English Heritage launches new Audley End cottage only on Airbnb

To celebrate the launch of the brand new English Heritage holiday cottage at Audley End – The Head Gardener’s House – all of English Heritage’s cottages are now available on Airbnb as part of the Historical Homes category.

Based in the beautiful grounds of Jacobean mansion Audley End House, near Saffron Walden in Essex, the property – once the home to Audley End’s Head Gardener – has undergone an extensive conservation and refurbishment programme, made possible following Airbnb’s £1.25m donation to English Heritage last year.  

The Head Gardener’s House is one of the charity’s many conservation projects supported by the donation, helping to restore and preserve England’s history for generations to come. The Head Gardener’s House will open in spring 2023. 

One of the largest and historically important houses in Jacobean England, Audley End has much to offer, with beautiful interiors, working stables, elegant garden buildings and delightful planting. 

Other English Heritage properties now available on Airbnb include the Coastguard’s Cottage at Lindisfarne Priory, which overlooks the unspoiled coastline of the Farne Islands and beyond, Refectory Cottage in Yorkshire, sat within the grounds of Rievaulx Abbey amidst the rolling North Yorkshire countryside, and Sovereign’s Gate on the Isle of White, commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as the formal entrance to Osborn.

Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb, said: “People from all over the world travel to the UK to enjoy England’s rich cultural history, bringing benefits to rural communities across the country. By restoring and protecting these important buildings and landmarks, we’re ensuring they continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. 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.”

New Hosts on Airbnb last year collectively earned over £180 million in income between January and September 2022 in the UK alone, with the average new Host earning nearly £2,800 over the same period*. 

Kate Mavor CBE, Chief Executive at English Heritage, said: “We have more than 400 historic sites in our care and, as an independent charity, we rely on donations such as Airbnb’s to protect these incredible places for the future. Their 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.”

English Heritage offers self-catering properties at 15 locations across England, ranging from castle towers to a coastguard’s cottage, with all now available to book on Airbnb. The properties sleep between two and eight people, and include free entry to English Heritage sites during the stay, free tickets for English Heritage events, and a 10% discount in English Heritage shops, cafes and tearooms.

IT’S NEVER BEEN EASIER TO HOST

Whether your goal is to travel more, to offset holiday season costs, or combat the rising cost of living, hosting on Airbnb has never been easier.

With the introduction of Airbnb Setup, the all-new, super easy way to Airbnb your home, new Hosts can access one-to-one guidance from a Superhost; the opportunity to have an experienced guest for your first booking; and specialised support from Airbnb Community Support agents in over 42 languages.

All Hosts also get even more AirCover, now featuring even more top-to-bottom protection, with guest identity verification, reservation screening, and USD $3M damage protection, including coverage for cars, boats, art and valuables.

For more, visit Airbnb.com/host.