Modest townhouse home to unexpected Harry Potter magic inside
Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac, a three-storey pebbledash townhouse blends seamlessly with its neighbours - but once you step inside, it's obvious it's a world apart. As you open the door to the light-filled hallway, you're welcomed by a duplicate of the iconic Platform 9 3⁄4, devised by JK Rowling in her phenomenally successful Harry Potter series.
The tale of the young wizard unfolded over seven books, which were subsequently adapted into eight blockbuster films at Leavesden Studios in London. After the film production wrapped up, a studio tour was launched, offering fans an insider's view into the making of the movies, complete with detailed sets and original props.
To celebrate my niece's 10th birthday, we organised a surprise trip to London to experience the tour and let her live out all her Hufflepuff fantasies.
My sister-in-law discovered The Wizarding House on Airbnb, a townhouse that has been meticulously transformed into a stylish and chic homage to all things Harry Potter.
The faux Platform 9 3⁄4 in the entrance is just the beginning, and it sets the scene perfectly. It even features suitcases vanishing halfway through the wall as though they're journeying into the magical wizarding world.
The ground floor houses a spacious kitchen-diner. With its soothing grey floor tiles, light grey cupboards and a blue kitchen island, the references to the beloved franchise are more understated here, but no less impactful.
A hefty wooden table seating eight is flanked by fabric banners representing the Hogwarts Houses, as well as a large framed print of the iconic school.
A model of the Hogwarts Express - the red and black locomotive that transports students to their lessons in the colossal castle - is displayed in a glass case.
Underneath the staircase, there's a cupboard which flawlessly replicates Harry Potter's pitiful excuse for a bedroom during his time with his heartless aunt and uncle, the Dursleys. It even features potion books and Harry's miniature army figures.
The meticulous attention to detail is striking - the melamine cups are colour-coded to match the Hogwarts houses of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin - and even the plates and utensils storage jar bear Harry Potter themes.
French doors open onto a spacious, tranquil garden rounding off the ground floor. Ascending upstairs, the corridor is decked out with paintings, wands and signs evoking the revered corridors of Hogwarts.
On the first floor lies the living room, modelled after Sirius Black's ancestral home at 12 Grimmauld Place, complete with a wallpaper replica of the Black family tree tapestry - right down to certain members' faces being blotted out in black.
There's a large, snug corner sofa, spellbooks, Lego models and more to thrill any Harry Potter enthusiast.
The bedroom on this level is styled in the vein of Slytherin - think moody black and dark green hues with plenty of references to the serpent.
The top floor boasts two more bedrooms - one inspired by Gryffindor and the other by the 'avis' spell which summons birds - both of which are utterly enchanting. The Gryffindor room is filled with a collection of wands and numerous props that pay homage to the magical universe.
The shower room on this level is designed in the style of the Ministry of Magic, featuring forest green tiles with black grout, and an abundance of 'wanted' posters.
We were absolutely amazed by the meticulous attention to detail in the décor and styling - especially my niece, who was completely captivated by every single element and twist. I don't think I've ever seen her quite so excited.
The hosts even organised balloons and a message mimicking the Hogwarts acceptance letter to welcome her to the property, a truly thoughtful, sweet gesture that enhanced her experience.
The Airbnb is just a 15-minute stroll from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden, making it ideally located for those eager to have a home away from home while completing the tour.
I'd certainly recommend booking for the Harry Potter enthusiasts in your life.
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