Workman Elvis Summers spends his free time building 20ft tiny homes for homeless people – and the compact creations manage to squeeze in a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

A deeply empathetic person who feels other people’s emotions as if they were his own, he takes pride in knowing that he’s giving those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles a bed for the night.

‘To feel the relief, joy and hope that people feel is ultra rewarding. It fills my batteries right up,’ the 47-year-old Californian shares.

‘It’s an amazing experience and I wish everyone could get on board.’

What started as a simple mission to help a 61-year-old woman named Smokie has now become The Tiny House Project.

At the time, she was ‘sleeping in the dirt’ near Elvis’s flat – and so he wanted to help her out of her situation.

‘I did it because it’s the right thing to do. It’s what we should do,’ Elvis’s mission statement on the project’s website reads.

‘We have more than enough resources in the world to solve the hunger and homeless crisis. The problem is that people just don’t care or don’t care enough.’

Smokie was well-loved in their local neighbourhood, but Elvis notes that despite everybody liking her, not enough was done to help her out.

The mini house he built her – the first one he ever constructed – cost just $500 (£400).

He placed it in front of his apartment and knew that after witnessing her reaction to it, this couldn’t be the only person he helped in his life. And so, The Tiny House Project was born.

‘She slept for a day-and-a-half straight because for the first time, she actually felt safe,’ Elvis notes.

Though he hasn’t kept exact track of everything he’s built since then, he estimates it to be in the ‘hundreds.’ Mostly, people ‘break down and cry’ after witnessing the fruits of Elvis’s kindness – something he describes as a highly ‘emotional experience.’

‘It’s very unsafe on the streets, with your guard always up, and to sleep in unknown areas without shelter, not knowing what might happen, is a horrible place to be,’ he says.

‘To give someone a safe place where they won’t have to worry about possibly dying almost overwhelms people. There’s lots of gratitude and hugs.’

Typically, the tiny homes are built on trailers to keep them mobile – but once stable, they’re secured on foundations or blocks.

Inside, he ensures there’s everything needed to accommodate a wide range of guests – from one-night stays to a long-term one.

It can take anywhere from a mere few days to a couple of weeks to finalise a project. To avoid the homes being seized by authorities on account of ‘hazards,’ as was the case in 2023, he now builds two types of homes.

The first is an emergency shelter, which is a simple, secure room without running water or electricity, while the others are full-sized tiny homes with multiple rooms that can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000 (£5,000 to £12,000) to build.

All the money is raised completely from donations, but recently, as the cost of materials has increased, the demand to build tiny homes is only getting harder to combat. In Elvis’s view, this is why it’s so important that other people get involved too.

‘Even if I was launched forward with millions of dollars, and we could hire a solid crew, we wouldn’t be able to keep up,’ he reflects.

‘It’s going to take many groups, doing it the right way, and a whole lot of change in our society’s way of thinking to end homelessness.’

Because of the limited funds, Elvis is only able to build the homes in his spare time – as he has to work since there isn’t enough money for him to pay himself a salary.

However, this is something he’d like to achieve in the future so that he can build more homes – and ultimately, help more people in Los Angeles.

‘Like everything in society these days, the reaction is very much down the middle. Some people love it, and others hate it,’ he adds.

‘But I think the more people keep falling on troubled times, the more understanding there will be that it’s out of our control. Things are becoming quite unaffordable for most – and therefore, homelessness will only keep rising.’

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These days you can get filler just about anywhere; your under-eyes, cheekbones, nose, and of course lips – but we aren’t just talking about the ones on your face.

That’s right, people are now getting filler in their vulvas, thanks to the increasingly-popular practice of labia puffing.

While the cosmetic procedure has been around since the mid-2000s, it’s recently become a hot topic after being discussed by Caitlin Howden and Emily Key on The Weekly Breakdown podcast in December. 

Explaining, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist for The Portland Hospital Dr Shazia Malik tells Metro: ‘Labia puffing uses dermal fillers, like hyaluronic acid or fat, to restore volume to the labia majora (the outer lips of the vulva).

‘The minimally invasive procedure is designed to enhance appearance by increasing fullness, smoothness, and symmetry.’

Podcast hosts Caitlin and Emily likened it to ‘looking for a camel toe’ and wanting a ‘puffy p***y’. But let’s be real, there’s a serious reason some of us want to alter how our vulvas look.

Why do women get labia puffing?

‘The procedure is most sought after by women looking to regain a youthful, fuller appearance due to age, weight loss, or childbirth,’ Dr Malik explains.

All three of the above can cause the labia to look more deflated or ‘saggy’ which can, understandably, lead to insecurity for some.

‘Many women seek the procedure to address perceived imperfections or asymmetry,’ she adds. ‘Aside from aesthetic improvement, labia puffing can also increase confidence, particularly in intimate situations.’

Chafing is another problem which can cause discomfort, and can also be a factor into the decision to get one’s labia puffed. 

But others choose to have work done simply due to general self-consciousness about their genitalia’s appearance, which isn’t exactly surprising given how social media and porn contribute to unrealistic body standards.

The Centre for Surgery, an aesthetic surgery based in London claimed labia puffing as ‘contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing and youthful appearance’. It’s a nod to the age-old idea that a woman’s greatest pursuit is to look as young as possible, with a plump vagina seen as the latest accessory for those wanting to remain ageless.

But proving that body insecurity defies generations, a University of Melbourne study that found girls as young as 13 were already worried about how their vaginas look.

‘There is no “perfect” or “ideal” appearance for genitalia—just as with any other body part, every vagina is unique,’ says Dr Malik. ‘Most concerns about vaginal appearance stem from societal pressures and misinformation, not actual issues.’

She warns that while discomfort or health concerns should be addressed with medical professionals, ‘cosmetic procedures should only be pursued if they are personally desired.’

‘Labia puffing is a personal choice, and like any cosmetic procedure, it should be approached with careful consideration,’ Dr Malik adds.

‘While it can offer aesthetic benefits and boost confidence, it’s important you seek procedures for your own reasons and not because of societal pressures or unrealistic expectations.’

The Weekly Breakdown’s Catilin echoed this sentiment, saying: ‘I’m all for any kind of modification, as long as it’s coming from a place of “for me”.’

What are the risks and benefits of labia puffing?

The obvious benefit to labia puffing, as Dr Malik points out, is the restoration of the labia majora’s appearance, giving it a plumper and more youthful look. 

It’s also non-invasive, typically carried out with local anaesthetic and carrying fewer risks than surgical alternatives like labiaplasty, along with having a shorter recovery time.

But just because it has fewer risks, doesn’t mean they’re non-existent, and it helps to have all the facts before you cosmetically alter your body.

Dr Malik says: ‘The most common risks include swelling, bruising, and irritation at the injection site. Allergic reactions to the filler material, though rare, can also happen, and some patients may generally experience mild discomfort.’

It’s vital to make sure you’re going to a reputable surgeon too, because there is a chance of uneven results or asymmetry if the procedure isn’t done right. Additionally, overfilling can result in an exaggerated look, which you most likely don’t want.

Even if it all goes to plan, Dr Malik adds: ‘In some cases the filler material could shift or form lumps, leading to an unnatural appearance. There are some more serious complications like infection or damage to surrounding tissues too, but choosing a qualified practitioner can help minimise these risks.’

How popular is labia puffing?

There’s been huge amounts of interest in labia puffing recently, with cosmetic surgeon Gerard Lambe from Reflect Clinic seeing a 20% spike in enquiries about the procedure.

‘In fact, demand for labia procedures as a whole are on an upwards trend,’ he tells Metro. ‘We’ve carried out more than ever in the last few years.

‘I performed 42 labia puffing procedures last year and most of these were an additional aesthetic request to a labiaplasty, but increasingly many women simply desire the filler option of a puffing procedure on its own.’

According to Dr Lambe, ‘very few opt for labia puffing out of pure vanity or societal pressures to have a perfect vagina.’

In fact, in his opinion, ‘Most women simply want to feel better in their skin and to solve what may have been an excruciatingly embarrassing issue for years – perhaps from childbirth or the menopause when tissue plumpness and elasticity decreases due to hormones.’

‘I vet and appraise all patients to make sure they are emotionally and psychologically in a happy, healthy balanced state of mind before any procedure,’ the surgeon adds.

‘Most women tell me they’re opting for the procedure to feel physically better and more comfortable, not to please a partner.’

When it comes to costs, Dr Lambe explains he charges up to £500 per ml of filler, so the total cost depends on the amount of filler required.

‘The first ever procedure starts with smaller amounts so that a top up is possible,’ he explains. ‘If puffing is combined with a labiaplasty, that can cost in the region £2,000 to £4,500.

Both Dr Lambe and Dr Malik urge people to do their research before undergoing the treatment and choosing a practitioner, with the former warning: ‘Don’t be tempted by low cost offers as these may not include consultations or follow-up care.’

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We’re all guilty of sleeping in our underwear from time to time, but for 26-year-old Kaela this simple habit left her in excruciating pain in hospital.

She slept in underwear she’d worn many times before to bed but woke up to find they had rubbed against her vulva in a flossing motion and cut her.

The assistant property manager from Dallas, Texas, assumed the wound would heal on its own, but over the next few days, she felt an intense burning and began exhibiting feverish symptoms.

After the cut formed a bubble, Kaela struggled to close her legs due to the severe pain, so she visited her doctor and was prescribed antibiotics.

She said: ‘I took them for two days before I decided I was going to die if I didn’t go to the hospital.

‘I couldn’t sit, stand or even, lay down. My only option was to ride to the hospital lying on my left side because it was on the right side of my vagina.’

At the hospital, doctors used an ultrasound wand to confirm a 4.8cm Bartholin’s cyst – a fluid-filled blockage in the Bartholin’s gland in the labia – with blood work showing she had an infection as a result.

‘They were worried had I waited any longer, that I would have gone septic,’ Kaela says. ‘They had me on several different IV antibiotics hoping that the cyst would burst on its own instead of having to do it surgically.’

It was an ‘excruciating’ ordeal, with Kaela explaining: ‘I was practically screaming in pain that not even morphine could cure.’

However, on the morning of her third day in hospital, she stood up and felt a ‘massive burst of liquid gushing’ down her legs. The cyst bursting was an immediate rush of relief and she was finally able to sit, stand and lay normally.

Kaela remained in hospital for a further two days until her white cell count showed she no longer had an infection. But her turmoil didn’t end there.

In July, months after her underwear had initially cut her and following numerous trips to A&E, she was eventually diagnosed with a fungal infection.

Kaela said: ‘She had me start taking this antifungal medication and within a week I started to feel so much better. You never know how sick you are until you aren’t sick anymore.’

Over the next few months, the wound slowly healed and Kaela was finally cyst and infection-fee.

Reflecting on the incident, she says: ‘It’s so silly and insane that a pair of underwear caused mass torment and pain for me for nine months.

‘Each time I had to tell a family member, friend, or doctor that this all started because of a pair of underwear I died a little inside from embarrassment, but now I think it’s quite hilarious.

‘It’s a great comedic relief story that people would never expect to hear.’

Now, Kaela refuses to sleep in underwear, preferring to let the area ‘breathe’ and says she has learnt to advocate for herself.

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It began with an intermittent pain under my right rib. 

It was 2021 and I was 48, too busy living life to take this unusual pain seriously. So I brushed it off. 

That pain only got worse when I drank alcohol.

Even though I was only a social drinker I started to get terrible hangovers even if I only had a couple of glasses. Still, I never dreamed this was a sign that something was seriously wrong.

Over the following months I became increasingly fatigued. I went from going to the gym several times a week and being very active in my business, to not having energy to do anything. 

After experiencing intense pain over two consecutive weekends in early 2022, I decided it was time to see my GP. 

My first visit, I was told it was ‘just acid reflux’ and prescribed medication to help treat that.

When that ran out, my pain returned with a vengeance. This time, I was prescribed a different medication, but it turned out it was off the market.

Two days later my pain was worse than ever and the whites of my eyes, in my daughter Issy’s words, had turned ‘the colour of the inside of a Cadbury’s crème egg’ – I was now jaundiced.

We went to A&E and after a night of blood tests and CT scans, I was admitted, as they’d found a ‘suspicious lump’ on my liver.

An ERCP – a surgical procedure that uses an endoscope and X-rays to diagnose problems with the liver and bile ducts among others – was ordered and that’s when everything changed.

Lying on a bed waiting to be wheeled down for the procedure, the doctor said: ‘You do know what we’re dealing with here?’

‘No. No one’s told me anything,’ I replied.

‘Oh. You’ve got a cancer called cholangiocarcinoma,’ he said, matter of factly.

I had no time to really take in what was said.

Cholangiocarcinoma is bile duct cancer. Once considered rare, AMMF, the UK’s only charity dedicated to this type of cancer, says more and more people are being diagnosed with it every single day.

It is not, as was told to me by the so-called ‘specialists’ who were treating me, ‘a cancer that only affects men over the age of 65’. This cancer does not discriminate and the charity has seen cases rising among young people, particularly women, between the ages of 20 and 40.

When I woke up the next day after the ERCP surgery, I felt brand new. A stent had been placed into the bile ducts to unblock it and the relief was immediate. 

But then the MacMillan nurses came in and handed me a leaflet about cholangiocarcinoma.

Life changed in an instant.

I felt devastated for not knowing anything about cholangiocarcinoma. But I was cross, too – at my GP for not spotting the signs but also at the general lack of awareness.

Luckily I found AMMF and was able to download a letter for the surgery to read all about the cancer and to put on display. 

I’d felt they’d let me down by misdiagnosing me. At least this way, by displaying the letter on the wall of every treatment room, they wouldn’t forget about cholangiocarcinoma in the future.

Then, after posting about it on LinkedIn – where most of the 250 comments I received asked ‘what’s that?’ and ‘how on earth do you even say it?’ (it’s pronounced kol-angee-oh-car-sin-oh-ma) – I knew it was time to focus on my own treatment and health.

I wanted to know everything I could about this cancer and, importantly, how to beat it.

I activated my private healthcare and, as surgery is currently the only form of ‘cure’ for this cancer, and as my tumour was small enough, in July 2022 I had a liver resection: removing the tumour, part of my liver and also my gallbladder.

In September, I started a follow-up course of chemotherapy and in March 2023 I was told I was cancer-free.

Words cannot describe the relief I felt.

Now, life could carry on, and I’d make the most of every day.

For a few months, that’s exactly what I did. I started dating my now-husband, Keith, got back to work and just enjoyed life.

Unfortunately, at my three-month monitoring scan I was told the cancer was back.

Instead of one big mass, I now had eight smaller tumours that were scattered across my liver, making further surgery impossible. My only hope was targeted therapy.

However, I then learned I have a very rare gene mutation, meaning I won’t respond to chemo or any targeted therapies now approved for use in the NHS.

It was another devastating blow.

Since then, I’ve tried multiple different drugs and treatments; each time thinking, ‘This is it. This will be the one to cure me.’

I have to be hopeful, I have to stay positive.

That’s why I’ve been making the most of every day. It’s why, when Keith proposed in August 2023, I said yes immediately and planned our wedding in just three months. It’s why we travel a lot and bank memories over buying things that we’d just throw away in a couple of years. 

Because I can’t afford to take anything for granted anymore.

Now, though, I find myself at an impasse.

A few days ago, doctors told me they were out of options and I’ve been put on palliative care.

But I refuse to give up.

I know there are treatments out there that could help me. I’m on a global forum with cholangiocarcinoma patients and a lot of them in America and Australia are getting new and advanced treatments that aren’t yet available here in the UK.

For patients like me, this simply isn’t good enough.

I’m not going to just sit here and wait to die, I have a lot to live for, but now it’s up to me to push for the care I deserve.

That’s why, this Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month, I’m working alongside fashion legends Rankin and Dame Zandra Rhodes to put the spotlight on AMMF’s (the cholangiocarcinoma charity) Rethink Liver Cancer campaign.

I’ll be heading to the House of Commons on 26 February at a reception for MPs and NHS leaders to support a plan for a ‘Fairer Deal, Faster’ for people with cholangiocarcinoma in the NHS.

It’s high time that this cancer got the attention, funding and research that other cancers do. 

It’s time the UK caught up with the rest of the world and invested in cholangiocarcinoma.

Maybe then, patients like me could have a positive experience. Maybe then we could be survivors, too.

As told to Emma Rossiter.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

Getting to the gym can feel like a lot of effort some days – and with so many pieces of equipment to choose from, knowing where to start can feel like a bit of a minefield.

Along these lines, the 3-2-1 method is quickly taking over our TikTok For You pages, promising both quick results and a way to neatly organise your exercise by day.

In one clip, @maggiefromladder shared: ‘I want to personally kiss whoever came up with the 3-2-1 method. All my workout planned for me?

‘I’m excited to go to the gym. I am addicted and will never go back to any other workouts.’

Meanwhile, @jujusheikh noted it gave her a completely ‘snatched waist,’ eradicated her back pain and made her feel ‘stronger than ever.’

What is the 3-2-1 method?

As personal trainer at The Fitness Group, Eryn Barber, tells Metro, the 3-2-1 is a fitness routine that involves three days of strength training, two days of Pilates and one day of cardio each week.

In her view, it’s both a ‘simple way to organise’ weekly workouts and to ‘adopt a holistic approach to exercise.’

What are the benefits of the 3-2-1 method?

‘One key advantage of this training method is that it focuses on the three main pillars of movement: strength, mobility and cardiovascular health,’ Eryn explains.

‘If your aim is to improve your overall health, you need to consistently work on all three areas. Breaking the plan into clear numbers makes it simplistic and easy to follow.

‘It also creates structure around your training and can help those struggling to stay motivated remain consistent in their training plan.’

How to do the 3-2-1 method

Part of the beauty of the 3-2-1 method is that it’s relatively flexible, so you can tailor it to the type of exercise you prefer.

Strength training might sound scary, but as Eryn reminds us, this can range from calisthenics to powerlifting, or even just traditional gym trips.

As for Pilates, you could try mat or reformer variations (using a reformer machine that resembles a bed frame with springs attached to one end) either at home or in a class, while the cardio can include the likes of running, swimming or hiking.

‘You can structure your week in several ways,’ says Erin. ‘We recommend a day of rest or another workout between strength sessions to allow your body to recover.’

Some of Eryn’s plans include:

• Strength, Pilates, cardio, strength, Pilates, strength 
• Pilates, strength, cardio, strength, Pilates, strength.

What results can you expect from the 3-2-1 method?

As is often the case with exercise, results look different for everyone.

But if you remain consistent in your commitment and stick to the 3-2-1 method for at least eight to 12 weeks, you’ll see improvements in your aerobic fitness, muscle strength and overall health.

Eryn concludes: ‘The important thing is that you stay consistent, progressively overload over time and focus on recovering properly with good nutrition and adequate rest.’

Ready? 3-2-1, go…

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It’s no secret that renting in London typically comes with a huge price tag.

But if your tenancy is up for renewal and you’re looking for a bit of respite from it all, one ‘quaint’ borough could provide you with more bang for your buck.

According to new research, the average rent in this cosy suburb comes in at £1,325 per month. And it’s the perfect spot if you want to stay in the capital for less.

Meanwhile, the East London borough of Havering nabbed second place with average figures of £1,380 per month, and commuter hub Sutton was in third.

Where is the cheapest place to rent in London?

The cheapest place to rent in London overall is currently Bexley, tucked away in South East.

But it is all the way out in Zone 6, so if you’re looking for somewhere a little more central, estate agent Hamptons’ figures claim the least expensive inner London borough is currently Greenwich, where rents average out at £1,800 per month.

However, if you’re planning on taking advantage of these pockets of (semi) affordable rent, you might want to get in there quickly, because data from SpareRoom also shows that SE2 – which includes parts of Greenwich and Bexley – has seen rental prices increase by 54.7% since 2019, the largest increase of any postcode in London.

Likewise, rents in Bexley have increased ever so slightly since June 2024, when data placed typical monthly prices at £1,297 per month – £28 cheaper. It might not sound like a lot, but nevertheless, it’s still a gentle creep upwards.

To put this into perspective, average rents across the entire capital have risen by 32% over the last five years. Essentially, it’s a grim outlook all round, but one that’s becoming grimmer faster in previously less expensive areas.

With those caveats in mind though, Bexley’s offering is plentiful, from historic sites to local breweries. Here’s an idea of what you can get stuck into, and what it’s like to live here…

Things to do in Bexley

Spanning Sidcup, Erith, Bexleyheath, Crayford, Welling and Old Bexley, the borough has a good deal of areas to explore.

For an insight into local history, Hall Place and Gardens is worth a visit, offering various family-friendly exhibitions and experiences including a miniature railway, owl petting and a Saturday Farmers Market.

There’s also Danson House and Park, a Grade I listed Palladian villa first built in 1766. Originally designed by Sir Robert Taylor (AKA, the architect behind the Bank of England), it was reopened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2005.

And, for afternoon strolls galore, there’s Lesnes Abbey Woods. Here, you’ll find 88 hectares of woodland, a park and the ruins of a centuries-old abbey.

Fan of a tipple or two? There are beers aplenty to be sampled at The Bird and Barrel, Bexley Brewery’s micro pub. And it’s even dog-friendly so you can bring your furry friends.

Locals love the area, too – particularly Bexley Village, which was praised on Reddit for, naturally, its village-like feel.

‘Bexley Village is lovely, quiet, quaint,’ penned @Staricakes, while @Blandiblub labelled it ‘nice and small.’

‘I was born in Bexley and have some fond memories of the area,’ @mcluckz added. ‘My grandparents lived near the Broadway – there’s some lovely housing stock, nice parks, especially Danson.’

And as for Bexleyheath, the general consensus is that it’s a ‘peaceful’ place – ideal for those after a change from the city’s hustle and bustle.

‘We’re mid-30s and moved from a busy South London area. It’s definitely quieter,’ @rosewalker wrote, as @NCP_R praised the area’s ‘easy access to trains into London.’

Indeed, getting into the centre is relatively easy: there’s a train connecting Bexley Station to Charing Cross, which takes around 38 minutes, and a route between Slade Green and Cannon Street that’ll get you there in 45 minutes.

Alternatively, you can now get the Elizabeth Line from Abbey Wood. Not only does it take just 31 minutes to get to Paddington, there’s also air con.

So, if you’re ready to give Zone 5/6 a try, Bexley could be your bag.

This article was first published on August 7, 2024.

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Welcome back to What I Own – Metro’s property series where we speak to homeowners about getting on the ladder.

As the UK entered lockdown, Patrick McAleenan was able to put some extra money aside towards a deposit.

It meant that after 25 years renting in London, he became a first-time buyer, aged 48, swapping the capital for a three-bedroom flat in St-Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex.

Since moving in 2021, he’s been able to connect with a creative community by the seaside, and is relishing in the freedom that homeownership has given him.

Here’s what Patrick had to say about his property journey…

Tell us about yourself…

My name is Patrick and I’m now 52-years-old. Professionally I’m a few things: I own a creative communications agency which offers brand, events and PR consultancy to premium brands, mainly in the alcohol industry.

I’m also a freelance journalist and currently writing my first work of fiction. I’m a keen art collector, love exercise (I was a personal trainer for a while) and hiking.

I’ve also recently taken my first pottery classes, so I’m excited to see where that goes next.

I live alone in a three-bedroom duplex apartment by the sea.

Whereabouts is your property? What do you think of the area?

I live in St Leonards-on-Sea on the East Sussex coast. The area is a creative hub for artists, musicians and creatives, as well as a gastronomic and cultural hotspot with a real sense of community.

The area is still growing and there’s always something new happening. Much of the town is architecturally beautiful as it was built by the acclaimed British property developer James Burton, from 1827.

He also built most of Bloomsbury in London, as well as other architecturally significant areas in the city, including most of Regent Street.

I personally live in an 1850s maisonette (not built by Burton but in a similar style), which the previous owner (also a property developer) had completely renovated, keeping all the original features. It’s a five-minute walk from the sea which is blissful.

When did you move in?

January 2021. I knew this was going to be my home as soon as I walked into it, after first viewing it six months before. It had most of the features I wanted and I could instantly see myself living here.

How much does your property cost?

I bought it for £325,000. It was on the market for £310,000 but everything was going for over the asking at that time, so I knew I had to go a little higher.

How much was your deposit?

I had a deposit of £70,000 which was my own savings and a £10,000 gift from a very generous friend who wanted to see me get on the property ladder.

What is the monthly cost of living here now, both mortgage and bills?

More than it did two years ago. I renewed my fixed-rate mortgage in November 2023 and bills like utilities have gone up quite a bit. My service charges have remained steady thankfully.

In total, I’m paying £2,400 a month on my mortgage and bills – £1,800 of that is my mortgage payment.

How did you save up for your deposit?

The pandemic. I travel a lot for work and pleasure so I got to stay home and just stopped spending money, aside from the essentials. I had £30,000 already saved and quickly saved the rest during that time at home.

What was the process of getting a mortgage like for you? Did you find any parts challenging?

Quite seamless thanks to my mortgage broker. As a freelancer who had just set up a limited company, I thought it would be more difficult than it was. She was creative and very supportive. I was limited on lenders so she focused on the one who was most likely.

Can you share details on your mortgage (rate/term)?

I’m with Barclays and on a two-year fixed rate of 5.92% until November 2025. It went up significantly (by £600 per month) after the first two-year fixed term.

Where did you live before this – were you renting or living with family?

I rented for 25 years in London and lived in 10 different places. I lived with a close friend in her home in North London for my final eight years in the city.

What made you want to buy rather than rent?

I wanted my own home, to settle in one place that was mine. I was also approaching 50 and very aware I had a window to make that happen.

How did you find this property? What made you choose it?

I knew I wanted to leave London and live by the sea, but still have easy access to the city for work and to see friends.

I also wanted an architecturally interesting and beautiful place to live. I kept reading about St Leonards so took the train on a very wintry day and loved it. I thought if I like it in winter, I’ll love it even more in the summer.

I saw a lot of properties in the year it took me to finally buy one, as it was very competitive (mainly with other Londoners). I bid on and lost two before finally buying where I live now.

How have you made the property feel like home? What’s the inspiration for your interior decor style?

I’ve always loved interiors and obsessively read interiors magazines. I’ve also been told I have a good eye.

My apartment had been completely renovated so everything was new, down to all the appliances. I arrived with two pieces of bedroom furniture, two chairs, books, magazines and a few pieces of art, so I was almost starting from scratch. I had managed to save a nice budget for the interior.

I wanted to buy quality pieces of contemporary and vintage furniture that I knew I’d have for a long time, so I focused on buying UK and Italy-made, with a focus on different types of wood, textures and patterns. I have a beautiful hand-made rug from Beni Rugs in Morocco. I wanted lots of colour, and art on the walls and shelves.

I worked with a talented local carpenter to create beautiful storage solutions and with a community filled with artists, I’ve slowly collected a few pieces from locals including Julia Swaby and Tim Nathan, as well as other work I’ve purchased on my travels.

I’d say my style is luxurious comfort with bursts of colour. Think Soho House (I have furniture and lighting from Soho Home) meets art gallery.

What’s your favourite room and why?

My living room – it’s a colourful sanctuary filled with my favourite things including art, photography, plants, books and other objects. It’s also flooded with light at certain times of day.

When my friends come, they say they never want to leave that room.

Do you feel like you have enough space?

More than enough. It’s 1000 sq ft just for me! It was originally a three-bedroom but I had the smallest bedroom converted into a walk-in wardrobe – something I’d always dreamed of having.

I have a second bedroom for guests, who come regularly. The apartment is on three levels as the entrance hallway is on the ground floor and with high ceilings and lots of windows, it feels very spacious and light-filled.

Do you have plans to change the property?

Yes. One day I will knock down a wall between my kitchen and a (wasted) hallway to create a banquette-style dining room. The apartment is painted all in one colour so eventually I’d like to paint areas in different colours and shades, but for now, it’s perfect as it is.

Are there any problems with the property that you have to deal with?

It’s an 1850s maisonnette so it requires upkeep but I’ve had to do nothing major since I’ve arrived. It’s a four-storey house with my neighbours in the basement and ground floor.

What do you want people to know about buying a home?

See a few places first to get a feeling for what you like. I put a bid in on the first property I saw because I liked the high ceilings and fireplace. I didn’t get it and I’m so happy I didn’t. It was completely wrong for me.

I quickly learned not to be impulsive and not get emotionally attached to a property; easier said than done but it worked. It made me very decisive.

Follow your gut when you do find that dream place. I made an offer the day I saw my home. It was £15,000 over the asking and the owner instantly agreed. It was worth every penny as my property has increased in value quite a bit in three years.

What are your plans for the future, in terms of housing? Do you plan to stay here long-term?

Yes. It may not be my forever home but I’m staying put for the foreseeable. I’ve put my heart and creative soul into making it my (and others’) sanctuary.

Shall we take a look around?

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