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A rustic dining room built inside a hollowed-out tree, with thick, grey wooden beams curving across the ceiling and walls. A simple wooden table and two chairs sit on a green leaf-shaped rug, facing a small fire in a stone hearth.

You can now book a stay at Shrek’s swamp for free on Airbnb

Ogre fans can request to book the Scottish Highlands property for a free two-night stay this Halloween.

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Date
26 September 2023

Shrek is giving Barbie a run for its money. After Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse recently returned to Airbnb (this time hosted by Ken), the holiday rental platform has listed Shrek’s Swamp on its site. Located in the Scottish Highlands, the property is a real-life recreation of the homestead built by everyone’s favourite ogre.

According to Airbnb, anyone can request to book. One lucky group of three will be chosen for a two-night stay from 27-29 October, where they’ll experience all the luxuries of Shrek’s swamp – from “earwax candlelight” to the ogre’s iconic outhouse. The property was designed exclusively for this campaign, and is independently owned and operated by Ardverikie Estate.

A small cottage built into the base of a massive, weathered tree stump in a sun-dappled forest. Three rustic wooden signs in the foreground read “BEWARE”, “STAY OUT” and “DANGER”.
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Alix McIntosh: Airbnb, Shrek’s Swamp (Copyright © Alix McIntosh, 2023)

The promotional images – shot by Alix McIntosh and Tiny Ark – reveal a dedicated homage to the original swamp. There’s stumpy architecture, moss-covered rocks, a patchwork interior and even a hand-painted ‘Beware Ogre’ sign. Airbnb says an “on-site concierge” (probably Donkey) will ensure guests have a comfortable stay, helping with arranging meals and facilities – which include a toilet, sink and shower 20 metres away from the property.

It’s Nice That is currently awaiting comment from Airbnb on the purpose behind the campaign. What we do know is Shrek’s Swamp appears to be hosted by Donkey, who is swamp-sitting.

“Shrek’s Swamp is lovely. Just beautiful,” the host says. “The perfect place to entertain guests. You know what I like about it? Everything. The overgrown landscaping, the modest interiors, the nice boulders, all of it. I can’t wait for guests to experience this muddy slice of paradise for themselves.”

Airbnb will be making a one-time donation to HopScotch Children’s Charity as part of the campaign, which provides some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children with respite breaks.

Tiny Ark: Airbnb, Shrek’s Swamp (Copyright © Tiny Ark, 2023)

GalleryAlix McIntosh: Airbnb, Shrek’s Swamp (Copyright © Alix McIntosh, 2023)

A 3D render of a cosy bedroom built inside a hollowed-out tree. Thick, gnarled roots curve across the ceiling and walls, surrounding a wooden bed and a green patterned armchair.
A wooden sign in a forest reads “BEWARE” and “OGRE” around an illustration of Shrek. The sign is planted in a patch of greenery on a dirt path.
A small, rustic dwelling built into a mossy tree stump in a dense evergreen forest. A wooden door stands to the left, while a small circular window is nestled among thick, overgrown grass.
A small wooden cottage is built into the base of a massive, weathered tree stump in a dense forest. Green foliage grows over the roof, and small wooden signs stand in the sandy clearing in front.
A wooden bucket hangs from a thick branch extending from a grassy mound. Below it, a small, oval mirror is embedded in the greenery, reflecting a bright sky.
A rustic bedroom carved into a cave, with thick tree roots forming the ceiling and walls. A heavy wooden bed with a patterned quilt sits on a dirt floor, lit by a small lamp on a side table.
A rustic room with earthen walls and a dirt floor. A green patterned armchair sits beside a small window with pale curtains and a floor lamp.

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Alix McIntosh: Airbnb, Shrek’s Swamp (Copyright © Alix McIntosh, 2023)

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About the Author

Liz Gorny

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Liz (she/they) is the senior editor at Insights, a research-driven department within It’s Nice That. They previously ran the news section of the website. Get in contact with them for potential Insights collaborations or to discuss Insights’ public-facing reports.

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