Modest townhouse home to unexpected Harry Potter magic inside
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leader Live
2 hours ago
- Leader Live
Dame Helen Mirren: I am such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy
It comes after Amazon MGM Studios, which has taken creative control over the 007 character, revealed last month that Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight would be writing the script for the next film. The Oscar-winning actress told Saga Magazine: 'I'm such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can't have a woman. It just doesn't work. 'James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else.' Dame Helen, 80, stars alongside former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan in the new Thursday Murder Club film, a cosy crime drama adapted from the best-selling book by game show host Richard Osman. Brosnan, 72, agreed with the actress about the next portrayal of Bond and told the magazine: 'Oh, I think it has to be a man.' He added: 'I wish (Amazon) them well. I'm so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character. 'I adore the world of James Bond. It's been very good to me. It's the gift that keeps giving. 'And I'm just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: 'Show us what you're going to do'.' Dame Helen previously told the Standard that 'the whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism' and added: 'Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, they always have been.' In the forthcoming Thursday Murder Club film, the veteran actress plays a retired spy, who is also the founder and leader of the club. Speaking about her character Elizabeth, she told Saga: 'So many women have worked in that world. She's a manifestation of a reality, that's for sure.' Asked if she is a better portrayal of a spy than Bond, Dame Helen said: 'More realistic. But not so much fun as Bond!' She added: 'The great thing about a movie like this is that it reminds everyone, as an older person I have a brain, I have agency, energy, commitment, passion and intellect. It doesn't all stop when you're 40.' Brosnan said the movie, directed by Harry Potter director Chris Columbus, would also appeal to anyone who likes the film series about wizardry and added: 'This is like a Harry Potter retirement home.' The film, which lands on Netflix on August 28, follows a crime-busting group of retirees, played by Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen, Mamma Mia! star Brosnan, Calendar Girls actress Celia Imrie and Gandhi star Sir Ben Kingsley. You can read the full interview in Saga Magazine's September issue.
South Wales Guardian
2 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Dame Helen Mirren: I am such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy
It comes after Amazon MGM Studios, which has taken creative control over the 007 character, revealed last month that Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight would be writing the script for the next film. The Oscar-winning actress told Saga Magazine: 'I'm such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can't have a woman. It just doesn't work. 'James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else.' Dame Helen, 80, stars alongside former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan in the new Thursday Murder Club film, a cosy crime drama adapted from the best-selling book by game show host Richard Osman. Brosnan, 72, agreed with the actress about the next portrayal of Bond and told the magazine: 'Oh, I think it has to be a man.' He added: 'I wish (Amazon) them well. I'm so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character. 'I adore the world of James Bond. It's been very good to me. It's the gift that keeps giving. 'And I'm just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: 'Show us what you're going to do'.' Dame Helen previously told the Standard that 'the whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism' and added: 'Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, they always have been.' In the forthcoming Thursday Murder Club film, the veteran actress plays a retired spy, who is also the founder and leader of the club. Speaking about her character Elizabeth, she told Saga: 'So many women have worked in that world. She's a manifestation of a reality, that's for sure.' Asked if she is a better portrayal of a spy than Bond, Dame Helen said: 'More realistic. But not so much fun as Bond!' She added: 'The great thing about a movie like this is that it reminds everyone, as an older person I have a brain, I have agency, energy, commitment, passion and intellect. It doesn't all stop when you're 40.' Brosnan said the movie, directed by Harry Potter director Chris Columbus, would also appeal to anyone who likes the film series about wizardry and added: 'This is like a Harry Potter retirement home.' The film, which lands on Netflix on August 28, follows a crime-busting group of retirees, played by Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen, Mamma Mia! star Brosnan, Calendar Girls actress Celia Imrie and Gandhi star Sir Ben Kingsley. You can read the full interview in Saga Magazine's September issue.
The Herald Scotland
3 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Dame Helen Mirren: I am such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy
The Oscar-winning actress told Saga Magazine: 'I'm such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can't have a woman. It just doesn't work. 'James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else.' Dame Helen Mirren stars in the new Thursday Murder Club film (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Dame Helen, 80, stars alongside former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan in the new Thursday Murder Club film, a cosy crime drama adapted from the best-selling book by game show host Richard Osman. Brosnan, 72, agreed with the actress about the next portrayal of Bond and told the magazine: 'Oh, I think it has to be a man.' He added: 'I wish (Amazon) them well. I'm so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character. 'I adore the world of James Bond. It's been very good to me. It's the gift that keeps giving. 'And I'm just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: 'Show us what you're going to do'.' Dame Helen previously told the Standard that 'the whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism' and added: 'Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, they always have been.' In the forthcoming Thursday Murder Club film, the veteran actress plays a retired spy, who is also the founder and leader of the club. Speaking about her character Elizabeth, she told Saga: 'So many women have worked in that world. She's a manifestation of a reality, that's for sure.' Pierce Brosnan and Dame Helen Mirren on the cover of Saga Magazine (Saga Magazine/Giles Keyte/Netflix/PA) Asked if she is a better portrayal of a spy than Bond, Dame Helen said: 'More realistic. But not so much fun as Bond!' She added: 'The great thing about a movie like this is that it reminds everyone, as an older person I have a brain, I have agency, energy, commitment, passion and intellect. It doesn't all stop when you're 40.' Brosnan said the movie, directed by Harry Potter director Chris Columbus, would also appeal to anyone who likes the film series about wizardry and added: 'This is like a Harry Potter retirement home.' The film, which lands on Netflix on August 28, follows a crime-busting group of retirees, played by Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen, Mamma Mia! star Brosnan, Calendar Girls actress Celia Imrie and Gandhi star Sir Ben Kingsley. You can read the full interview in Saga Magazine's September issue.
