There’s a house near the corner of Wortley Road and Stanley that’s been catching eyes and sparking curiosity for literally decades. With its rainbow-coloured exterior structure and mysterious netting on top, locals have been wondering what exactly goes on behind that vibrant fence.

Turns out, it’s basically every cat lover’s dream come true. The property has been operating as a cat sanctuary and rescue operation, with the elderly owner Pierre dedicating his life to caring for dozens of feline friends.

According to people who’ve worked there, Pierre is a 73-year-old man who’s been living with cats in this very house for over 50 years. At one point, the sanctuary was home to 52 cats, with workers responsible for feeding and cleaning up after the furry residents daily.

The rainbow structure isn’t just for show – it’s a functional outdoor area designed specifically for the cats. The netting on top allows the animals to get fresh air and outdoor time while keeping them safely contained. It’s like a massive outdoor cat run, but way more colourful.

Pierre doesn’t just stop at cats, either. The property also serves as a feeding station for birds and raccoons during nighttime hours, creating a little urban wildlife sanctuary right in the heart of London.

The inside of the house has been completely transformed for feline living, with multiple doorways and passages specifically designed for cats to explore and navigate throughout the building. Former residents describe it as a maze-like setup perfect for curious kitties.

What makes this operation even more heartwarming is Pierre’s approach to staffing. He provides room and board to struggling youth in exchange for them helping care for his extensive cat family. It’s been described as having cats numbered in the mid-80s at various points.

The cats come to the sanctuary through various means – some are strays that find their way there, others are rescues, and occasionally someone will simply show up with a box of kittens needing homes. Pierre takes them all in.

Local residents have mixed memories of the property. While some found it intriguing, others admit the unusual setup was somewhat intimidating when they were kids. The property has been a neighbourhood fixture for so long that multiple generations of families have stories about wondering what goes on behind that rainbow fence.

Pierre himself has an interesting background – he apparently medalled in the Olympics for wrestling and has been described as reclusive but kind-hearted. Despite being considered somewhat of a shut-in by neighbours, those who’ve met him describe him as a genuinely nice person with an obvious love for animals.

The house also operates as a boarding facility, with Pierre renting out a couple of units to tenants, though these spots are typically full and the living conditions are described as not being the cleanest due to the large number of resident cats.

At various points, Pierre has indicated plans to leave the property to Animal Alliance, ensuring the cats would continue to have a safe haven even after he’s gone.

For anyone who’s driven past this unique property over the years and wondered about its purpose, the answer is surprisingly wholesome. It’s been a labour of love spanning decades, with one man dedicating his life to providing a home for cats that might otherwise have nowhere to go. The rainbow structure that’s puzzled so many passersby is actually a thoughtfully designed outdoor space allowing dozens of cats to safely enjoy the outdoors while remaining protected. Local online discussions have revealed the heartwarming truth behind what many considered one of London’s most mysterious residential properties.