A homeowner has built a 25ft replica of the Blackpool Tower in his back garden.
Doug Smith, 63, built a mini version of Blackpool's famous promenade after making a bet with his friend as to who could create the best beer garden. Using a large replica of the world-famous Blackpool tower bought from a scrapheap in Preston, Doug placed the giant structure on top of his shed.
He then added an Irish-themed bar and has recently converted an annexe, originally built for his paraplegic father, into guest accommodation. Having won the bet with his friend, Doug was delighted - until the police and licensing department called round.
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Doug said: “We did get a visit from the police and the licencing department. They were absolutely stunned by how good the pub was and they were very complimentary.
“But they said as soon as you have a standard licence, you have to pay more for Sky TV, so we just got a license letting us open 15 times a year. We have charity dos and special day events."
Following the success of his pub, Doug has opened up the annexe in Blackpool to Airbnb guests for £120 a night. It sleeps four people and even has a pool where guests can relax in the shadow of a scaled-down version of the beloved landmark, which can be seen for miles around.
Doug said: “The pub is still the pub and going strong. But we’ve decided to turn our three-room annex into an Airbnb. It’s a large bedroom, with a very large lounge and good-sized bedroom and decking outside. And the pub is on the guest’s doorstep.”
The property can sleep up to four people – with a “king size oak framed bed” in one room and a “fold-out” double bed in the sitting room. The kitchen area features two ceramic hobs, a fridge and a combination microwave oven and grill, along with a toaster and kettle.
And guests can also gaze at Doug’s mini-Blackpool tower from the comfort of the decking at the front of the annex. Talking about the project Doug said: "It’s one of those things that never gets finished. We’re always adding to it, and we can get 34 people in it so far.
"Everybody loves it and can’t believe how authentic it is - it definitely has got the wow factor."
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