Inside the hidden gem Airbnb that has been dubbed ‘the best in Greater Manchester’
A stylish Airbnb which was- once a run-down terraced house has been dubbed 'the best in Greater Manchester'. A guest who recently stayed at the stunning suite in Ramsbottom took to TikTok to share a glimpse inside - with the video having now racked up more than 104,000 views.
Awestruck TikTok users have since taken to the comments of the video titled 'POV: You found the best Airbnb in Greater Manchester,' eager to find out the name of the property in question. The hidden gem home is in fact called Alfred's, and it has been a labour of love for its owner Holly Stott, 34, from Rossendale.
Named after her nine-year-old son Alfred (Alfie), interior designer Holly snapped up the 'dilapidated' house in a bid to help her son get a head start onto the property ladder. She sold her car and got to work on transforming the home, which hadn't been updated for 20 years, into an Instagrammable space that would go on to become a 'guest favourite' on Airbnb.
READ MORE: Outrage over bed in Manchester conservatory listed for rent as £1,200 a month 'studio flat'
Holly, who is a Superhost on Airbnb, told the Manchester Evening News: "The idea came when I realised how difficult and expensive the current property market is to enter for young people. And as much as I would like Alfie to live with me forever, one day he will leave and it made me think what will it be like in ten years from now if most young people can't afford a deposit today.
"So I sold my car and bought the dilapidated terrace which comprises of two independent one bedroom apartments in the hope Alfred might get a head start with this one day."
Being an interior designer by trade, Holly designed the new layout and style by herself but, despite her job, she admitted it was a challenge. "You would have thought it would have been an easy task, however I've proven to be my own worst enemy - every single detail mattered.
"We named it the Sunshine Palace whilst we renovated as nearly every wall was bright yellow upstairs. It hadn't been updated for 20 years so a huge overhaul has taken place in the hope it will last another 20 or so."
Holly continued: "I wanted people to feel a luxurious sense of place where you could be anywhere when the door is closed. I spent months collecting old antiques with a story to tell and mixed them with high street finds, makers from independents across Europe and lime washed walls myself till 10pm at nights after working.
"It was a huge job, the house had to be fully re-roofed, a full damp course installed as we are below ground along with new full retaining stone walls to support the off-road parking as the existing church wall was falling in on us. Obviously I didn't notice any of that at the viewing."
Holly admitted: "I had no idea about structural problems and bought the house myself after one visit with no second opinion armed with the 'buy now worry later approach'!
"Luckily I have a brilliant boyfriend who managed and took care of a lot of the building works along with local trades and my dad who filled enough skips to last a lifetime. All in all I think it took a good five months, a few tears and plain hard work to complete Alfred's Suite One."
The sophisticated 'adults-only' abode welcomed its first guests in June last year, and since then, many have travelled from far and wide since to enjoy the space. The two-person hideaway has been carefully designed by Holly, with a moody intimate style featuring viola marble, sumptuous velvet furniture and hand picked antiques.
Inside the homely space is made up of a stylish yet comfortable living room, a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, a luxurious bedroom with a king size bed and a sleek bathroom There is also a cosy rear courtyard perfect for alfresco dining and a driveway with space for two cars.
Holly added: "We are very lucky to have regular bookings and the kindest feedback from guests. Many return on a monthly basis, small brands and companies use the space for marketing and we have recently just had our first engagement proposal there which looked incredible."
Alfred's - Suite One has a high rating of 4.92 out of 5 stars with some glowing feedback left on the Airbnb listing. A recent guest named Ilsa wrote: "Most gorgeous place i’ve stayed in, amazing service by Holly. Looking forward to coming back here more regularly."
One guest Benny said: "Amazing place 5* very helpful host everything was amazing the house was beautiful decorated very tastefully felt like heaven." Another guest Hannah also wrote: "The pictures don’t do this place justice. The bathroom is so lovely. The decor is stunning throughout. We had a lovely stay and will be back."
Prices to stay at Alfred's start at £145 per night.