Tim Clodfelter
A fascination with ’80s pop culture led Scott Leftwich to collect classic video games…then set up an entire arcade in his house…then set up an Airbnb in Winston-Salem, dedicated to the decade. .
We spoke to him about how he started and why he decided to focus on that particular period.
The basement game room of Scott Leftwich’s 1980s video game-themed Airbnb rental includes Computer Space, the first video game ever made in 1971. (Walt Unks/Winston-Salem Journal)
Walt Unks, Journal
Q: How did you get involved in such a deep dive into 80s pop culture in the first place? How long has the arcade been going on? What was the fascination for that particular era?
A: “All of this was unplanned. I am a kid of the 80s and that decade was magical. The music, movies, TV, toys and of course video games/arcades. It was the perfect storm and one that we will probably never see again. All these things made a strong impression on me, and I think it followed me all my life.”
The living room of Scott Leftwich’s 80s video game themed Airbnb rental. The area is complete with Star Wars curtains, VHS video tapes and player, 80s video games, and trinkets. (Walt Unks/Winston-Salem Journal)
Walt Unks, Journal
He traces his love for video games to his family who bought an Atari 2600 in the early 1980s and then went to flea markets and bought games and other consoles in the 1990s, when they were available cheaply. He eventually upgraded to the larger machines used in arcades and bought his first, Frogger, in 1996. Because they were largely unwanted, he got them cheap and taught himself how to fix them.
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“All I wanted was a recreation of an ’80s arcade in my house. A man cave that I could escape to and relive those magical days when the arcades reigned.”
The sleeping area of Scott Leftwich’s 80s video game themed Airbnb rental. The room is complete with Star Wars curtains, Cabbage Patch Kids, Care Bears, 80s vinyl records and posters from 80s artists such as Rick Springfield, Prince and Thompson Twins. (Walt Unks/Winston-Salem Journal)
Walt Unks, Journal
Q: How did the idea to add a themed rental space come about?
A: “My wife and I have stayed in many Airbnbs across the country. Some are very unique.
Scott Leftwich claims that his 1980s video game themed Airbnb rental includes all available video game consoles. (Walt Unks/Winston-Salem Journal)
Walt Unks, Journal
“During a stay, I noticed that we could do something along those lines – create an experience. An 80s themed bedroom with every game console ever made from scratch to CD platforms at your fingertips, along with the largest private collection of 80s arcade games on the East Coast. A spectacle from the 80s!
The bedside table in the sleeping area of Scott Leftwich’s 1980s video game-themed Airbnb rental includes vintage comic books, an ET lamp, and several other 1980s trinkets. (Walt Unks/Winston-Salem Journal)
Walt Unks, Journal
“80s nostalgia has been blooming for quite some time and we knew we had something to offer that no one else can, thanks to a lifetime of collecting and restoring.”
They launched their ’80s Airbnb theme in November 2021 and it took off as some videos from satisfied customers went viral, including a TikTok video with over 7 million views.
“2022 has been slammed and we have bookings through the summer of 2023. Every weekend is booked through February 2023, but there are still a few weekdays available.”
The basement of Scott Leftwich’s video game-themed Airbnb rental from the 1980s contains a basement jukebox filled with hits from the 1980s. (Walt Unks/Winston-Salem Journal)
Walt Unks, Journal
Q: What’s the best reaction or funniest thing you’ve seen so far?
A: “Lots of great comments! Seeing someone in their 50s again, right in front of you, will never grow old for me. Their eyes are bulging. They are smiling from ear to ear. In some cases, people have even cried. This kind of giving joy to people is a kind of reward that cannot be explained, their hearts are filled with excitement, and that is really a highlight for us.
Scott Leftwich’s 1980s video game-themed Airbnb rental. It features about 130 unique video games in the basement, along with a jukebox full of 80s hits and 80s knick knacks. (Walt Unks/Winston-Salem Journal)
Walt Unks, Journal
“If you were a kid in the ’80s and you want to travel back in time to a time when life was all about having fun, we’ve got you covered!”
Scott Leftwich’s 1980s video game-themed Airbnb rental includes a stereo with 1980s vinyl records and 1980s posters such as Kiss, The Police, and The Incredible Hulk. (Walt Unks/Winston-Salem Journal)
Walt Unks, Journal
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