Songs of praise
Far be it for Diary to suggest that health and safety is a laughing matter, but we think this Unforgettable nod and a wink to Nat King Cole should be postively encouraged on all development sites. But don’t let this reference to the Irving Berlin classic make you do Somethin’ Stupid when it comes to genuine warning signs, or it won’t be dancing that you end up doing when you face the music.
A new type of retirement home
In the face of an ageing population, investment in retirement housing might seem like a pretty safe bet. How about splashing a cool $200m (£138m) on a 29-bedroom hillside property in Los Angeles? It comes complete with home theatre, separate guest house,a zoo licence and your very own pensioner. As well as deep pockets, you’ll need a disposition for the disgraceful as the property in question is none other than the Playboy Mansion, home to the 89-year old founder of the magazine, Hugh Hefner. Terms of the sale include a caveat that the silk pyjama-wearing geriatric gets to live in the property until he dies. Just think of it as doing your part to help the aged.
Thank you for sharing
If a property with an octogenarian gentleman notorious for preferring blondes isn’t your thing then fear not. The UK flatshare market has turned up some interesting alternative options. You could pitch for a room in the London abode of Spare Room founder Rupert Hunt. He is offering rooms on a ‘pay what you can afford’ basis, as long as his ‘perfect’ would-be tenants don’t mind being included in a YouTube video series on the pros of house sharing. Alternatively, how about living in Upper Edmonton, North London? Just £260pm for a share in a property with a gym and garden. You have to be female, and prepared to share a cluttered room with a ‘generous’ and ‘polite’ young man called Jose, and wait up to a fortnight for your own set of keys while he assesses your character. Get in there quick, Diary is already making a call.
Savills’ history lesson
While Diary understands the prominent place of property in the history books, it was nevertheless surprised by an entry in a recent Savills publication. When looking for historical backing on the importance and adaptability of streets, the agent’s Completing London’s Streets report to the Cabinet Office referenced the ancient Mesopotamian city of Ur to show street-based environments have long been the most sought-after residential and business locations in the world. How does one of the first known urban settlements, dating back to 3,800BC, have a bearing on the regeneration of London sink estates? Only time will tell.
Property shopping
Consumer research by online estate agent eMoov.co.uk has found it takes house-hunters just 53 minutes to decide to buy a home. Obviously that’s before you factor in the drawn out process of negotiating with agents, lenders, surveyors and solicitors. Diary is keen to know, how long does it take to buy an office development, shop or warehouse? Let us know – email comment@estatesgazette.com.
Don’t panic!
It’s not often that the average property do is a world premiere, but M7 Real Estate reckons it is anything but average. Guests of the firm at the Ham Yard Hotel last week were treated to the first showing of the Dad’s Army film, introduced by the producer and director. Richard Croft, chief executive of M7 and son of Dad’s Army co-writer David Croft, part-funded the film with other M7 partners. If you missed out,“don’t panic!” as Lance-Corporal Jones would say – it’s in cinemas from 5 February.
