A backyard igloo, built by young artists in Brooklyn following this weekend’s blizzard, has been shut down by Airbnb after the short-term rental service decided that it didn’t meet “occupancy standards.”
The shutdown notice from Airbnb reads:
I am contacting you today regarding your new listing, the “Boutique Winter Igloo for 2.” We are happy to see that you guys are staying busy and having fun during Blizpocalypse. Unfortunately, your igloo, while very well constructed, has failed to meet our occupancy standards and has been removed from search results. As an appreciator of fine igloos around the world, I did want to offer you a coupon that you can use to book your first reservation as a guest. Please be sure to pick a place with running water, electricity, and a roof that doesn’t melt!
Patrick Horton, who built the igloo in his Greenpoint backyard with the aid of his roommates, has now listed the igloo on Craiglist.
“Me and my roommates actually had this idea a few months ago,” the 28-year-old art director tells us. “Once we got it in our heads, we were pretty dedicated to the idea.”
Listing the primitive structure on Airbnb was part of the plan all along.
“The blizzard was intense,” says Horton. Once they realized they’d have enough snow, he and his roommates started digging. “We piled it all up on the first day, we probably had an 8-foot-high pile. We started watching igloo-making videos on YouTube when we first heard about the storm, but we mostly just winged it.”
Complete with blankets, pillows, and electric lights (take that, Airbnb), the igloo is ready for you to move in. “We could definitely use the cash,” says Horton. You can if you're interested.