This AirBnb Allows You to Run Your Own Bookshop

Imagine this, it’s a sleepy Saturday morning in Wigtown, Scotland. You wake up, crusties still in your eyes as you make yourself a quick mug of coffee. You let the lovely, warm drink wake you up as you shrug into your favorite cardigan and head downstairs. Because below your flat is a bookstore – one that you run, yourself. 

We’ve all dreamt of it – what it would be like to own and run your own cute, cozy bookshop in a picturesque town. And, this AirBnb allows you to turn those fantasies into a reality even if it is just for a little while.

Welcome to Wigtown!

Located in Wigtown, a rural, coastal town in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. As of 2022, it had a population of only 880 people. So, when we say it’s small, we mean SMALL. Despite its size, Wigtown is home to 17 bookshops, earning it the title of Scotland’s ‘National Book Town’. Which brings us to the topic of this article, The Open Book. 

The Open Book is a small, secondhand bookstore located in the heart of Wigtown. Nestled in a corner, it provides charming views and even more charming vibes. Atop the Open Book is a flat that is available to rent on Airbnb, and when you stay there, you get to make your fantasies of being a bookstore owner come true.  

It’s pretty popular though, because we checked – and right now it’s booked all the way through until 2026. 

About Your Stay

Don’t let that stop you from trying, though. Because freelance writer Freya Parr was able to get her reservation through a cancellation, and then she wrote all about her stay! In her article for The Guardian, Freya details exactly what it was like to stay in this seaside bookish haven. According to Freya, the owners encourage every guest to act as the “owner” of the shop and leave their mark on it. 

Everything from pricing to managing guests, to redesigning displays however they see fit – it’s all within your hands while you’re running The Open Book. But, among your duties, you’ll also be responsible for assisting the customers. Which, if you’ve ever dealt with the general public – you know that can lead to a plethora of stories and entertainment that isn’t found on the page. 

Freya recalls two particular encounters in her article. One that ended with a group of American Baptists telling her she was going to hell. Another thing that had to do with an older gentleman waxing poetic while comparing Playboy and Penthouse models throughout history – before not buying a single thing.

Isabella Garcia, a recent guest of the Airbnb and, therefore previous proprietor of The Open Book, interviewed with BBC. During the interview, Garcia talked candidly about the struggles of securing a reservation to stay at the coveted flat. 

But, she also makes it a point to say that, while it might be hard to secure a reservation, she doesn’t think that it should deter anyone from trying. Just like Freya Parr,  Isabella was able to score her reservation by joining the waitlist and was notified when there was a cancellation.  

In Isabella’s words, The Open Book is a “book lover’s dream.” Which is exactly what the founder and owner, Jessica Fox, intended.

How It All Started

According to this article, Fox, who had been working as a storyteller for NASA, had often dreamed of owning a quaint bookstore by the sea. Needing a change, she sent an inquiry to the owner of another bookstore. She wanted to know if it was possible to do a work exchange program. 

Thankfully, he agreed. 

When Fox arrived in Wigtown, she quickly fell in love with her surroundings. Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one who had harbored the same dream, she began planting a few seeds. 

Eventually, she found an owner in Wigtown who was willing to sell to her, and thus, The Open Book was born. 

And we are so, so glad it was. 

We’ve perused the pictures on Airbnb more times than we can count. And let us just tell you, if you haven’t looked at them yet, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

The inside of the flat is just as charming as the bookstore, and if you’re anything like us, you could see yourself wanting to stay much longer than the six-night minimum.

It doesn’t matter if you’re just wanting a vacation or trying out the title of ‘Bookshop owner’ for real – we think The Open Book would be the perfect destination just for you. 

So, put down the Scottish Highlander Romance (we don’t need you getting too many ideas while you’re there) and pick up your laptop. You have a waitlist to join!