October 19th 2024.
Hello and welcome back to What I Rent! This is Metro's tenant diary series where we explore what renting is like in the UK and beyond. Last week, we had a peek inside Emily Hadley and her husband Kevin's five-bedroom home in Devon - a stunning transformation of the 'worst house on the best street' with bright colors and quirky furnishings galore. This week, we're back in London to see what Kyle Halls has done with his one-bedroom flat in Battersea.
Kyle, who is 30 years old and the director of client success and head of partnerships at CREtech, a digital marketing and conference company, moved into his studio apartment at Folk Co-Living in Florence Dock almost three years ago. Folk is a communal living property that offers residents a studio apartment and access to shared facilities such as a gym, fitness studio, co-working space, rooftop terraces, a cinema room, and more. Kyle loves the convenience and sense of community that comes with living here.
So, how much does Kyle pay for all of this? Well, his rent is £1,895 per month, but Folk offers different pricing options depending on the length of your stay, the size of your studio, and whether you live alone. And what does he get for that price? His studio apartment comes equipped with a bed, TV, desk, ensuite, and kitchen. In addition, he has unlimited access to shared facilities such as a larger kitchen, gym, fitness studio, cinema room, rooftop terrace, co-working space, onsite shop, games room, and weekly events open to residents. These events range from fitness classes and movie nights to cooking masterclasses and more. Kyle also has access to a 24/7 onsite front desk team.
When asked if he feels like he has a good deal, Kyle says yes without hesitation. And what does he love to do in his flat? Well, he enjoys the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills. He spends a lot of time in the shared spaces and at community events, which offer countless chances to get involved. These events cover a range of interests, from wellness activities and sustainability initiatives to baking, fitness, and clubs focused on movies, books, or comedy. Kyle also mentions that these events are open to local residents, not just those living at Folk, which helps build a strong sense of community and enrich the lives of both residents and the local community.
Folk emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging residents to participate and even host their own events. This allows for a real sense of belonging, and residents have the freedom to be as introverted or extroverted as they like - a huge plus for Kyle.
Now, let's talk about the location. Folk Florence Dock is based in Battersea, and Kyle has been living in this area for over two years. He loves that it's the perfect hub, situated between Richmond and central London. Richmond is close, scenic, and beautiful, offering green spaces like Richmond Park, as well as shops, pubs, and other amenities when you need a break from city life. Plus, it's a place for Kyle to reminisce about his hometown in the countryside of Suffolk. On the other hand, central London is equidistant and provides a bustling working atmosphere and a more energetic social life. Battersea itself offers a great mix of green spaces, bars, restaurants, gyms, sports clubs, and more. The Thames Path is also a fantastic spot for a walk or run at any time of day.
So, how did Kyle find this property? Well, his circumstances changed, and he needed to move from a private rental. As someone who works in real estate, particularly in commercial, retail, multifamily, and co-living spaces, he was already familiar with the concept of co-living. However, Folk exceeded his expectations, and he felt it was the perfect fit. As a digital nomad, the location, team, amenities, and all-inclusive monthly payment were key factors. He was also looking for more than just a place to live - he wanted to be part of a community that positively impacts the local area and enriches the lives of residents.
To make his place feel like home, Kyle has chosen to get really involved with the community and other residents at Folk. This has helped him to make great friends, and he mentions that the staff are always supportive. The sense of belonging among residents makes living at Folk truly special. When asked if there's anything he would like to have but doesn't with this flat, Kyle mentions that while Folk already offers a lot, he would love to see a small wellness spa, sauna, or steam room added to enhance the relaxation and wellness options. Additionally, on-demand paid housekeeping or laundry services would be a convenient option for busy professionals. He also admits that he'd love to have a full-sized domestic oven in his own studio, as the microwave oven provided is convenient but doesn't offer the same efficiency or versatility for cooking. However, he does have access to a proper oven in the shared kitchen.
As for future plans, Kyle has no intention of moving again unless his career takes him outside of London or the UK. He's also not considering buying a place at the moment. When asked about decorating while renting, Kyle mentions that he tends to keep his decor minimal, but residents do have the freedom to personalize their space. And as for space, Kyle feels that the studios are thoughtfully designed with compact yet ample storage, which helps maximize the available space. However, one thing he does miss is a dedicated space for relaxation - a small sofa or couch would make a big difference, providing a place to unwind that isn't the bed.
Thankfully, any issues that arise are promptly handled by the maintenance team at Folk. Residents have easy access to support through a resident app or portal, and the team is always responsive. This takes a lot of the stress out of managing typical household problems, ensuring that any concerns are quickly addressed.
Now, let's take a look around Kyle's home! As we enter, we can see that it's cosy but compact, with only a microwave oven in the kitchen. However, there are space-saving solutions throughout, such as the fold-down table. The neutral theme is evident, and Kyle has added personal touches to make it feel like home. The bathroom is just for Kyle, but there are plenty of communal spaces, including a proper oven in the shared kitchen. There's even a pool table and various other communal areas, such as the state-of-the-art gym, conversation pits, outdoor seating, and the cinema room. Kyle loves the feeling of community here, and he mentions that there's a strong sense of belonging among residents. He also suggests adding a small wellness spa, sauna, or steam room, as well as offering on-demand paid housekeeping or laundry services. Finally, we ask Kyle if he has a story to share, and he encourages anyone interested to get in touch by emailing Metro's London news hub.
And that concludes our tour of Kyle's one-bedroom flat in Battersea. Thanks for joining us on What I Rent! See you next time.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
