This Glass House in Minnesota Is Made for Stargazing

April is Global Astronomy Month, and as it happens, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is one of the best places in the Lower 48 to look up into the firmament and marvel at the stars. That said, April is also a titch iffy when it comes to weather in the Bold North, with anything from several inches of snow to 80-degree weather, and even tornadoes, to be expected. With lows often dipping into the 30s—or even 20s—even those clear nights perfect for stargazing can be downright chilly. Well, if you're like me and prefer to be somewhat comfortable when sitting still and gazing up at the stars, I have a suggestion for you: a glass house Airbnb rental in Afton, Minnesota.

This incredible, transparent rental's location in the Afton area makes it a perfect destination for stargazers in the Twin Cities metro. The Minnesota Astronomical Society has a dedicated stargazing meadow in the area, and the Belwin Conservancy, which boasts an observatory on its property, is also located in Afton. And, of course, Afton State Park's bluff-top prairie area is always a wonderful spot to do some stargazing. What these places don't all offer, however, is four-season protection from the wind and elements—unlike a certain glass house Airbnb near Afton, Minnesota.

A charming marvel, this property is constructed entirely of glass panels that are open to the sky above for stargazing and the surrounding woods, so you can feel a part of its natural setting. Inside, the single-room house is luxuriously appointed with a comfy queen-size bed, a seating area, a high-definition television with Roku, and wifi.

The house is erected on a wooden deck that offers outside seating, as well as a private fire pit and your own hot tub—both of which can be used year-round. In the winter, the property is heated with three infrared heaters, and zero-degree sleeping bags are provided. The owner cautions that even with all this, it can be cold when the temperatures dip below zero (not something we usually have to worry about in April). A portable air conditioning unit is on hand for those warm Minnesota summers. The bathroom facilities are in a non-glass building, a 2-minute walk from the rental, and they're shared with the other rental on the property (up to four people total between the two rentals).

It's not just the stars and woods that are magical in this glass house rental. Sunrises, sunsets, and even rain or snowstorms feel different when viewed through the transparent ceilings and walls of this rental. I think you just have to experience to know what I'm talking about. Some April dates are still available if you want to make a reservation to celebrate Global Astronomy Month, but of course, stargazing isn't limited to this month. I'd love to see each season from inside this gorgeous rental property!