George Harrison’s childhood home
Early Beginnings: Post-War Liverpool
Liverpool’s Speke district expanded significantly in the post-war years, with new housing estates providing families with modern comforts and improved living conditions. Built around the late 1940s, 25 Upton Green was one of many modest, brick-built council homes designed to meet the urgent housing needs of a city recovering from the Blitz. Surrounded by similarly structured properties, it quickly became home to working-class families who brought warmth and community spirit to the developing neighbourhood.
George Harrison’s Childhood Home
By 1949, the Harrison family had moved into 25 Upton Green from their earlier residence at 12 Arnold Grove, Wavertree where George was born. George was just six years old at the time, and Speke became the setting for much of his childhood and adolescence. The house was modest—two stories with a small front garden and a backyard—but it offered the family more space and comfort than their previous home.
A Budding Musician
George’s budding interest in music found an early outlet within these walls, from strumming a cheap guitar in the living room to listening to rock ‘n’ roll records that were beginning to filter in from across the Atlantic. While it was not exclusively within these four walls that The Beatles’ journey began—George would later meet Paul McCartney and John Lennon through local gigs and bus rides around Liverpool—there’s a special nostalgia about the house that witnessed George’s earliest steps toward a legendary music career. The house would become a regular rehearsal spot for The Quarrymen and The Beatles, with stories of John, Paul and George rehearsing and playing in the living room, bedroom and the outhouse.
Changing Times and New Owners
As The Beatles rose to international stardom in the 1960s, the Harrison family eventually moved away from Speke and George went on to conquer the world with The Beatles. Over subsequent decades, 25 Upton Green became an ordinary family home once more, passing through the hands of various private owners. Although the Beatles connection was known to music historians and die-hard fans, the property itself remained very much a lived-in local home rather than a place of pilgrimage like some other Beatles landmarks.
Speke continued to evolve, with new businesses and transportation links. Yet 25 Upton Green stayed in private ownership, quietly holding its secret of once having housed a future global icon.
Ken Lambert’s Purchase - 2021
Renovation and Restoration
Although the house had changed over the years, most of the post-war layout and architectural character remained intact. Ken was determined to highlight these features, while also acknowledging the period when George Harrison lived there:
Living Room Refurbishment
The living room, once filled with the sound of George’s early guitar practice, was restored to reflect a 1950s aesthetic. Vintage-style furniture and décor were carefully selected to evoke the era.
Bedrooms
Upstairs, the bedrooms were updated for comfort yet maintain some nods to the 1950s–1960s style, providing guests a sense of stepping back in time without sacrificing modern amenities like heating and Wi-Fi.
Exterior and Garden
The modest front garden and backyard were tidied up, retaining the layout typical of Liverpool council houses of the day. The external facade remains largely unchanged to keep the house’s original character while a mural has been painted on the wall by a Ukrainian artist called Sandra, it depicts George Harrison sat in the garden of his Frair Park home from the cover of All Things Must Pass.
Throughout the process, Ken collaborated with local historians, Beatles fans, and interior design experts. While it wasn’t possible to replicate every detail of George’s childhood home when he lived there, the goal was to create an authentic and respectful restoration.
Becoming an Airbnb
“This is a Beatles fan dream come true. No detail was spared bringing the Harrison family home to life-from the bright, cheerful, décor, to the little extras that made the experience truly special. I also felt looked after and safe. The neighbours were friendly and engaging. ”
With renovations complete, 25 Upton Green officially opened its doors as an Airbnb rental. The listing quickly garnered attention from Beatles fans worldwide, music lovers, and curious travelers. Guests receive more than just a place to stay; they experience a living piece of Liverpool’s musical heritage. The house offers:
Period-Inspired Décor - Tasteful details transport visitors back to George’s youth in the 1950s, complemented by modern comforts.
Beatles Memorabilia - Framed photographs, books, and subtle memorabilia celebrate George Harrison’s life and The Beatles’ legacy.
Thanks to positive word-of-mouth, enthusiastic social media posts, and glowing reviews, the house has become a highlight for many fans on their “Beatles Pilgrimage.” Its popularity has also shone a broader spotlight on Speke, encouraging local tourism and economic activity.
Enter Dale Roberts - 2024
In 2023 Dale would meet Ken Lambert at the house and they would talk about ways in which they could increase tours and interest in the property. They would keep in contact and then in late 2024, Dale would invest and become part owner of the property and the only owner based in Liverpool. Dale's involvement is to increase tour interest, deliver tours of the house while also being able to provide tours from the house to the rest of the city, including Beatles locations and landmarks.
At the same time, Dale launched "The Liverpool Stories Podcast" with the aim to document stories from the city, where he will be conducting interviews with guests inside George Harrison's Childhood Home.
Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
While 25 Upton Green now operates as a unique Airbnb, the owners view the venture as more than a simple business— they see it as a stewardship of cultural history. By welcoming guests into the space, they aim to preserve and celebrate the memory of George Harrison’s early years and Liverpool’s post-war resilience.
For fans of The Beatles, music historians, or those simply looking for a cosy stay in a historically significant home, the house offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Visitors not only gain a deeper appreciation for George Harrison’s humble beginnings but also witness first hand how music and community shaped an unassuming home into a beloved piece of cultural heritage.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a piece of Beatles history, or simply want to enjoy a comfortable stay in a quiet corner of Liverpool, 25 Upton Green offers an unforgettable and unique experience. From the vintage furnishings to the personal touches celebrating George Harrison’s musical legacy, every aspect of this Airbnb aims to capture the spirit of a remarkable era in Liverpool’s story.
Book your stay and become a part of the continuing legacy of 25 Upton Green—where a young boy’s dream to play guitar would eventually reverberate across the globe.
Contact us.
Our pricing depends on the time of your visit, so please leave your name, how many guests and the date you wish to stay.