The beloved Heeler family home from the hit Australian children’s TV series Bluey has been recreated in real life and will be made available to stay in for one weekend.
Brisbane, the city which inspired the show’s colourful animated backdrop, is home to the replica of the Heeler’s home, featuring details such as the red letterbox and Bluey’s toys.
The global phenomenon follows the adventures of Bluey – a loveable, inexhaustible six-year-old Blue Heeler dog – who lives with her mum Chilli, dad Bandit and little sister Bingo.
Nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street in one of Brisbane’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, the house is a collaboration between Airbnb and BBC studios and took two years to build. Despite the effort involved, it will be available to rent for only one weekend later this month.
“The Heeler house is almost a character in its own right,” said Madeleine Jelfs, Bluey senior marketing manager, BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand.
“We’ve been amazed at the outpouring of love the fans have shown for this iconic setting, and for all the beautiful Queensland locations the crew have so lovingly included across the three series.
“Bringing Bluey’s backdrop to life in such an ingenious and colourful way for our fans has been an absolute delight.”
Not just beloved by kids, the house on the show has become a talking point among parents, who have questioned how it is that Bluey’s parents – who work as an airport security guard and an archeologist – could afford the home, which is estimated to cost more than $1m in real life.
Last year comedian Zach Mander went so far as to suggest Bluey’s parents had paid for their house through involvement in the drug trade.
“The median pay for both these jobs in Australia is $67,000 and $22 an hour respectively,” he said in a video. “There is no way the bank is approving them for a mortgage on a million-plus home.
“It seems to me that Bluey’s parents could be up to some nefarious activities.”
Staying in the house will be a lot cheaper. This two-night stay, for one family of four, will take place from Friday February 18 to Sunday February 20 and cost AU$20. Airbnb says booking will open 15 February and it will go to whoever gets in first.
Guests will spot some familiar features like the red letterbox, bone-shaped chimney and bay window.
Inside, the girls’ playroom has a rainbow canopy, kiwi rug and numerous toys – including Bluey’s beloved Chattermax and magic xylophone.
Kids can stay overnight in Bluey and Bingo’s bedroom, equipped with two single beds fitted with a stained-glass window feature, hanging lanterns, cloud cushions and, of course, a watermelon rug.
“Like many parents with young children, I’ve been captivated by the adventures of Bluey and her family, which bring so much joy and quintessential Aussie humour to audiences across the globe,” said Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb manager for Australia and New Zealand.
“There will be nothing quite like waking up in the Heeler house and getting to live and breathe in Bluey’s magical world for one wondrous weekend.”
At this stage, there is no plan to make the house a permanent stay on Airbnb but Wheeldon said “never say never”.
