Owner of famous shark house issues four-word plea to visitors amid council closure threat
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The owner of an Airbnb that shot to fame thanks to the 25ft shark sticking out of the roof has hit out at council chiefs attempting to force its closure. Dr Magnus Hanson-Heine, who has let the world-famous Shark House for the last five years, has urged potential visitors to "come while you can" after his local council banned the use of short-let accommodation. Dr Hanson-Heine inherited the quirky accommodation from his father, Bill Heine, who constructed the beloved shark sculpture without planning permission in 1986.
Oxford City Council recently handed the Airbnb owner notice to shut down his short-term let, an order with which he must comply by March 11, 2025. The owner has argued the council is targeting him as a "test case" to shut down Airbnbs in the English city, and vowed to fight for "as long as we can".
Dr Hanson-Heine said he received notice from the council after a member of the public complained about the chance from residential use to short-term let, despite having never received a complaint from locals. He has alleged that "certain elements" of the council are looking to "score some cheap political points by going after a local landmark".
He said: "The Shark House is a major tourist attraction, not just a regular family home. It's been a delight to be able to open it up to members of the public to celebrate it with us, and I will continue to do so for as long as I can. I've yet to hear any complaints from our neighbours, even during the planning appeal, and the inspector found no such harm in his decision.
