The UK’s most instagrammable student accommodation

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom Collegiate AC, Fusion

When it comes to top-end student homes, the demand for purpose built student accommodation (PSBA) is rising according to recent Knight Frank report.

Providers of luxury student residences, Fusion Students is reporting record levels of demand for their next level accommodation and despite A-level results day still being weeks away, Bristol’s design-led Fusion Tower has been 100% fully booked since June for the 2017/18 academic year.

There are various factors at play to explain its success but it turns out social shareability is a very valuable currency for students when choosing their university home.

Anabel Oneiro, head of Fusion Student’s interior design team, Stride Trewglown, took time to share why she believes the company’s sites in Bristol, Nottingham, Newcastle and Cardiff are the UK’s most instagrammable places to live for students.

How have the demands on design within the PBSA sector changed in recent years?

The sector has changed dramatically. We have seen an evolution of the type of accommodation offer; not only in room types moving predominantly to studio – that we believe are now becoming situated in a majority of the markets – but also in terms of the common area provision.

This has come on incredibly in the last 3 years. We have provided everything from bookable dining rooms to swimming pools and everything in between. The student population has a lot of choice and all developers demand their own USPs.

What is your vision for the Fusion Students’ sites?

This is really a collaborative effort between Stride Treglown and Fusion Students. It very often starts with a sharing of unique spaces that we have seen or visited. Each project is different and requires a different mix of ideas. Generally speaking, the Fusion brand is unique in both its style and approach to student facilities – providing a strong identity and quality interior coupled with generous and desirable amenity space.

What makes them stand out in terms of design from other PBSA sites in the UK?

Fusion really value the aesthetic quality of their sites and understand that students are living there for one year, maybe longer, and the properties need to respond to their needs.

There is a growing trend of making space “instagrammable”, can you talk me through how the Fusion spaces are “instagrammable”?

It’s something that we spend a lot of time on – it’s really about providing an opportunity for students to share their experiences on social media taking a selfie with a neon Alice in Wonderland sign, as in our Eclipse site in Cardiff, will make your friends smile…especially if your name is Alice or like wearing stripy socks!

It’s a talking point and helps get people conversing about where they live, in a new city where you are just getting to know people, that’s important. Getting more social media coverage should be high on everybody’s radar – today is all about sharing the experience on your surroundings with others that aren’t there.

How do you design the spaces with today’s students in mind?

The student population has evolved from generation X, Y and now Z. Today students have grown up with the internet as part of their lives. Decisions are made instantly based on image and key facts which is why design is so critical.

The mix of international students has steadily increased and their needs are different from UK students but equally as important. The social aspect of student life has also changed and study is more important than ever with increasing tuition fees and pressure to achieve.

What impact do you feel the design of the Fusion sites has on the residents and their ability to study at university?

There is a greater emphasis on study and we are responding to that by providing bookable study rooms, group and individual study areas and opportunities for spaces to be used by third parties, university or corporate partners. Education, living and employment are all converging under one umbrella not only in accommodation but also in the other sectors – It’s quite an exciting time.

For more information on Fusion Students please visit www.fusionstudents.co.uk or to book a room at Fusion Tower, Eclipse in Cardiff, Nova in Nottingham or Plummer House in Newcastle, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

Spotlight on Salford: MediaCityUK celebrates 10 years

by Georgina United Kingdom World manchester, mediacityuk, Surrenden Invest

2017 marks 10 years since planning permission was granted & construction began on MediaCityUK
Kellogg’s to relocate its UK headquarters to MediaCityUK
2% positive price change in Salford homes over last 12 months (HM Land Registry)

Over the past decade Salford has experienced enormous transformation. This year marks 10 years since permission was granted to The Peel Group to build MediaCityUK, a 200-acre property development located on the banks of the Manchester ship canal with Salford Quays, located at the eastern end becoming one of the largest urban regeneration projects in the UK.

Back in 2004 the BBC motioned its objective to move a considerable number of jobs from London to Manchester with the Salford Quays site chosen at the premier location and a few years later, in 2007, after The Peel Group was granted planning authorisation to develop, construction began on MediaCityUK.

The BBC’s move represented a significant decentralization from London and many creative and media businesses followed suit including ITV. Today MediaCityUK is home to an exciting mix of over 200 businesses including production companies, Satellite Information Services and higher education institutions such as The University of Salford.

It has also just been announced that Kellogg’s is to relocate its UK headquarters to MediaCityUK after signing a lease for 48,000 sq ft at the Orange Tower. Moving 420 jobs from the company’s current Old Trafford site in January 2018 is a strong declaration of the appeal of the Salford area and especially MediaCityUK. Adding that to the 200 new jobs announced by the BBC earlier this month at MediaCityUK as it seems that Salford Quays really does have ‘cereal’ investment appeal!

“A decade on from granting of planning permission for MediaCityUK, we have seen the 200-acre site go from strength to strength. The mixed-use scheme has enjoyed enormous commercial success and the relocation of Kellogg’s HQ from Old Trafford to MediaCityUK will undoubtedly be a welcome addition to the vibrant business environment, driving economic growth into the next decade”.

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

Indeed, the outlook for job growth within the Northern Powerhouse city is bright. 3,000 new businesses were registered in Greater Manchester in 2016 (Inform Direct Review of UK Company Formations) and Savills predicts that around 4,000 jobs are set to be created in the region over the next 5 years.

Despite its increasing popularity property in Salford is still affordable but it is not predicted to stay that way for long. The latest HM Land Registry data reported that property prices are about 10% lower than Manchester city centre with a 6.2% positive price change in Salford over the last 12 months (May 2016 – May 2017).

“Not only a place to work and play, Salford Quays has an established residential community and is a popular choice for young professionals especially, working within the MediaCityUK site. We have seen sustained demand for homes in Salford over the past 12 months with waterside homes in high demand.

“Manchester’s thriving property market over the past few years has led to areas outside the city centre undergoing significant redevelopment. Our development, Wilburn Wharf in Salford has had no end of interest and with the Wilburn Basin, where the homes are located, falling on the Salford side of the River Irwell, investors are looking at an average price per square foot that is 30% lower than similar developments a couple of minutes’ walk away.”

Jonathan Stephens, MD, Surrenden Invest

Wilburn Wharf, available through Surrenden Invest, compromises of four distinct blocks which vary in height, all of which offer fantastic views across Manchester. Each apartment is built to the highest specification and the residential facilities are exceptional including a 24/7 concierge, architecturally landscaped gardens and seating areas around the river basin as well as a gym, cinema, residents lounge and meeting rooms. Prices for units in the current phase 2 start from £165,000.

For more information, visit www.surrendeninvest.com or contact Surrenden Invest on 0203 3726 499.

The new holiday essential – have you packed your Virtual Private Network?

by Louise United Kingdom virtual private network

89% of Brits take at least one mobile device on holiday (Expedia)
36% of holidaymakers access social media sites while away (Hotels.com)
Virtual Private Networks provide home comforts for holidaymakers (BestVPN.com)

More and more of us are taking our mobile devices on holiday. Research by Expedia has found that 89% of Brits take at least one mobile device with them when they go away, with 27% of business travellers and 17% of leisure travellers using their phone to help manage their itinerary.

As well as travel itineraries, mobile phones can be used for a range of purposes that save holidaymakers from cluttering up their bags with multiple items. City maps, phrase books, plan tickets, hotel reservation documents – all of these now fit neatly within our phones, making bulging holiday handbags and rucksacks a thing of the past.

Separate research by Hotels.com has found that mobile devices are also used for keeping in touch while on holiday – both with work and with friends and family back home. 46% of UK travellers check their work emails while on holiday. 36% use their mobile device to access their social media accounts.

It is this last trend that has led many holidaymakers to become more tech-savvy on their travels, as cybersecurity expert Douglas Crawford of BestVPN.com explains,

“Travellers increasingly expect that taking their mobile device on holiday will provide them with all the conveniences of home – and they’re taking steps to ensure that’s the case. This has led to an uptick in interest in Virtual Private Networks for mobile devices. VPNs allow users to get around social media site blocks in countries such as China, thus fulfilling, for example, their desire to share holiday snaps in real time.”

Virtual Private Networks also provide holidaymakers with the ability to access services such as Sky Go, BBC iPlayer and Neflix while they’re away. Whether it’s keeping up with the thrilling new season of Game of Thrones or simply keeping the children entertained for a few moments with a cartoon, families’ expectations of what their device should be able to do while abroad are growing. VPNs are enabling those expectations to be met.

They are also particularly useful in countries where internet freedoms are restricted. According to the United Nations World Travel Organisation, China is the fourth most visited country in the world, after France, the USA and Spain. Turkey is the sixth most visited. China and Turkey are both well known for their restrictive approach to the internet, and it is this that is driving holidaymakers to install Virtual Private Networks on their mobile devices.

Many visitors find Google Maps and Google Translate invaluable when touring China. A Virtual Private Network is required in order to unblock both of these sites. Those travelling to Turkey often also want uninhibited access to the news in order to access information that may relate to their safety, particularly in light of the rather volatile political happenings there.

“A VPN is becoming almost as much of a holiday essential as sun cream,” continues BestVPN’s Douglas Crawford. “We use sun cream to protect our skin and ensure that we can enjoy the full holiday experience without having to worry about burning. In much the same way, using a VPN protects our online privacy and means we don’t have to worry about not being able to share our magical moments or keeping in touch with friends and family members whenever we wish.”

The World Tourism Organization cites tourism as being responsible for 10% of global GDP, accounting for one in every 11 jobs. It forecasts that international tourist arrivals will increase to 1.8 billion globally by 2030. Great news for sun cream and Virtual Private Network providers alike!

For more information, or to interview BestVPN.com’s Douglas Crawford on matters relating to digital privacy and security, please email media@bestvpn.com or contact Louise Taylor on 07751 646 595.

Bristol luxury student accommodation 100% booked for 2017/18 academic year before A-level results are even out!

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom Collegiate AC, Fusion

Rents rising across 95% of UK student accommodation sector (Knight Frank)
Supply of top end accommodation struggling to keep up with demand (Collegiate AC)
Bristol students representative of UK-wide trend of spiralling demand (Fusion Students)

Providers of extraordinary residences, Fusion Students is reporting record levels of demand for top-end student accommodation in Bristol for the 2017/18 academic year.

The luxurious, design-led Fusion Tower, which has 483 beds, has been 100% booked since June for the coming academic year, despite A-level results day still weeks away.

The demand comes at a time of rising rents across 95% of the UK student accommodation sector, according to Knight Frank’s Student Property Index.

“Demand for accommodation in Bristol for the 2017/18 academic year really has been exceptional. Many students plan to secure their accommodation over the summer holiday period, but it seems that the appeal of the high-end market in Bristol has become so well known that more and more students this year have felt the need to ‘get in early’ to secure the best digs.”

Warren Rosenberg, Co-Founder, Fusion Students

Opened just a year ago in July 2016, Fusion Tower offers premium accommodation to almost 500 students. The sleek, spacious studio apartments are backed up by a host of luxury facilities including a private gym, gaming rooms, in-house cinema, open study rooms and pioneering social spaces. All in the heart of Bristol city centre.

It is this overall lifestyle that contemporary students are buying into. They are seeking out the full experience of university and looking to be at the heart of the action in their chosen city, all based in accommodation that is increasingly spacious and fully featured.

Knight Frank’s research shows that rents for en-suite student accommodation are rising faster than for all other types, up 2.75% for the coming academic year.

“Student accommodation used to be about having somewhere to rest your head and little more. The difference nowadays couldn’t be starker. Students want homes where they can relax and enjoy spending time, with the space and facilities to cook and entertain when they feel like it. They are also seeking out luxury touches like on-site cinemas and gyms, all within the building for ultimate ease of accessibility. It’s about making every moment of the university experience count.”

Adam Horwood, Head of Marketing, Fusion Students

British Summer Championships highlight popularity of swimming and growth in demand for home pools

by Georgina United Kingdom aqua platinum, Aqua Platinum Projects, Swimming pools

Swimming is the UK’s most popular sport (Sport England)
Private swimming pool market is experiencing notable growth (Aqua Platinum)
Championships event designed to nurture young talent (British Summer Championships)

The 2017 British Summer Championships will take place from 25-30 July with the annual event playing an important role in encouraging the development of young swimming talent. Hosted at Ponds Forge in Sheffield, the championships are open to athletes from age 13 upwards and cover a range of individual championship and team events.

According to data from Sport England for the year ending September 2016, swimming remains the UK’s most popular sport, with 2,516,700 weekly participants over the age of 16.

“Swimming remains incredibly popular in the UK for a number of reasons. It is suitable for people of all ages, it can be enjoyed by those with health conditions that preclude them from other sports (as the weightlessness of the water reduces the impact on joints), it tones the entire body and the cardiovascular benefits are well documented.

“This British love of swimming is leading to significant growth in the demand for private pools. One of the great things about home pools is their versatility – they can come in all shapes and sizes, they’re not just for celebrities and royalty.”

Aqua Platinum spokesperson

Luxury swimming pool design and build company Aqua Platinum is well versed when it comes to creating pools to suit all manner of homes and budgets.

Those with large enough homes can enjoy exciting features such as moveable floors, as seen at Hadley House in High Barnet, which are ideal for maximizing the use of space by allowing a pool room to serve a dual purpose. For many, a classic outdoor pool is ideal, as demonstrated at Englemere in Ascot, where bright tiling is used to beautifully define the pool area.

South Quay Plaza, at Canary Wharf, shows another side to the possibilities that indoor pools allow, with the water gently lapping at the edge of the enormous floor to ceiling windows, creating a stunning environment in which to swim.

Meanwhile, the superb basement pool and spa area at Parklands in Weybridge serves to highlight the abundance of options that come with a home pool. The main pool was the first of its kind, featuring infinity edges on 270 degrees of the pool structure, which was raised from the ground. A stealth automatic cover was built into a cave, while the design also incorporated an integrated, cascading water feature and bespoke bridge for crossing the pool. Meanwhile, the outdoor spa area, on the other side of a floor to ceiling glass wall, was designed to perfectly mirror the design of the pool. An interior fire wall completes the balance of elements perfectly.

“The pool and spa complex at Parklands highlights what can be achieved with creative and thoughtful design. Swimming is a wonderful way to keep fit and enjoy your leisure time, so why not do it in the most beautiful setting that you can imagine?”

Aqua Platinum spokesperson

For more information, call 0203 362 0442 or visit www.aquaplatinumprojects.co.uk.

Oh we do like to invest beside the seaside!

by Georgina United Kingdom World propertyfrontiers

Returns of 10% attracting investors to UK seaside hotels (Property Frontiers)
Hotel investment in the UK projected to grow by 28% in 2017 (Savills)
UK is most appealing hotel investment location in Europe (CBRE)
UK tourism sector to grow 3.8% per year to 2025 (Visit Britain)

The UK enjoyed record visitor numbers in 2016, with Visit Britain reporting 37.6 million visitors over the course of the year, up 4.14% on 2015.

Meanwhile, travel marketing company Sojern has reported a 23.8% rise in the number of Brits planning a UK summer break for 2017, with Brexit believed to be a key influencing factor in many families’ decision to opt for a UK break.

This is excellent news for the UK’s seaside hotels, as well as for those who invest in them.

“UK hotel rooms are hot property right now when it comes to investments that offer impressive returns. They outshine buy-to-let in several ways – there’s no stamp duty, no buy-to-let tax issues and a comparatively low entry point. For investors from overseas, there’s also the ongoing favourable exchange rate, with the pound not yet fully recovering from the UK’s decision to leave the EU.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

While the pound has recovered somewhat since the EU referendum, it is still some 16% lower against the dollar and 14% lower against the euro than it was before the vote. Many investors are taking advantage of this fact to increase their stock of UK hotel rooms, with returns of around 10% tempting many to opt for these instead of for buy-to-let opportunities.

Savills reports that investment in UK hotels has already reached £2 billion in the first half of 2017. If the firm’s projections play out, investment for the year will hit £5.1 billion, an increase of 28% over 2016.

The current popularity of UK seaside hotels is reminiscent of the Victorian era – the UK’s seaside towns are enjoying a significant revival.

Scarborough in North Yorkshire is an excellent example. According to Visit Britain figures, the county as a whole enjoyed a 4.56% rise in tourism in 2016, with a 15.52% rise in total visitor expenditure. Scarborough’s majestic Harland Hotel is one of those properties reaping the benefits.

From its commanding position overlooking Scarborough’s south bay, The Harland offers rooms for investment from £60,000, with 10% NET income for the next decade. Then there’s the 125% defined buy-back option.

“The Harland Hotel is precisely the kind of location that investors are seeking out in the UK. Investors are keen to tap into this increasingly lucrative market. At a time when other types of residential investment are being squeezed in terms of the profits they can offer, seaside hotels offer an exciting opportunity to take advantage of a range of market conditions.”

Ray Withers, CEO, Property Frontiers

The story is the same in Woolacombe, North Devon, voted Britain’s Best Beach by TripAdvisor for 2015 and 2016. Rooms at the Atlantic Bay Hotel are being snapped up by domestic and international investors alike, as the ongoing potential of the British seaside tourism market becomes increasingly apparent. A survey conducted by CBRE earlier this year found that the UK had the most appealing market in Europe when it came to hotel investment.

“Brexit will take time but the wheels of the economy will still turn and there is no doubt that the UK’s particularly strong economic fundamentals will further underpin investor confidence in purchasing UK property.”

Miles Gibson, Head of Research, CBRE

Visit Britain projects that the UK tourism sector will grow by 3.8% per year between now and 2025. As tourism growth continues to outpace that of the country’s overall economy, the seaside hotel sector looks set to continue being one of the main beneficiaries.

For more information on investment opportunities around the world, contact Property Frontiers by visiting www.propertyfrontiers.com or calling +44 1865 202 700.

The importance of being Ernest: New Durham student accommodation takes designer digs to the next level

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom Collegiate, Collegiate AC

First Collegiate AC Prestige Collection site due to open in September
Durham students offered a sauna, Sky Lounge and rooftop bar
Collegiate seeking to set new standards in student accommodation

Durham’s Ernest Place is set to open this September, revealing premium, design-led accommodation for the city’s students.

Sleek yet bold, the latest offering from student accommodation and lifestyle provide Collegiate AC is guaranteed to turn a few heads.

“Ernest Place is the first site in our Prestige Collection. We’re already known for our superb features and outstanding design, so this development really had to take that to the next level. The result is an incredibly luxurious site with a sophisticated scheme and some bold elements for added surprise.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

Cuanalo, together with his expert interior design team, took time out from his busy schedule to share his insights into what is likely to be one of the most sought-after places to live in Durham.

How does this new site differ from other sites in Durham? What sets it apart?

As the first Collegiate AC Prestige site, we knew that Ernest Place had to stand out not just from student accommodation in Durham but from sites across the UK. We’ve packed the site with first-class features: students can benefit from private dinner party rooms, an on-site cinema, a sauna, study zones, a private fitness centre and two big lounges, one of which is the glass-walled Sky Lounge with roof terrace on the top floor.

Can you explain how the bedrooms are tailor made for students from a design point of view?

We used bespoke furniture to fit in the room, so that there is no wasted space. All items are tailored to suit students’ needs – we sought to provide a place where they can rest, work, socialize, cook, eat, and entertain themselves. The en-suite shower rooms, flat screen TVs, double beds and overall luxurious finish also serve to make this scheme unique.

What are the storage solutions used in the bedrooms?

We’ve implemented various storage solutions to suit students’ different needs. There are shelving units and drawers in the bedrooms, both wall hung and integrated in fitted furniture. These come in several sizes, to house different types of items. We also made space for a double wardrobe, extra storage underneath the bed and kitchen units in the studio apartments.

How are the in-bedroom work areas designed?

We’ve tended to opt for spacious desks with integrated storage, as well as the ubiquitous Collegiate oversized pin board!

The Sky Lounge is an incredible communal space; can you talk us through the vision here and how you achieved it?

The Sky Lounge is a place where students can chill out during the day and especially in the evening, inviting friends and partying if the mood takes them. There is a massive bar, which we highlighted with bespoke brass light fittings above. We also played with a mix of loose and fixed furniture, a semi-private dining area and see-through screens at the back of the bar, which is in the middle of the room. The colour scheme is dark and moody, offering a contrast to the residents’ lounge on the ground floor, which has more of a daytime, welcoming feeling.

The external terrace area will be great for students. How have you designed it to be attractive and functional yet weather resistant and durable?

It was certainly a challenge! In the end went with the concept of an outdoor bar, so that the space is durable and practical. We then introduced fixed lighting on the floor and decorative elements to create the right mood.

Can you talk us through the design of the communal kitchens?

We wanted the communal kitchens to be similar to the ones the students have in their own studios, so that they can still feel at home. At the same time, we wanted to give them something different, so we played with finishes and colours to create new and exciting elements.

The common room looks like a warm and welcoming space; can you share how you achieved this look and feel?

We wanted to create a really homely and cost space, so we used warm colours, with plenty of timber and warm metals like brass and copper. We also had fun playing with textures and materials and mixing loose and fixed seating to create a room that has really broad appeal. Our goal was to provide a space where everyone can feel welcome and relaxed.

Ernest Place will be welcoming the first student residents this September so for more information and booking, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

Bellis Homes offers families Much Moore from their new Hertfordshire village homes

by Georgina United Kingdom bellis homes, muchhadham, ukproperty

Bellis Homes offer homebuyers lifetime family membership of the Henry Moore Foundation
Henry Moore Foundation celebrating 40 years in Much Hadham, Hertfordshire
Brand new Magna House & Millers View offer modern living experience with hints of historic flavor in keeping with the area (Bellis Homes)

Celebrating the launch of their latest new homes, family-run house builder Bellis Homes is offering buyers of either Magna House or Millers View, located in the charming English village of Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, lifetime family membership of the Henry Moore Foundation.

The Henry Moore Foundation was founded by the renowned sculptor and his family 40 years ago to encourage public appreciation of the visual arts with the Studios & Gardens located in Perry Green, Much Hadham where Moore died on 31^st August 1986.

Henry Spencer Moore, born 1898, was debatably the most internationally distinguished sculptor of the twentieth century and one of the most important British artists. Moore’s work can be seen all over the world and he is renowned for his semi-abstract monumental bronzes.

Born in Castleford, Yorkshire and after serving in the British Army and training to be a teacher he decided to study at The Royal College of Art, London. This decision paid off as by the 1950’s Moore was already receiving several international commissions.

In 1977 the Henry Moore Foundation, a registered charity, was established for education and promotion of the fine arts with an Institute in Leeds for the study of sculpture and the headquarters at Moore’s former estate in Perry Green, Much Hadham which today supports a range of different artistic movement’s as well as preserving the Moore legacy.

With such a milestone anniversary being celebrated this year, Bellis Homes felt it would be fitting to offer lifetime family memberships for any buyer of their brand new Much Hadham developments – Millers View and Magna House.

“Much Hadham might be a small village in Hertfordshire but it holds a rich history appearing as far back as the Doomsday Book and has been home to a number of notable residents, not least Henry Moore. As we introduce these two beautiful new homes to the village, we want to embrace and support the past as well as enable new residents to become part of the local community through lifetime family membership of the Henry Moore Foundation at Perry Green.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

Situated between Ware and the large market town of Bishop Stortford, in the countryside of East Hertfordshire Magna House is extremely well connected being just 23 minutes from Stanstead Airport, 13 minutes from the M11 and 37 minutes from the M25.

The single detached house has been finished to the highest specification with modern touches throughout but its external design remains in keeping with the historic nature of the area with a pitched roof, dormer windows, bay windows and traditional timber and brick elements. The ground floor boasts a large living and entertaining area whilst 6 bedrooms are set over two floors with 4 having their own en-suites. The master bed is complimented with a walk-in wardrobe and the basement area holds a fully equipped cinema and gym.

“Although Magna House is a new build property, we have strived to incorporate several design features which fit with the historic village through small but effective touches such as the bay windows”.

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

Magna House is on the market at £2.45m whilst Millers View will offer, upon completion, four semi-detached and one detached home in a similar style as Magna House from £1.3 million.

For more information, contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or visit www.bellishomes.co.uk.

———————–ENDS—————————–

About Bellis Homes

Bellis Homes is an upmarket luxury home builder, with over 40 years of experience in construction, developing and project managing. From London to the Home Counties, Bellis Homes specialises in selecting upmarket developments in some of the most sought-after locations.

With fantastic resources they have built up an impressive portfolio ranging from £250,000 to £16m. The exclusive developments range from luxury executive homes, revolutionary airspace developments, intimate family households and creative renovations.

www.bellishomes.co.uk

Purrrrrrfect lets for pets in London just a click (of the mouse) away

by Priscillia Mudiaki United Kingdom Be, Be here

4% of landlords exclude pet-owning tenants from their properties (HomeLet)
Pet owners take 7 times longer to find accommodation than non-pet owners (The Dogs Trust)
Be:here Hayes offers pet-friendly apartments

Millions of people rent privately and as many as one in four households will be renting by 2021. But selecting the right home for all the family, Fluffy and Fido included, can be challenging.

Results from a recent survey conducted by HomeLet indicate that over half of landlords (57.4%) would not consider renting to a tenant who had a pet, forcing many tenants to choose between the home they want and leaving behind their furry friends.

Indeed, the proposed Tenant’s Fees Bill could also leave pets out in the cold as landlords who do accept pet-owning renters often demand higher deposits to cover any potential damage. The proposed legislation, – which is due to be implemented in spring 2018 – will prevent them from doing this.

However, all is not lost. The Build-to-Rent sector is coming to the aid of pets and their owners. Developers such as Be Living Ltd strive to accommodate the tenants of today – Fluffy, Fido and other animal friends included.

Be is well ahead of the game, offering pet-friendly tenancies at their new be:here Hayes development in west London.

The scheme is part of the wider redevelopment of the Old Vinyl Factory and just 300 yards (3 minutes’ walk) from a Hayes & Harlington station, with Crossrail services due to launch in 2019. Units are available from £1,150 pcm for 1-beds and £1,415 for 2-beds all with either a garden, terrace or balcony.

Of course, it’s not just dogs and cats – any small household pets are welcome. The central courtyard at the development is even planted with a catnip.

“To make sure we offer apartments that meet everyone’s needs, we have designated several specific apartments as pet-friendly. Some of our pet-friendly apartments have large, private and secure gardens perfect for furry friends to run around – that’s pretty unique in apartment living, especially in London. We try to help our four-legged residents adjust to their new homes by giving them special attention (and even some tasty treats) on move-in day.”

Layla Kausar, Property Manager – be:here Hayes

By making room for Fluffy and Fido, be:here Hayes makes the search for good rental accommodation less time consuming and stressful for pet owners, who usually take up to seven times longer to rent a home, according to The Dogs Trust charity.

Saheer Cassim, who recently moved at be:here Hayes testifies: “My partner and I were looking for a new accommodation because my last apartment was very small. The experience was extremely difficult. We tried everything but the problem was always the same: my dog. I have had Coko for ten years: leaving him was not even an option.”

Welcoming pets at be:here Hayes is part of building great new communities – this idea appealed to Saheer and many other tenants.

“After a landlord voluntarily gave me back only half of my deposit because of my dog, I was completely desperate! Be:here was a blessing : not only are they welcoming pets but their apartments were affordable and very accommodating. Renting at be:here Hayes with my dog makes me feel like I own the place.”

For more information please contact be:here Hayes on 0203 845 4796 or visit http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/.

Top 10 tips for purrfect interior design

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom Alexander James Interior Design, interior design, pets

With about half of UK households owning a pet (according to latest RSPCA figures) how can you live in interior design harmony with your furry friends?

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director of leading interior designers Alexander James Interior Design, and herself the proud owner of two Westies, Alfie and Piglet, offers her top 10 tips for transforming your home into a ‘purrfect’ sanctuary for your four-legged friend:

Fur-Free Upholstery

Think carefully about the fabrics you choose to upholster and how likely they are to gather fur.

Avoid: Fabrics that are a magnet for pet hair e.g. velvet, mohair, corduroy, velour or chenille. Steer clear of any delicate materials that could be damaged by your adorable little friend e.g. silk.

Opt for: Smooth tapestries, leathers and synthetic fibres. Invest in quality textiles that will withstand the test of those claws!

Furniture – Not Toys

Beware of any exposed wood on your furniture – an excitable puppy may see it as their new favourite teething toy!

Avoid: Furniture with exposed wicker, rattan and sisal furniture.

Opt for: Metal and chrome will leave your would-be teether searching for another toy.

Squeaky Clean Flooring

In light of the inevitable rainy, muddy days and those early months when your puppy/kitten is still learning to toilet-train, we highly recommend flooring that is easy to clean!

Avoid: Hardwood floors that dent/scratch easily and require rapid cleaning should a puddle appear (hardwood floors stain very quickly)! If you are absolutely set of those beautiful wooden floors, then opt for harder woods e.g. mahogany or oak.

Opt for: Laminate flooring, stone or ceramic tiles. These also have the additional benefit of keeping your pets cooler during hotter weather.

The Ultimate Playzone

An all-important part of every pets’ day, they need space in the home to play.

Avoid: Letting your energetic little friend run riot around the whole house. They need to chase balls, roll excitedly around and play tug of war, but there are some areas of the house in which this is less desirable.

Opt for: Creating a designated ‘play space’ which your pet knows is suitable for play and where they can enjoy some quality ‘me’ time. Keep their toys stored neatly away and out of view but easily accessible.

Spotless Kitchens

Pet friendly interiors are all about keeping your space as tidy as possible, allowing that stunning new kitchen to glisten without unsightly doggy/kitty bowls smudging that perfect vision.

Avoid: Leaving food bowls out in plain sight.

Opt for: Sliding them underneath the toe kick of your kitchen cabinetry, bringing them out for food time, and slotting that water dish around a corner so your furry friends always have fresh water available.

Furry Walls

Don’t overlook walls – they could become a headache to clean if you don’t consider their texture.

Avoid: A highly-textured wall will attract pet fur, even if the little rascal isn’t rubbing against it.

Opt for: Satin or a semi-gloss paint, helping to repel fur and to keep those walls glistening clean.

A Throne for a King/Queen

An essential part of pet friendly interior design must surely be the addition of their very own comfy pet bed.

Avoid: Mismatching with the rest of the room’s decor i.e. don’t place a traditional tartan pet bed into a swanky, sleek apartment, rather select a simpler, more contemporary design that will enhance the rest of your interiors.

Opt for: A pet bed made of high quality materials, creating a sumptuous space for them to relax, unwind and recharge after their busy day of play.

Mud Room Sanctuary

Imagine the scene – you’ve just been out on a fabulous walk, exploring the vast open fields and returning with wellies caked in mud and a pup that used to be white but is now an unattractive murky brown colour. The door opens – the gateway to your beautiful home. And before you know it, your hound is through that entrance, drying off on the sides of your magnificent new sofa.

Avoid: Allowing this nightmare to happen.

Opt for: Install an entry-way door to offer you an entrance space in which to dry off and wash down your doggy before they can enter the home. Store pet wipes, dog treats and other essentials in a cupboard at this entrance to keep the area harmoniously tidy.

Savvy Window Treatments

Every pet loves to peer out of the window to watch for their owners coming home and to bask in the sunshine on those sunny days.

Avoid: Thick fabric curtains – don’t deprive them of their joy!

Opt for: Lightweight, sheer fabric curtains that will allow them to enjoy their view. If you have blinds, make sure you pull them up so the little darlings don’t bring them down accidentally.

Harmony at Home

A pet friendly home must make special considerations for just how many accidents can happen around bushy tails and clumsy paws.

Avoid: Tables that sit too low – the candles, glasses and other breakables sitting atop may fall to their calamitous end if a tail wags too close.

Opt for: Carefully considering the space in your home and thinking about how you can avoid any unfortunate mishaps – after all pets aren’t always aware of their surroundings and don’t mean to cause any trouble.

To find out more about creating the ‘purrfect’ interior for your home contact Stacey and the team at Alexander James Interior Design on 020 7887 7604 or visit www.aji.co.uk.

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