Harry Potter-themed Airbnb owners ‘traumatized' after finding $6K in damages: ‘We never thought this could happen'

Yahoo

27-02-2025

The place looked like it had been rented by the Whomping Willow.
Owners of a Harry Potter-themed Airbnb in the UK were 'traumatized' after guests ransacked the rental, causing over $6,000 in damage — including smashed furniture and brown stains on the mattress.
'It has been extremely difficult for us to deal with,' Sadie, who opted to keep her last name private, told South West News Service while recalling the carnage. 'We never thought this could happen.'
The 30-year-old Watford, Hertfordshire resident reportedly has several listings on Airbnb and Booking.com.
Among the 'most popular spots,' per Sadie, are three Harry Potter-inspired abodes in her hometown, which are targeted at families going on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London.
'We've had the rental open nearly a year and only ever hosted nice family guests,' said Sadie.
The dental hygienist said that one of these magical flats had been rented by two adults on February 15 through Booking.com.
Everything seemed to be copasetic until Sadie's brother, who helps run the property, entered the premises following their departure and found that they had been turned completely upside down.
According to Sadie, the vandals had smashed several glasses, broke the sofa-bed and destroyed the TV. The mattresses, meanwhile, were stained by a combination of hot chocolate and coffee.
If that wasn't bad enough, the duvets and sheets had been doused with water while the walls, blinds, carpets and radiators were completely soaked in Fanta.
Damage was also done to the carpet and wi-fi router, according to a 'criminal damage' report Sadie filed with the Hertfordshire Police.
'It's difficult to see someone violate the space in this way,' Sadie lamented, who said the damages totaled around $6,300, including two cleanings and the cost of replacing the mattress, TV, sofa bed and Wi-Fi router.
'It's been tough to take in everything that has been damaged,' said Sadie. 'Right now, all we can do is absorb the immediate costs.'
She was also forced to relocate guests who had booked the property.
The Brit said she found the destruction particularly disheartening given all the 'time and effort we put in to make these spaces magical for the children who come to visit.'
'We have had so many lovely messages left in our guest book from children who enjoyed their stay,' she said.
Sadie has since contacted Booking but said they weren't too helpful.
'They got back saying damages done by guest are not their responsibility but that we should send some photos and video so they can address it fully,' she said. 'We haven't heard back since providing those images.'
Police are currently investigating the incident.