Airbnb transforms disused pub rooms into holiday retreats
As demand for rustic stays continues to grow in the UK, with new Airbnb data revealing over half of bookings (52%) are for rural areas, the refurbished rooms will help people discover ‘more beautiful yet less-explored towns and villages across England’
Register to get 1 more free article
Reveal the article below by registering for our email newsletter.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Airbnb has partnered with The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) to refurbish disused rooms above three independent, rural pubs in Dorset, Hampshire and Derbyshire – transforming the spaces into British holiday retreats.
Almost a quarter of Airbnb guests want to explore more of the UK, and according to Airbnb, the new guest rooms will allow these pubs to now welcome staycation goers, diversifying their income streams as well as boosting the local economy and community.
With a 6.7% increase in pub closures, particularly in the South West and East Midlands where 37 pubs shut down last year, the three pubs now join the cohort of over 350 British watering holes already listed on Airbnb that are helping towns and businesses benefit from more overnight guests.
Airbnb has unveiled major renovations at the The Thomas Tripp pub in Christchurch, Dorset, The Townhouse in Lymington, Hampshire and The Swan Inn in Milton, Derbyshire.
The Thomas Tripp is a pub co-owned by Dave Burns and Jason Giddings and is renowned for its local legacy, featuring portraits of regulars dressed as seafaring smugglers around the bar.
Thinking about what’s next for the pub, the pair have turned the empty kitchen unit upstairs into a new offering for overnight guests. The loft has been converted into a private guest area and now includes a place to rest, providing additional accommodation in central Christchurch.
Meanwhile, since taking over the Townhouse over two years ago, owner Dave King has ensured their suntrap courtyard and live music events are at the centre of Lymington’s hospitality scene.
King renovated the previously worn upstairs space to create guest accommodation, combining his hospitality experience and familiarity with the New Forest region to enhance the overnight stay offering.
The two upstairs rooms have been transformed into contemporary guest suites, mirroring the pub’s exposed brickwork and “airy” tones.
Additionally, since taking the reins in 2021, Olly Way, landlord of The White Swan in Milton, has updated the pub to better serve both local residents and visitors from across Derbyshire, including hikers and tourists.
