Hosting unusual and creative Airbnbs are providing people with extra income, with the typical host on the letting site earning £5,500 a year, the equivalent of 2 months additional pay for the average UK household.
According to ONS statistics, there were more than 2.8 million stays in short term lets last year, as sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com continue to grow in popularity.
Marcin Jeziorek, from Wombwell, renovated his garden to include a tiny house, complete with a hot hub, projector and its own guest entrance, which can be booked through Airbnb.
Image credit: Airbnb
Marcin initially had the idea of building a gym in the garden, which his wife suggested turning into a guest house. They then listed this on Airbnb, and it quickly became popular.
Despite being situated in an estate in Wombwell, the tiny house offers guests privacy, as fencing has been built around it.
He said: “We listed it and within a day or two bookings started flooding in, and it became so popular we had to make improvements.”
Domestic visitors make up 63% of guest stays in the UK, as people increasingly decide to have “staycations” rather than holidays abroad.
Mr Jeziorek added: “We attract specific customers – people who want to celebrate their birthday or anniversary, who don’t want to travel abroad but want high standards.”
Image: Airbnb
According to ONS research, two thirds of Airbnb hosts use the money they make to cover the increased costs of everyday life.
Responding to this, Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb, said: “This data shows the crucial role that short-term lets play in boosting UK tourism and supporting local families and communities.”
Another unique Airbnb that can be booked in South Yorkshire is this yurt in the Rivelin Valley, pictured below.
Costing £95 a night, the “wonderfully different” accommodation has no WIFI, television or formal shower, but instead provides guests with the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature.
There is a double bed and log fire inside, and guests using the yurt will have access to around one and a half acres of land. The toilet is a short walk away from the tent.
Image: Airbnb
Reviewing guests speak highly of the accommodation, with one, Anne Sherine, saying: “The yurt and lawn is perfectly relaxing and has everything you need.
“The wood fireplace inside the yurt, hammock and flying horse sculpture give additional charm to the place.”
