To the outside world, 'The Golf Open' presents itself as an entirely ordinary mid-terraced house on a quiet street on the outskirts of Southport. Yet, as the old adage goes, looks can be profoundly deceiving. This converted property, regularly rented out to holidaymakers via platforms like Airbnb, has left many local residents utterly baffled, particularly after glimpsing its extraordinary interiors.
A Villa with a Vision
Listed on Airbnb as a 'stunning villa with garden', the property's advertisement features photographs showcasing a large exterior terrace at the rear, complete with artificial turf. The owners appear eager to leverage its proximity to the prestigious Royal Birkdale Golf Club, with the listing enthusiastically promising: 'Multiple living spaces - plenty of room for birdies, bogeys, and post-round BBQs!'
The cost for such a unique experience is notably high, with a two-night stay for a couple priced at a substantial £2,960. The house itself has been meticulously converted into three separate flats, but it is the unparalleled decor that has truly captured public attention and sparked widespread conversation.
Interiors That Divide Opinion
Since its listing last year, images of the property's interior have circulated rapidly across online forums. House hunters and commentators have struggled to categorise the aesthetic, famously describing it as 'like an office from the 1980s crossed with a Sultan's palace'. This fusion of styles creates a striking, if controversial, visual impact.
The design scheme is characterised by an extreme preference for leather furniture and a bold, intriguing colour palette. These elements combine to imbue each of the largely windowless flats with a distinct sense of oriental sophistication, albeit one that significantly divides local and online opinion.
Local Perspectives on a Peculiar Let
When visited recently, several locals confirmed the property's popularity despite its unconventional appearance. One resident observed: 'You certainly wouldn't think it looked like this from the outside and it is certainly out of keeping from the rest of the street and the area. It seems very popular and there's always people going in and out.'
They added a note on its appeal to visitors: 'People visiting Southport won't know the area so will see the photos and not realise it's down a back street. It's a great location for the promenade, bars and restaurants so people staying for a couple of days probably won't mind where it is.'
Another local offered a more critical view on both value and taste: 'It's certainly not to my taste. It's a bit over-the-top. I doubt anyone will pay that kind of money for the place. There are nicer areas of Southport to choose from if someone is spending so much.'
They also highlighted a practical concern, noting: 'Flats on this street normally sell for £70,000 to £80,000 but they are obviously not as flashy as this one. You'd be mad to buy the place. You can't even park outside because of the double yellow lines. The decor is excessive to say the least.'
Scathing Online Reviews
On popular property commentary sites, reviews of 'The Golf Open' have been decidedly less flattering, often employing hyperbolic humour to critique the interiors. One commenter stated: 'Normally in these situations, I’d suggest looking at the virtual tour. However, I’ve just done that and now I want to set fire to my eyeballs and live a blind, tree-based existence as far away from Southport as possible.'
Another reviewer reported a physical reaction, saying: 'I don't usually get migraines, but about 3 pictures in I felt one coming on.' These reviews underscore the polarising nature of the property's extravagant design choices, which seem to captivate as much as they repel.
Despite the divided opinions, 'The Golf Open' stands as a testament to the bold and unconventional world of holiday rentals, where unique aesthetics can command premium prices and generate significant buzz, for better or worse.
