Famous shark property available to rent (From Oxford Mail)

Famous shark property available to rent

IT’S one of Oxford’s most controversial landmarks and now it can be yours to rent for the princely sum of £2,500 a month.

he Shark home on New High Street, Headington

BBC Radio Oxford presenter Bill Heine is moving out of his famous Headington Shark home and is looking for tenants, with a monthly rental that will bite into anyone’s paypacket.

He said: “This is a huge profile house and it’s kind of exciting in that respect.

“But that’s also why I’m moving. Not only do I live in a very high-profile house, but I have a very high-profile job, too.

“People knowing where I am and at what time is not something I could continue with.”

The Headington Shark hit headlines in August 1986 when it was unveiled in New High Street. The 25ft fibreglass sculpture was created by John Buckley and fixed to Mr Heine’s home.

Since then it has faced bitter battles with the council, celebrated its 25th birthday and was even nominated as an “icon of England”.

The terraced house comes with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a small garden and fitted kitchen with breakfast room.

However, the same money would currently pay for a seven-bedroomed detached house in neighbouring Lime Walk or a six-bedroomed property in nearby Valentia Road.

It could also secure a seven-bedroomed house in Divinity Road or a converted barn in Water Eaton.

Mr Heine said the reason the house was so expensive was because it was “unusual”.

He said: “The house is in an idyllic place, it’s got lots going for it. It has been renovated to a high standard and it’s an unusual property.”

Letting agents Andrews describe the house as a “special and unique property”.

A spokesman for Andrews said they had been asked not to talk about the sculpture to the press but said the rent was “double the amount” they would usually charge on that street.

But luckily the eventual residents won’t have to maintain the shark itself.

Mr Heine said: “The shark is close to my heart and I’m not sure I’d be able to entrust such a jewel to anyone else. But what’s important is to hand over the property to people who are sensitive to its particular value.

“In a very real sense it’s a public place and people come from all over the world to share in the joy of the shark. Whatever we did 25 years ago, the magic is still there and I hope the residents will be sensitive to that.”

In August, Oxford City Council leader Bob Price called the sculpture “a quirky and eccentric contribution” to Oxford’s skyline as it marked its 25th birthday.