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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Business
Storm Newton

Woman who rents out her quirky chapel as an Airbnb

A Liverpool Airbnb host has told the ECHO Eurovision fans should expect an explosion of food, history and music when they visit the city this summer.

Gill Gradden bought her apartment set in an historic Welsh chapel in Crosby a little over a year ago. The space was initially converted in 2017 and retains many original features, including doors and signage.

She said: "The chapel has lovely big rooms and thick stone walls making it cosy in winter and cool in summer. One of our recent guests from Australia remembered going to the chapel with her grandparents and the services and Sunday school which was held there."

READ MORE: Quirky former guesthouse to go under the hammer

Gill can't wait to showcase what the city has to offer to people around the world as Eurovision gets underway in May. She added: "I think Eurovision will show what an amazing city we have to our visitors.

"The whole foodie, culture, history and music vibe the city has to offer - not to mention friendly locals."

Inside, the apartment features a blend of old and new, with a modern kitchen and original features (Gill Gradden)

Gill's comments come after Airbnb issued a call for Liverpudlians to rent out their homes for the event.

The price of hotel accommodation in the city skyrocketed to upwards of £700 when Liverpool was named as the Eurovision host city, with some reports of people's bookings being cancelled to accommodate the new wave of demand willing to pay a higher price.

Gill is a huge fan of everything Crosby has to offer (UGC TMY)

Gill said she thinks staying in Airbnbs outside of the city centre gives visitors the best of both worlds, she added: "The city will be exceptionally busy, and whilst the buzz and atmosphere will be amazing, to travel ten minutes out to enjoy the relaxation of the beach, our amazing Bus Yard food and music venue, cafes and walks would give them a great experience."

Gill who describes herself as born and bred in Liverpool, reduced the hours in her busy healthcare career to host guests and do some travelling herself.

Her two-bed apartment by the sea mixes modern touches with original features and even has its own resident gargoyle.

The chapel apartment even has its own resident gargoyle (Gill Gradden)

After taking over the space, Gill said she expected a "few weekend bookings", but has since welcomed a lot more guests than anticipated. She said: "People work hard to pay for their holiday time so we ensure we pay attention to those finishing touches to make their stay special.

"Of course Eurovision will be the big event for the city this year. We did not hike our prices as in the current climate everyone is struggling for treats and holidays."

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