I spent five years turning my home into a real-life Barbie dreamhouse – now I rent it out for £3,000 a NIGHT

AN ARTIST has told how she spent five years transforming her normal Essex home into a real-life Barbie dreamhouse.

Amy Griffith, originally from California, began the huge project in 2009 when she moved from London to Tiptree.

The one-of-a-kind Essex mansion is completely covered in flamboyant pink with an explosion of brightly coloured flowers and fairy lights.

The fun and off-the-wall property boasts a unicorn sculpture, pink flamingos, heart-shaped stepping stones and an outdoor fireplace.

It even has indoor and outdoor cinemas, the hot-tub and a private photo studio.

And Brits hoping to live out their Barbie fantasies are able to rent it out - if they have cash to burn.

Amy explained: "I started in 2009 so it's been a while and we continually work on it.

"I’m an artist so first and foremost I’ve always been drawn to the power of colour - it evokes emotion, tells stories and transports you to another world.

"For me the pink means self-expression and individuality.

"I’m from California and that's where the designers of Barbie are from as well. If you grew up in California you had Barbies

"At first, I didn’t have the intention to turn the house into a Barbie house.

"But I embraced the pink and its amazing to have my work compared to something so iconic."

The home had previously been listed on Airbnb for £2,700 a night - but now it's available to stay in by making contact through their website

The house has welcomed celebrity guests including Gizzi Erskine and singer Iggy Azalea.

It was also featured in Little Mix's Bounce Back music video.

Amy said: "There is no specific price tag for hiring the dream house; each quote is tailored depending on whether it is for commercial or personal use, how many guests there are, and what optional extras are asked for.

"Guests attending have to be over 25 but this can vary depending on the kind of event that is hosted and the occasion."

"We’re booked out every weekend and have been for so many years.

"We’ve been in every magazine in the world, it's constantly being used for photoshoots.

"It's just a joy to be able to share it with so many people."