Anyone who has ever fantasised about luxuriating in the bubble-gum pink confines of Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse in real life will be delighted to learn that they absolutely can.
In line with the release of BARBIE, the live action movie directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie in the title role with Ryan Gosling as Ken, Airbnb is offering limited overnight stays in mid July 2023 as a celebration of one of the world’s most enduringly iconic couples.
The bookings website has listed the Californian property before and the forthcoming offer is a response to demands from would-be guests for more opportunities to stay in the famously flamboyant mansion. While last time, Barbie played super host, this time, Ken’s in charge. And while he has the reputation of being ‘just’ Barbie’s man — after all, she is ‘everything’ — fans won’t be disappointed to see his magnificent quarters in the newly renovated property, which is right on the coast and has panoramic oceanfront views.
The home is the life-sized toy everyone wants it to be and has been redecorated since the last time guests stayed, although needless to say one colour still dominates.
Fans can expect neon pink, glittering disco balls, flashing neon and acid bright hues. Ken’s domain has a rodeo theme, an abundance of cowboy motifs including the Kendom saloon complete with swinging doors. Lucky guests will have the chance to raid Ken’s wardrobe for beachwear, take to the outdoor ‘light up’ dancefloor, strum on his guitar and sun worship by the infinity pool.
There’s a sandbox, a fire pit, an outdoor grill and even a gym on the top floor balcony for anyone who wants to be as buff as their host. It is hard to imagine a place more Instagrammable.
As a parting gift, guests will take home their very own set of yellow-and-pink Impala rollerblades and surfboards.
The most extraordinary thing about all this is that Ken is kindly offering all of his camp cowboy creature comforts up for free, while Airbnb will make a one-time donation to Save the Children, which provides learning resources and support for communities in over 100 countries with the specific aim to build girls’ confidence and help them excel in school.
Would be guests can register to book Ken’s bedroom in the Malibu DreamHouse for two individual one-night stays for up to two guests each on July 21 and July 22, 2023. Registration begins on July 17 at 10am via airbnb.com/kendreamhouse.
The chosen guests can stay free of charge partly because Ken is generous but also because, according to sources close to him, he is not sure how pricing works — freely admitting maths is not his forte. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Malibu.
“We all have dreams, and Barbie is lucky enough to have a house full of them,” said Ken of his collaboration with Airbnb. “But now, it’s my turn, and I can’t wait to host guests inside these one-of-a-kind – dare I say, one-of-a-Ken? – digs.”
