Culture

That Stranger's House Could Be Your Home Office Away From Home

Spacehop, which works like Airbnb, allows people to rent out their pad to freelancers as co-working spaces.
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Browsing on Spacehop’s website is a lot like scrolling through Airbnb listings. Photos abound of cozy living rooms, spacious dining areas, glistening bathrooms, and amazing views. Some homes are modern chic while others give off an old-fashioned bed-and-breakfast vibe. But the homeowners on the London-based website aren’t trying to entice tourists; rather, they’re hoping to attract freelance workers who need temporary office space.

The site, which launched earlier this month, is the latest to join a handful of companies connecting independent workers with homeowners whose spare rooms or entire houses sit empty during the day. The workers, or “hoppers,” can rent spaces for themselves or their team for a little as 8 pounds (a little more than $11) per person per day. Many of the spaces also advertise amenities like complimentary coffee and snacks.