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Airbnb has really been leaning into the weirder side of its platform recently. Properties like this giant shell-shaped house and this remote cabin on stilts are now easier to find than ever thanks to its new filter system, which allows you to search by categories like ‘island’, ‘windmill’ or ‘OMG!’ And now the company is even offering a load of cash to people who want to create their own epic rentals.
That’s right – if you’ve ever thought about becoming a host, now’s the time. You’ll get a lump sum of $100,000 (£81,000) from a dedicated $10 million (£8.13 million) fund, set up to help you create the most ridiculous home imaginable. The only snag is that it’s got to fit into that ‘OMG!’ category, which has apparently been clicked on more than 2.5 million times since it launched last month. Seems like we’re all craving the strangest possible getaways.
Wondering how much you could earn as a host? The company says the average income for people on its platform is around $13,800 (£11,216) a year. And we reckon the weirder rentals could rake in a lot more than that.
If you’re interested in pitching an idea, you’re going to have to be quick. You’ve got until July 22 – about a month from now – to submit your crazy idea on the official ‘OMG! Fund’ page. The judging panel includes fashion legend Iris Apfel, architect Koichi Takada and Potato Hotel host Kristie Wolfe. Our advice? Grab a pen and paper and let your imagination run riot.
More spectacular rentals:
Stay in this isolated windmill on a Greek island
Check out this mirrored treehouse in the middle of an English wood
This crane pod in Amsterdam might just be the weirdest home on Airbnb