pool, hot tub, sauna, billiards room and spa services.
But let's be honest - a top property at $5,830 per month in New York City won't last long. In fact, it may already be gone.
Trade your dollars for euros to visit the next location.
Villa in Kleibroek, Netherlands
Rental Price: $6,043/Month
What lady could fail to be impressed by a man renting a villa with a koi pond? Even better, the home is located just a 25-minute train ride from Amsterdam (and its famed Red Light District). May I suggest an evening at the fabulous Five Flies restaurant as an appropriate date night?
The spacious rental also allows its sporty occupants to use bicycles, golf clubs and even a sail boat.
How's your knowledge of Greek mythology?
Villa in Agiogi, Greece
Rental Price: $10,510/Month
Bachelors in search of a little fun in the sun will pay top dollar to rent this villa, an hour's ferry ride from Athens. But just look at this stunner! This sublet represents the perfect opportunity to plan that dream vacation, and possibly acquaint yourself with a few Greek goddesses.
Want to party in the hometown of Gloria Estefan?
Pool House in Miami, Florida
Rental Price: $10,679/Month
Guys, do I really have to sell you on Miami? Perfect sandy beaches, beautiful bodies and legendary nightclubs are a siren's call to the eligible bachelor.
This luxury waterfront home in a gated Miami Beach neighborhood, is available for rent and includes a dock that can accommodate a 50-foot boat. There is also plenty of sleeping room after a night of celebrating with one king bed, two queen beds, one full bed and two large sectional couches.
Maybe you're more of a cold weather bachelor?
Ski House in Breckenridge, Colorado
Rental Price: $11,870/Month
Searching for a cute snow bunny? Then rent this four bedroom, five bathroom lodge just minutes away from the downtown Breckenridge Ski Resort. The large 3,800 square foot home is perfect for a group getaway, so bring your friends!
After a long day of hitting the slopes, you and your new gal pals can warm up in the outdoor, seven-person hot tub.
Fill in the blank: what happens in ____, stays in ____.
Penthouse in Las Vegas, Nevada
Rental Price: $21,303/Month
When I think of the quintessential guys' getaway weekend, I think Vegas. How about you? And this rental penthouse denotes the kind of good times and good taste that could serve as a huge draw for Sin City's female population.
This property boasts floor to ceiling windows and spectacular views of the city's glittering lights. Measuring a spacious 3,100 square feet, the penthouse has all the amenities the vacationing bachelor could want: a jacuzzi, plasma TVs, a pool table and an in-room safe to stash your casino winnings.
So what do you think single men? Are you ready to vacation in style in one of these exotic bachelor pads?
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Ilyce R. Glink is the author of several books, including 100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask and Buy, Close, Move In!. She blogs about money and real estate at ThinkGlink.comand The Equifax Personal Finance Blog, and is Chief Content Strategist at RealtyJoin.com, a community for real estate investors.
