ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – In St. Augustine, Florida, the Prince Road Container House (PRCH) has grown from a spontaneous idea into one of the most celebrated Airbnbs in the country. Designed by Rob DePiazzo after he lost his home during Hurricane Irma in 2017, the project began as an experiment in container architecture but quickly became a creative statement.
“When my house came down, I never imagined living in a container home,” Rob recalls. “It was completely spontaneous—days after the storm. I just stuck with it, and it evolved into this.”
National Recognition
Since opening, the PRCH has drawn travelers from around the world with its eclectic mix of art, vintage mid-century design, and modern technology. It recently earned a coveted spot among the Top 10 Airbnbs in the U.S., landing at #9 overall, #1 in Florida, and #1 for interior design during YouTuber Ryan Trahan’s “50 States, 50 Airbnbs, 50 Days” fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
What started as a simple booking turned into a major moment. “I didn’t know who Ryan was at first,” Rob said. “But then I realized it was part of this massive campaign. He aimed to raise a million dollars—and ended up raising 11 million.”
For Rob, the recognition went beyond rankings. “The most flattering part was being named the best interior,” he explained. “They stayed in a Frank Lloyd Wright house and all kinds of incredible places. To be ranked above those—that was something special.”
Living Art: The PRCH Experience
The house has been featured in Apartment Therapy and media outlets worldwide, praised for its combination of warmth, imagination, and innovation.
Highlights include:
- A working 1950s jukebox stocked with classic records
- A 65″ Sony Bravia OLED TV with Bose sound system
- A chef’s kitchen with a Viking 6-burner gas range and Slayer espresso machine
- A covered deck with a Big Green Egg grill for outdoor cooking
- A Finnish sauna, added in 2022, built from Canadian red cedar with a Wi-Fi–controlled Huum heater
Guests rave about the cozy landing overlooking the living room, perfect for quiet conversations or enjoying the natural surroundings through floor-to-ceiling windows.
A Local Gem With Global Appeal
What started as a personal rebuild has become a landmark for design lovers, creatives, and travelers alike. The PRCH currently holds a near-perfect 4.98-star Airbnb rating, solidifying its place as both a destination and a work of art.
“It’s wild,” Rob admitted. “I never meant for it to blow up like this. But it’s a conversation starter—and it’s helping raise awareness and funds for a great cause.”
The PRCH is available occasionally on Airbnb, but whether or not you book a stay, it’s a testament to how resilience and creativity can transform loss into something extraordinary.
✨ Explore the listing here: Prince Road Container House on Airbnb