‘BEARBNB’ DREAM COME TRUE FOR WINNIE THE POOH FANS
A Winnie the Pooh-inspired Airbnb was part of Disney’s 95th anniversary celebrations of the lovable children’s book character.
The Bearbnb, situated in Ashdown Forest just south of London and inspired by A.A. Milne’s original tales in the Hundred Acre Wood, gave Winnie the Pooh fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the iconic world of Pooh and Friends.
Disney-appointed Winnie the Pooh illustrator Kim Raymond hosted the Airbnb stay. Raymond, who curated the Bearbnb, has been drawing the iconic bear for over 30 years. He brought Pooh’s house to life by taking inspiration from the original decorations of E.H. Shepard.
The custom-built Bearbnb is fit for Pooh and his adventures with Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore and friends. It has exposed tree branches wrapped around the doorway with “Mr. Sanders” inscribed above and bespoke wallpaper.
If guests take a peek inside kitchen cupboards, they’ll find shelves stocked full of ‘hunny’ pots.
Alongside the charming references to the original Pooh tales, the house was fully kitted out for guests to enjoy a relaxing family stay, including a double bed on the ground floor, and a mezzanine area with two comfortable single beds.
The lounge space came fully equipped with a cozy seating and dining area for guests to appreciate a “smackerel” or two.
During each stay, guests were taken on a guided tour through the original Hundred Acre Wood, played Poohsticks on the iconic Poohsticks Bridge and enjoyed locally sourced hunny-inspired meals.
The Bearbnb was also stocked with a host of wellness products to encourage guests to embrace their natural surroundings and live more like Pooh, who is famous for going at his own pace. The products include yoga mats, journals and throws.
Catherine Powell, Airbnb global head of hosting said: “Winnie the Pooh is a childhood jewel beloved by families the world over. This year, the original books celebrate their 95th anniversary. What better way to commemorate A.A. Milne’s classic work than with these two once-in-a-lifetime stays in the original Hundred Acre Wood. A perfect place to do nothing. As Pooh said, “doing ‘Nothing’ often leads to the very best Something.”
House rules:
•Strictly no “heffalumps” inside the house.
•Hands are to be kept out of the honey pots.
•A snack of “a little something” encouraged at 11 a.m.
•Poohsticks is mandatory.
•Multiple naps are permitted.
•No pets (other than Roos, Tiggers, Eeyores and Piglets and Pooh Bears)
•Maximum four guests per stay; up to three children
•No smoking, you’ll upset the bees.