Neighbours say peace shattered by Rye ‘party house’

AN EXASPERATED group of neighbours in Melbourne’s south say they need to hide out in their homes while an $800 a night “party house” rocks on.

Howard Dare (left) and Lucille and Ian Jackson say their peace has been shattered by hens’ and bucks’ weekends at a neighbouring house. Picture: Norm Oorloff

AN EXASPERATED group of neighbours say they need to hide out in their homes while an $800 a night “party house” rocks on.

The neighbours say rowdy groups of up to 25 people head to the house in Rye most weeks, celebrating bucks’ and hens’ nights, disturbing their quiet street and upsetting elderly residents.

Howard Dare, who lives next to the Neville Drive house, said noisy gatherings had become exhausting.

But the Melbourne owners of the luxury property said only one neighbour had ever complained and the owners were always available to sort out any concerns.

The issue of short-stay accommodation in residential areas is problematic, with a recent State Government panel reporting on the difficulty in regulating the industry.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council spokesman Mark Kestigian said the matter was a complex one, but the council was investigating.

The property, called Rye Group Getaways, is promoted for $800 a night on at least seven accommodation websites including Airbnb, Stayz and Roadtrippers.

The advertisements list a solar-heated pool, quality appliances, plasma screens, a caterer’s barbecue and beds for 25 people.

Mr Dare said the tenants were often noisy and played loud music.

The Rye property is advertised on a number of websites. Picture: Airbnb

“Every group that arrives brings high enthusiasm and lots of noise,” he said. “They arrive and start drinking during the day and by twilight they’re three sheets to the wind. I have never been so stressed. There’s just no relief.”

However, one of the owners of the house, which is owned by two families, insisted there was a strict “no-party policy”.

“We are conscious that this is a residential area and we are careful about the people we allow to book this property,” the owner said.

“We also only take bookings from families or small adult groups where the adults are aged over 30 years old. There are no bucks’ or hens’ nights allowed.”

The owner said the property had been bought for both personal use and as a rental home last May.

“The home was already renovated when we purchased it. There has not been any change of use for this property,” the owner said.