A Pokémon GO player appears to have successfully turned her own house into an in-game PokeStop, giving her the ability to collect items and meet event goals without leaving home. PokeStops are vital for players, providing resources such as Poké Balls, potions, and quest items, and having one within reach is something many trainers dream about—especially those living in rural areas where PokeStops are scarce.
How the Player Made It Happen
According to a post by Reddit user Spirited-Manager-81, the newly added PokeStop is located at her friend’s home. While the exact address and identifying details were withheld for privacy, the photo shows a large residence that, according to the player, qualified because it is a historic building constructed by a former legislator.
Normally, Niantic’s guidelines clearly state that Waypoints, including PokeStops, cannot be placed on private residential property. However, exceptions exist when a property is of public or historical interest and accessible to pedestrians. In this case, the historic status seems to have provided the loophole.
The Rural Player Advantage
It’s also possible that the player lives in an area with very few active Pokémon GO players. In small villages or rural locations, PokeStops are often scarce, making it harder to collect items or complete certain game objectives. This lack of density could make Niantic more inclined to approve nominations that would never pass in urban areas, as they help balance the playing experience for isolated players.
Rules and Risks of Waypoint Nominations
Players who reach level 35 can nominate new PokeStops via the in-game submissions menu, but approval is far from guaranteed. Niantic considers factors such as public accessibility, safety, and whether the point of interest is permanent. Many successful nominations come from public landmarks, businesses, or community hubs.
While some players have reported seeing residential PokeStops—often at homes that double as businesses—Niantic warns that breaking the rules can lead to bans. Even approved Waypoints can be removed without warning if they’re found to be in violation of the guidelines.
A Rare but Risky Achievement
This case shows that while it’s possible to get a home approved as a PokeStop under certain conditions, it’s far from the norm. For players in rural areas, it might be tempting to try similar nominations, but the potential risks—ranging from rejection to account suspension—mean it’s not a strategy to pursue lightly.
For now, the historic-home PokeStop stands as a unique example of bending the rules just enough to make it work.
