We Londoners had to do a double-take on our commutes this morning as a floating, turquoise house seemed to have arrived on the Thames overnight. No, we didn’t all take the weekend too heavily. The brilliant Airbnb publicity stunt was to raise awareness and celebrate new rules that allow Londoners and fellow Brits to share their homes with travellers for up to 90 days a year — which can mean as much as a 15% pay rise on average annual incomes.
"London is already Airbnb’s third-largest city globally and one of the world’s top tourist destinations," James McClure, Airbnb’s UK Country Manager, said in a statement. "With these new, clear rules on home sharing, we expect more and more Londoners to open their homes to visitors from across the globe."
More than just a novelty, though, Floating House is a fully functional residence, complete with two bedrooms, a living room, bathroom, garden, doghouse, and even an apple tree.
"This project brings to life so many things we hold dear, from the whimsy
of our favourite Pixar films to the charming architecture of Primrose
Hill," explain Nick and Steve Tidball, twin brothers and the advertising creatives behind the home. "We love the idea that this house will see more in five days than
most other houses see in a hundred years."