This Washington Airbnb Is Like Stepping Onto the Set of ‘Gladiator’

The grandeur and power of ancient Rome, which stretched over 1.93 million square miles at its height, is showcased in countless books, films, and TV series. From the undulating terrain of Burgundy to the Pyrenees of Hispania and Gaul to the concrete, imposing walls of the Colosseum in the heart of Rome, the Empire was vast and diverse. But perhaps nowhere was this impressive era better captured than in Ridley Scott's Gladiator (2000).

If you've ever strolled through a field of wheat or tall prairie grass and re-enacted *that* scene from Gladiator (you know which one I'm talking about — no spoilers here), you know it's one of the most heart-stirring scenes in the entire movie. Today, the iconic cypress-lined avenue leading to the original farmhouse is a well-known feature of the original filming location in Italy, but you don't have to fly across the pond to experience a piece of Elysium. Tucked away in Walla Walla, Washington, there's a beautiful, secluded farmhouse that feels as rural and nostalgic as Maximus's home in Trujillo, Spain. It's an absolute bucket list vacation rental if there ever was one, and when you book a stay, you can enjoy feeling like a warrior returning home as often as you like, quietly surrounded by one of the most beautiful settings in Eastern Washington.

"…the hills above Trujillo…"

Picturesquely set on over 100 acres of lush, rolling Palouse beauty, just minutes from Walla Walla, Grape Hill is a stunning getaway that feels like home, but with just a touch of Tuscany. From a distance, the simple, timeless farmhouse blends beautifully into the surrounding countryside, like a painting come to life. Walla Walla is known for its rich, fertile soil, so everywhere you turn, wide-open skies beckon beyond the hills, and crops wave in the breeze. From the front porch, you can literally see for miles in all directions.

"...a kitchen garden that smells of herbs in the day, jasmine in the evening…"

While the owners of Grape Hill wanted the home to complement, rather than compete with, the landscape, inside is a different story.

The house is built with high-end eco-efficiency in mind, making it comfortable (and gorgeous) in every season. In winter, the surrounding hills are dusted with snow, and snuggling up in front of the stone fireplace is a dream come true. But when the sun glints over a dip in the valley in spring or summer, the fields absolutely come alive with a warm, golden glow.

Two bedrooms and two bathrooms may not seem like much, but it's the perfect size to feel both spacious and cozy, with plenty of room to sleep up to four guests. Reading nooks abound, each boasting spectacular views of the rolling fields. Warm and welcoming furnishings intermingle with high-end finishes and appliances, like the 19-foot ceilings, double-head granite shower, and oversized granite tub, which all ooze understated luxury — even while the setting feels a million miles away from it all.

Massive windows mean those vibrant Palouse sunsets can be enjoyed from just about every corner of the home, and you'll no doubt catch yourself stopping every few feet just to drink in stunning vistas of the Blue Mountains, Dry Creek, and historic farmsteads that dot the valley below the property.

"The soil, Marcus — black. Black like my wife's hair. Grapes on the south slopes, olives on the north..."

With no neighbors, no nearby roads, and only the sounds of agriculture and nature to keep you company, Grape Hill is a special and rejuvenating escape. But just when you think this secluded farmhouse couldn't get any better, there's also a small vineyard that looks like it was plucked straight out of Val d'Oricia.

All that beauty also means that when it comes to cooking, dining out on the deck is just as dreamy as dining in. Either way, the smell of grapes warming on the vine is as intoxicating as it sounds, and with a local glass of wine in hand, it doesn't get much better than this. By day, you can spend hours on the deck or strolling the surrounding wheat fields. At night, the clear, dark skies are completely unobstructed and offer incredible stargazing.

Whether you love Gladiator or have never seen it, this corner of Eastern Washington is a refreshing rural paradise. And of all the vacation rentals you could choose from in the area, Grape Hill is something truly special — you won't want to leave, that's for sure! But if you do decide to make the quick drive into town, there are some incredible wining, dining, and touring options in and around Walla Walla.