Welcome, come in, would you like some ice cream?
I’ve been itching to share some snaps of our new London flat with you but I had to wait till we had the keys before I could believe it. It’s a renovated apartment in an art deco house from the 30′s built on the grounds of an old university. Part of the agreement with the property developers was that they had to keep a listed building from the original build – so they made it into a grand big library (a perfect home office don’t you think (?!!!)) and a gym. I KNOW.
It was such a journey finding this place. We had a narrow area to search with E wanting to be near his new work in Putney – the first couple of days left me thinking oh my gosh what have we done. I vowed never to call our apartment in Brisbane tiny again. We were just about to take a place that I was 50% happy with when we found it.
We made an offer 2 and a half weeks ago. The rental process here is different to home. Most places are listed 2 months before they’re available and the list price is not really the price you can expect to pay – you make an offer on the place. I had no idea how painful the process would be as first time renters in the UK but after a long process we finally got the place. I absolutely love it.
SHOP HERE
June 20, 2011 at 7:48 am
Oh Clare it’s gorgeous.. A blank canvas to make your mark on.. Can’t wait to see what you do with it! I’ve always wanted a radiator like the one in the living room! Just shout out if you need some decor tips!
June 20, 2011 at 2:40 pm
It’s gorgeous! Well done…..finding a perfect flat in London can be such heart ache! I’m so happy for you
June 20, 2011 at 4:22 pm
Wow, it’s too sweet Clare! Such a lovely, green area around the building too. Enjoy every minute of it!
June 20, 2011 at 7:57 pm
Thanks so much for all your lovely comments! I couldn’t believe my luck when we saw it – I always knew it wasn’t going to be an easy process to get it but we got there in the end!
Caylie – that’s one of the things I fell in love with – plenty of space right outside to sit and enjoy the sun (when it comes out!)
Emma – you know I will!
June 20, 2011 at 8:21 pm
It has a clean Swedish feel to it and is quite unlike the usual digs in London. Congratulations on this find.
Suzanne
June 21, 2011 at 3:35 pm
Can’t wait to see what you do with this little sweetie. It’s a daunting task moving countries and finding somewhere to live but once you have and you put your stamp on it, you will never want to leave. I don’t think a place feels like home until you put some of your favourite art pieces on the walls. That is usually the last thing people do, though. Have fun.
Jennifer xx
June 21, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Congratulations on the new flat – funny – its right behind my old house!
I used to live in the road of 1930′s semi’s and my garden backed on to what used to be the playing field of the Uni. They eventually built houses on it, but thats when I left and come to OZ! Small world! Enjoy Southfields/Putney/Wimbledon – its a great area!
June 21, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Congratulations! It looks just gorgeous!
June 21, 2011 at 6:23 pm
Camille that’s such a coincidence! Loving the area so far.
June 21, 2011 at 6:32 pm
It looks great – I bet you can’t wait to decorate it. So glad to hear that you found a place you are happy with. Enjoy!
June 21, 2011 at 7:55 pm
Oh, my it’s just too gorgeous … haven’t you arrived in the UK at the right time, weather wise? x
June 21, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Yes, we have I think! Apparently gets more summery from now on (is the Summer solstice today) so I’m looking forward to that!
June 21, 2011 at 8:36 pm
Looks lovely Clare & I do note, blue skies … in London!
June 21, 2011 at 11:52 pm
Wonderful space, love the balcony. that would have sold it for me. perfect place to share a glass of wine!
June 22, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Yay Clare, just brilliant, love it. I’ve been too busy these last few weeks (largely paperwork, groan) and have been meaning to touch in and find out about your journey. Am really looking forward to getting a voyeuristic sense of London via your good self. I know you’ll seek out all the places & things that would interest me! I look forward to the before/after lounge room shots
June 22, 2011 at 11:25 pm
Beautiful!!! You just have to fix the weather to have more sunny days like that on the pictures
)) Wish you luck in a new flat!
August 3, 2011 at 2:00 pm
your new place is absolutely darling!
September 8, 2011 at 8:57 pm
Clare I’m going to be spending a lot more time in London as of October – commuting form Brussels and i’d like to meet up if you can – I’m launching an online radio station and could use your help
Best
Alia
September 12, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Wow! Congrats! A fresh start that looks soooo fun. Good for you Clare