Little neighcation? Airbnb features shared barn with mini horse

By Isobel Williams

A unique Airbnb which offers the chance to spend the night in a barn with a miniature horse is available - for upwards of £180 a night (over $200).

Brittany Sparham, 28, started renting out her barn on the holiday site near Thurgarton, Notts., during the pandemic due to an increase in the popularity of staycations.

Since the rustic property would share its wall with the stables, the owner decided it would be fun to create a door so that visitors could see their equine neighbor, Basil.

Now, the barn has become extremely popular with animal lovers who want to spend a night with the 12-year-old miniature Shetland pony.

The holiday let, which is on the grounds of a 17th-century manor, is available for a minimum of two nights starting from £360.

Brittany said: “At first, we just had the idea to rent out the outbuilding, as there was a huge surge of people looking for staycations because of COVID.

“But with Basil's stable directly next to it we thought, why not do something really unique and open up the doorway between the two rooms, so guests could see Basil.

“It works out well for Basil, too, as he always has company and gets lots of fuss and attention.

“Basil is a very chilled individual. He loves playing out with his friends in the field during the day, but also gets very excited to come into his stable for the night.

“We just open the gate from the field, and he runs right in on his own, he knows he gets lots of attention and all the hay to himself for the night.”

The barn is fitted with a kitchen, a bathroom, a double bed, and bunk beds, which allow it to sleep four guests.

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Guests have access to an open outdoor log fire with bbq grill and an outdoor tiki hut, and can take a stroll across the bridge to look at the cows, sheep and horses.

After some videos were posted on social media by visitors, the stable stay has taken off in popularity, with Brittany saying that they are sometimes booked up a year in advance.

Guests aren’t able to feed Basil, but tools are provided for them to brush him, and they are able to help clear his stables if wanted.

The listing on Airbnb does warn that since you will be living with a horse, there is a chance of noises and smells.

Brittany added, “It was quite slow going for the first few months, until word got out, but then it’s been really booked up ever since. At some points, we’ve been fully booked a year in advance.

“From strangers, sometimes it’s mixed reactions, people think it might smell or be too noisy, but everyone who stays loves it.

“Lots of people have fallen in love with Basil’s cheeky character and come back to stay often; some guests we’ve had return seven or eight times over the years.

“We’ve had him for over 10 years, since he was just 2 years old, so he’s a very much loved and well-respected member of our family.”

In the paddocks they also have a herd of Highland cows, Hebridean sheep, horses, pigs, chickens and Norwegian Forrest cats.

Since they started five years ago, things have mostly gone smoothly, despite one incident of a rogue sheep pooping on the bed.

Brittany said, “We live onsite and keep a close eye on things, so it’s rare to have any issues. But once our rescued pet sheep jumped over into the room and pooed all over the bed just before the guests checked in, so that was a bit of a surprise for all of us.

“Luckily, the guests found it hilarious, and we were still there to clean up. But the sheep got banned from sleepovers after that!”