‘Game of Thrones’ Airbnbs Take Fans to Westeros – Including Rose Leslie’s Childhood Home

Fire, blood, battles and betrayal: game of thrones is back.

As viewers around the world plan how and where to watch the Dragon House premiering on August 22, a dedicated trio of superfans transformed their homes for a showing fit for Westeros royalty — and, we’re all invited.

Venture North of the Wall in Scotland, UK

In Aberdeenshire, Scotland, James Davies and his parents are offering rooms to rent at Lickleyhead Castle, the childhood home of actress Rose Leslie who played the fiery-haired wildling Ygritte on the HBO series.

For £215 ($260) a night, fans can sleep inside the 15th-century castle where Leslie lived until she was 10, among spiral staircases, four-poster beds and imposing turrets.

“The castle has a strong link with game of thronesnot only because Rose Leslie grew up here, but also because of its stunning medieval features,” says Davies, 38, who is also the castle’s general manager.

“Each part of the castle has a different theme representing its history and each room resembles a different region of the Seven Kingdoms.

“We have a medieval bedroom draped in bearskins and tapestries and there is a 16th century style box bed in another. It’s like entering another world. »

Leslie, whose character was known for her hot temper and brusque manners, rose to fame with her withering bashing, “You don’t know shit Jon Snow,” before marrying her on-screen lover, played by Kit Harrington, in 2018.

After moving, her family still owned the chateau and eventually returned to list it on Airbnb in 2016, with former guests even raving about Leslie’s homemade chicken dinners. The property was sold to the Davies family three years ago and has undergone a major overhaul.

Lickleyhead Castle has been transformed since the sale of the Leslies to the Davies family.  Photo: James Davies

“There are shot holes in the turrets and three spiral staircases where you feel like you could bump into the series characters Cersei Lannister or Margaery Tyrell,” Davies explains.

“The renovations add a touch of luxury to the original features and the result is quite spectacular.”

Despite its location in the north, Davies feels the castle would be too lavish for the Stark family, who act as guardians of the north in the series and are beloved by fans for their rough edges.

“Lickleyhead is a bit more sophisticated than Winterfell,” he says. “I would say there’s more of a King’s Landing vibe. It’s truly gorgeous with an almost whimsical feel.

Lickelyhead was built in 1499 and is the ancestral seat of Clan Leslie. Set in 4 hectares of land, it has a large hall, stone stairs and the original open fireplace.

With its seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the castle is ideal for parties.

“I am a huge game of thrones fan myself and can’t wait for the prequel to be released,” says Davies.

“We even have a collection of medieval-style costumes for fans to dress up as their favorite characters and re-enact the most memorable scenes.”

Dungeons and Dragons of Kentucky, USA

In Kentucky, USA, Wayne Ebersohl, 51, and Rachel Johnson, 46, spent $100,000 to transform their one-bedroom apartment into a abode fit for a dragon queen, complete with a king-size bed. size canopy, an iron throne, a dungeon and handcrafted weaponry decorating the velvet-lined space.

A stern warning carved into the woodwork predicts “winter is coming,” while stained glass windows, gilded dragon doorknobs and a castle gate set the stage for fiery drama for $155 a night.

Kentucky's Airbnb is fit for a dragon queen.  Photo: Bo Stamper

“For hardcore fans, there’s no better place to get in on the action,” says Ebersohl. “We spent three months transforming our apartment into a medieval fortress and people love it.

“We’ve had well-known celebrities and actors linked to game of thrones as guests, as well as several professional sportsmen.

For Ebersohl and Johnson, it was essential to provide a unique experience and create something they could be proud of.

“We wanted to give guests the feeling that they were staying in a medieval castle, rather than just throwing in a few game of thrones posters on the walls,” he says.

“The whole piece is eye-catching. We also hired a blacksmith from Ukraine to make the shield with hand axes and spears.

White walkers in Colmar, France

In Colmar, France, Morgan Rebouche, 37, has transformed his one-bedroom property into a Winterfell-inspired castle, complete with a life-size iron throne, medieval arms and a sculptural four-poster bed.

A white walker roommate is also on hand to welcome guests to the property, while a watchful dragon watches over things in the bathroom.

This Airbnb in France brings the magic of Westeros to life.  Photo: Morgan Rebouche

“I’m a big boy game of thrones fan and I wanted to create something from another world,” says Rebouche. “One of the most unique features is the white walker built into the wall.

“It faces the entrance, so as soon as you open the door, it’s there in your face. However, the Iron Throne is the centerpiece, of course.

“In the bathroom, it’s all about Daenerys and her dragons. There’s a dragon’s eye fixed in the wall and three dragon eggs, which really brings the theme to life.

Fans of the series can snuggle up under rustic furs by the glow of old torch sconces while watching the Dragon House the prequel runs for €93 ($92) per night.

“People love it,” says Rebouche. “It really captures the magic of Westeros.”

Updated: August 17, 2022, 2:37 p.m.

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