An Airbnb featuring a giant shark crashing through the roof faces closure after official backlash, urging visitors to come quickly.
A unique Airbnb property known as the Shark House is facing closure due to local council decisions.
This unusual house, located in Oxford, UK, features a giant 25-foot shark sticking out of its roof.
Dr. Magnus Hanson-Heine has run the quirky rental for five years, attracting tourists.
However, recent developments threaten its future.
The Airbnb famous for describing giant shark plunging into roof
The Shark House was created by Dr. Hanson-Heine’s father, Bill Heine, in 1986.
Bill built the sculpture without official permission, which sparked a lot of debate at the time.
Despite the controversy, the shark has become a beloved Oxford landmark, attracting visitors for photos and a unique experience.
Dr. Hanson-Heine has rented out the Shark House on Airbnb, allowing guests to stay in a home that is also a piece of art.
Many people have praised their experiences, giving the property high ratings.
The house can accommodate up to ten guests, with prices for a two-night stay reaching over $2,500.
The council decided to ban the Shark House rental.
Recently, Oxford City Council decided to enforce a ban on short-term rentals like the Shark House.
This decision came after a neighbor complained about the house being used as a rental instead of a residential property.
The council claims that this change in use affects the community and housing availability.
“Where properties have changed from being residential homes to becoming short-let businesses without planning approval, we do take enforcement action,” weighed in Councillor Linda Smith, Oxford City Council’s cabinet member for housing.
They added: “We live in one the least affordable places for housing in the UK.
There are nearly 800 properties let out entirely as short lets in Oxford, and we need those for people to live in and not as holiday accommodation.”
Dr. Hanson-Heine appealed the decision
He argued that he had not received any complaints from neighbors.
He believes that the council is unfairly targeting his property as part of a broader effort to crack down on short-term rentals in the area.
“The Shark House is a major tourist attraction, not just a regular family home.
It’s been a delight to be able to open it up to members of the public to celebrate it with us, and I will continue to do so for as long as I can,” he said.
“I’ve yet to hear any complaints from our neighbors, even during the planning appeal, and the inspector found no such harm in his decision,” he continued.
“Certain elements of the council have just used this as an excuse to score some cheap political points by going after a local landmark at the expense of the public,” he said.
“This does nothing meaningful to help people looking for homes, and after March all they will have done is to rob people who want to experience this piece of Oxford’s history from the inside.
“Oxford’s tourism and accommodation sector will be significantly poorer for it.”
The appeal process
Dr. Hanson-Heine’s appeal was denied, forcing him to stop renting the property by March 11, 2025.
He feels this decision will negatively impact Oxford’s tourism industry.
The Shark House is not just a rental; it is a unique attraction that brings visitors to the city.
In his defense, Dr. Hanson-Heine mentioned that he has consistently received five-star reviews from guests.
He expressed frustration with the council’s actions, claiming they are not considering the positive impact the Shark House has on local tourism.
He said, “This does nothing meaningful to help people looking for homes.”
The community has mixed feelings about the Shark House.
Some support the council’s decision, believing it will help preserve residential neighborhoods.
Others appreciate the quirky property and its contribution to local tourism.
Many visitors have expressed sadness online about the potential closure of the Shark House.
How many other Air B&B properties are the council investigating in this way? Or are they just maintaining a decades old vendetta against the late Bill Heine?
How many other Air B&B properties are the council investigating in this way?
Or are they just maintaining a decades old vendetta against the late Bill Heine? One user said.
What a hideous sight. However, there’s a new plan in operation.
The house will be forcibly purchased by the council and shark replaced by a statue of George Floyd.
This meaning the building will have listed status, the second user explained.
Do you know there’s a shark sticking out of the roof? You hum it son and I’ll play it! The third user wrote.
And planners refuse an old vulnerable lady an 18-inch picket fence This country is fd, another user commented.
Dr. Hanson-Heine has encouraged people to visit the Shark House while they still can.
He believes the property is a significant part of Oxford’s culture and history.
He stated, “Come while you still can,” urging tourists to experience the house before it potentially closes.