Chloe Madeley and James Haskell's gorgeous home: former England rugby star and wife put house on Airbnb
Retired Northampton Saints and England rugby flanker James and wife Chloe, fitness author and daughter of Richard and Judy Madeley, are opening up their home to rugby fans for a two-night stay from Friday October 11 to Sunday October 13.
Guests will be able to watch up to six matches at the house during the two-day period, including England vs France, New Zealand vs Italy and Wales vs Uruguay, so there will be plenty of game time in which to enjoy the setting and soak up the rugby atmosphere.
Two bedrooms of the detached house in Daventry will be let to a verified Airbnb renter for the two nights at a cost of £400. James and Chloe are donating the rental fee to Sebastian's Action Trust, a charity which offers respite breaks to seriously ill children and their families.
The couple say they haven't done a huge amount of work to the home since moving in three years ago, although they have converted the conservatory into a DJ room, where James, now a mixed martial arts fighter and DJ, can rehearse.
On the interiors, they say: "It's a combination of shabby chic and a traditional countryside feel. We both have busy lives and ultimately the home is somewhere for us to relax and have downtime. The style allows that."
Among other spaces, guests will have full use of the DJ room and gym. James says he's leaving his equipment in there for have-a-go DJs: "I'll definitely leave my stuff in there. Whether anyone's brave enough is a different matter though - if they broke it they wouldn't want me hunting them down."
A "super functional" kitchen has a big area for coffee making, while other highlights include a spacious lounge with wood-burning stove, a dining area in the conservatory and, of course, framed snapshots of Haskell's career highlights adorn the walls.
James says he'll be leaving a signed shirt and rugby ball for his guests to take home with them.
It's not the first time a player's home has been rented out during the world cup. Lewis Moody's four-bedroom Wiltshire home was snapped up quickly for a week's stay during the 2015 tournament hosted by England.
So, will the Haskells' home be snapped up for rent as quickly as James's former England team-mate's?
"I don't know what the reaction will be like," says James, "If Lewis Moody's house went I'd like to think mine would go quicker. It's always competitive in the back row."
While Moody's house rules included singing God Save the Queen every morning, Haskell's listing advises that “chanting of the Haka will not be tolerated” and there is a ban on tackling indoors.
"My only worry is if someone were to turn my house into a rave," says Haskell. "Although, I mean, if they were a proficient DJ I would be gutted to miss it."
The two-night stay at James and Chloe's home will be available to book on Airbnb from Monday September 23.