English Heritage has this week unveiled the newly restored Head Gardener’s House at Audley End, the latest property to be listed on short term rental platform Airbnb.
The listing is one of 15 English Heritage cottages now available on the platform. Its restoration is the result of a conservation project, in part made possible by a £1.25m donation made by Airbnb made last year.
The Head Gardener’s House, based in the grounds of Jacobean mansion Audley End House, will open in spring 2023.
The rental platform typically charges property hosts around 3% of the income made from rentals on its platform. Renters also pay a fee to Airbnb for the service.
Airbnb is actively growing the amount of heritage locations listed on the platform, as part of a ‘Historical Homes’ category on the platform.
Other English Heritage properties now listed on Airbnb include the Coastguard’s Cottage at Lindisfarne Priory, Refectory Cottage in Yorkshire, and Sovereign’s Gate on the Isle of White, commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as the formal entrance to Osborn.
Kate Mavor CBE, Chief Executive at English Heritage said the charity, which has 400 historic sites in its care, “[relies] on donations such as Airbnb’s to protect these incredible places for the future.
“[Airbnb’s] generous support is helping numerous conservation projects – the first being the exciting restoration and refurbishment of the Head Gardener’s House at Audley End House in Essex.”
Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb, said England’s cultural history was a draw for international tourism.
Cupples said: “We hope that together with English Heritage, we can inspire more historical home owners to consider the financial and cultural benefits of restoring buildings and welcoming guests into their homes.”
Alongside its work with Airbnb on its listings, English Heritage offers free entry to its sites during a stay booked via the platform, alongside free tickets for English Heritage events, and a 10% discount in English Heritage shops, cafes and tearooms.
