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Heroine In Heels is a top 10 London lifestyle blog aimed at the modern day woman. Covering things to do in London, restaurant reviews, hotels as well as where to go in the world when you want to escape London

Join The Blogger House Share

Monday 10 August 2015
Blogger House

Is it possible to change the way we live in London and create the ultimate blogger household?

London has become a love hate relationship. I love this city for it's bars, restaurants, diversity and creativity, but the basic fundamentals such as accommodation are killing it. You might have seen my tweet last week where I expressed my stress over finding out my job was being outsourced and I was being kicked out of my flat due to childish bullying and underhand tactics by my so called flat 'mates'. The job will be easy to get back on track, I have skills and so I know I'll be OK. However the housing situation is a different story and going to be a nightmare to sort out.

I'm sure you are quite aware of how hard finding somewhere to live in London is. It’s not just about finding a suitable room to live in, but also finding the right people to live with. Having flat-shared in London for over 2 years, I’ve had more than my fair share of downs. I've lived with live-in landlords who set down unreasonable rules upon me, I've had people were extremely messy, I’ve had noisy people, I’ve had people where they think full on slanging matches is normal communication. Being made to feel uneasy in my own home and tip toeing around is not acceptable, no one should feel like that in the place that should be their sanctuary.

And now my latest encounter has been with City Boy Traders (aka total wankers) who think they rule the world, and quite frankly now I’ve just had enough!

Lunchbox London (6)

The common denominator in all of this? I had no control over really who I lived with.

No longer do I want to be trapped in the endless 'SpareRoom.com' cycle and let's be honest, buying my own house is a distant dream right now. Usually when flat hunting, your job is primarily what you will be judged on by others. Most people (Londoners especially) will define success based purely on the size of your paycheck alone. Some of us thankfully have lives outside the four walls of the office, and so this leads to success being defined in other ways. People often forget it's not all about the money.

Because of this difference in thinking it means not everyone is compatible living with each other, especially when money is involved and can naturally leads to clashes. I propose smashing this up and focusing on personalities, interests, and lifestyle goals to create a community where group contribution is encouraged, rather than live with individuals who are only looking out for themselves.

Mercure Hotel London Bridge (1)

So that is where the blogger house comes in. My blog everything to me, it brings me so much joy and enriches my life, so I want a place that supports that. I want to create a house where people understand that and work/enjoy similar passions in this area too. I'm talking to you, the Bloggers, Vloggers, Writers, Photographers and other creatives out there. I'm creating the ultimate social-creative house where we have dedicated space to film our videos, create a beautiful area for product photos, have space for a large proper dining table to host dinner parties.

I'm sick of living with people who don't support each other and that are just in it for themselves, and so I'm creating a house where we share our knowledge, expertise and passion. Each person in the house will bring something to the table, for example a photographer can help take a fashion bloggers photos whilst a social media guru will help spread a writers work on Twitter. A place where you'll feel supported, gain no end of benefits and generally love living there. But there is more. Imagine living in a dedicated social-creative house. Imagine a blogger house and the opportunities that would come from living there. This house will become a brand and be identifiable- people will know of it, and from it the opportunities from being part of a brand are quite endless. Think having a house identity, where we can create YouTube channel for it and the such too as it becomes an entity in itself.

It's time to disrupt the norm in London and get what we want.

Wireless10 (1)-001  Remy Martin  (10)-001

Here is what I am planning:
  • To rent and fill a whole house preferably in zone 1 or 2 London- area to be decided between potential housemates- its a collaboration remember. A large enough house that we each have enough space that it is a home and not just a place to rest our heads. A garden would be preferable but not essential, as would parking. 
  • Around 6-7 person house to really create something special and community like. 
  • Those wanting to join the houseshare have to have a skill or creative passion they bring to the mix. It's not just bloggers, but also those into photography, art, social media, fashion. If you live just to work then sorry, this is not the house for you. 
  • By all means having a city job is no problem, as I work in an investment bank too, but you have to have creative interests outside of work. 
  • Have to be willing to collaborate as a house and help make the house brand work. It will require some degree of work in the sense of you become part of a influencer group that we will look to grow and promote. 
I am creating this house right now, as I want a sense of normality and happiness in my life.

If you or a friend is looking for somewhere to live now or in the next two months leave a comment below and I will send you an email with plans for the dinner event I am planning, to meet those interested and to talk further plans. Even if you are unsure whether this is for you, register your interest below.

There will also be a dedicated website for this too going live this week, which will have more details, and updates on the actual house etc.

Please also share this as much as possible, as I feel I can really create something special but it needs support. Click here to tweet this post:

65 comments:

  1. This sounds amazing! If I was looking for a place is join. Good luck! !!

    www.lookwhatigot.Co.uk

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  2. This is such a great idea Laura! I've just moved back to London and am working hard to take my blog to the next level but it's hard when you're on your own & your family & boyfriend don't understand why you're 'always on your laptop'. I'd definitely be interested in finding out more, gymbagsandgladrags@gmail.com xx

    gymbagsandgladrags.com

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    Replies
    1. I know the feeling. People think I just stay on my laptop all day surfing the net when in actual fact I freelance write for online magazines, work very hard on my blog and I work as a freelance social media intern.

      It's so annoying.

      chichi-writes.blogspot.co.uk

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  4. Awesome idea. I'll definitely be interested. sophia@sotremendous.com

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  5. I would be interested! crazyblondegal@live.co.uk

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  6. If I hadn't literally just moved in somewhere I'd have been all over this, hah!

    Mike
    www.thebeardedbakery.com

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  7. Ahh I just renewed my lease for another year! (crying lol) - This would be an awesome opportunity to live with other bloggers. Sounds like a dream....

    Good luck with it all
    xxxx

    www.yasbeyou.com

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  8. This sounds so amazing. If I was a single lady in London I would totally do this!A great initiative and I wish you all the very best of luck - looking forward to seeing how this turns out!!

    Rach // illustratedteacup.com

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  9. Ohh this is brilliant and I'm looking to move in the next two months. Email is micgingell@gmail.com blog www.cardifforniagurl.co.uk can't wait to hear more

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  10. Doh. I just moved, otherwise would totally be into this!! Sounds like an ACE idea!!! :) xx

    Little Miss Katy | UK Lifestyle Blog

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  11. Awwww so sorry you've been messed around, your latest situation sounds terrible... Loved this post and your dedication to create your ideal housing situation, what a fun project! Good luck with it all, but as a Londoner of 10+ years my advice is don't be fooled by the desire to live in zone 1... Zone 2 as plenty of perks too, being central is great but by the sounds of what you want it would be far more economical to be in zone 2 as get more house for your money! Of course I'm biased as I'm a SW London girl for ever! Good luck with this project will follow it for sure xxx

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    Replies
    1. That's true. Zone 1 rent prices seem to be utterly huge right now! Sometimes places further out can be cheaper, but central is still accessible within like 20 minutes or so? :)

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    2. I second this. I work in property and you're really going to struggle to find a house that size in zone 1 for an attainable rental cost, especially if the people that are to live there are self employed / don't have a steady income stream. Houses of that size will all be in prime / super prime locations with rents of £4000+ per month.

      Delete
    3. As a Londoner I agree with this too. I'm from SW London too (high there!) and I live in Zone 3. Where I live, transport is really good (e.g. I can get a train to Central London in 20-30 minutes) and the area I live in is great - nice houses, shops nearby, parks, etc. You don't have to live in Zone 1, there are some great places outside of Central London that are great too and you can get the house you want.

      chichi-writes.blogspot.co.uk

      Delete
  12. Such an awesome concept! I'd love more information - bryonydodds@hotmail.com x

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  13. This sounds like a great idea. I love seeing people getting creative and working together like this. Best of luck with it all.

    Samio
    www.samio.co.uk

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  14. This is a fab idea Laura! It's not for me as I don't live in London, but I really really hope you get enough people interested to make it work xx

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  15. teambombersports@gmail.com - definitely interested in this :)

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  16. Definitely, definitely interested! ebonylaurenn@gmail.com x

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  17. Love, love, love! clairelouisesheridan@gmail.com
    clairelouise.net
    xxx

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  18. I'm nore of a vlogger..but I'd love this! It'd be life changing <3
    Alexanderlowth@hotmail.com

    Www.Youtube.Com/alexanderlowth

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  21. This sounds so incredible. I love how raw this post is, and how much creativity fuels your life. Too bad I'm not looking to be London bound anytime soon. Sounds incredible!

    With Love, Fatema | creativeinthearts.blogspot.co.uk

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  22. lewisglynn69@gmail.com - definitely want to get involved, this is exactly what I have been looking for! :)

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    Replies
    1. Same - exactly what I would want! Not for now though as I don't live in London. But when I move back this concept is something I would bear in mind.

      chichi-writes.blogspot.co.uk

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  23. Wonderful Idea!!
    www.wotshernameagain.blogspot.com

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  24. Love it! Email me at ohwana.official@gmail.com
    XX

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  26. Totally all about this! Need a nice new kitchen to do my recipe posts on my blog and the kitchen is always a nightmare where i live at the moment! - tahira@ramblingsofafoodaddict.com

    Tahira x

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  27. Flat hunting in London is unbelievably difficult and I love the fact that you have had the initiative and guts to create your own space. I already have a flat but if I didn't I would be so in. Can't wait to see the progression with this project good luck!

    www.emmainks.com

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  28. This is a freaking FANTASTIC idea! I'm almost contemplating ditching my boyfriend just to move in... I am sure you will fill the house no problem and it will lead to great success... I feel like I've just read a Dragons pitch! haha. Sad to hear your flatmates aren't treating you well though - totally agree that no one deserved that in their own home!!! Lots of love, Andrea xxx

    Andrea's Passions

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  29. I am planning on moving to London in the next two months and this sounds amazing. I feel you with living with idiots and wanting to share your home with people with similar interests. My email is jessicianyourear@gmail.com - I look forward to hearing more!

    www.jessicainyourear.com

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  30. Amazing idea. I'm all settled but hope I can come to the house warming!!!

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  31. We'd love to interview you all once the house is full. Such a good idea.
    Blogosphere Magazine

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  32. Oh how I wish I lived in London!! Good luck lovely! Truly inspirational to take this into your own hands & come up with such an incredible solution!
    Simone x | The Aussie Flashpacker

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  33. sounds like you've been in some pretty awful situations! this is such a bold and brave thing to do - it's not of interest to me as i'm not at that age yet to be living away from home, but i'll share the link! xx

    Hannah x hannatalks

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  34. Hiya I just tweeted you about this, it would be so so perfect for me as I need to move back to London in September! Heres my email... mollie.whitehead@hotmail.co.uk

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  35. love this idea!! Send me more info - lauren@nakedfashions.com x

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  36. Fab idea, Laura! Keep me posted!x

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  37. I think this is a really brilliant Idea and If I didn't live happily with my boyfriend I would be at that dinner like a shot! If you want an Illustrator to come round for tea let me know! :D

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  38. Hi Laura, this is a great idea. I'm definitely interested as I'm a Sydney blogger making the move to London at the start of Sept - the housing prospects are terrifying! I'd love more information :)
    madeleinetgale@gmail.com

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  39. This sounds like such an amazing idea! I really wish I could afford to live in London x

    Abi | abistreetx

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  40. Absolutely love this idea! I'm not able to join in as I have the hubby and kid (although both are creative ha!) but i'm sure you will find some fab people to join in! I live in SE London already (zone 1) and I love the area - I'm near Tower Bridge Road/ Bermondsey Street and London Bridge which is a fab area. bettertogetherhome@gmail.com

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  41. I tried to comment yesterday on mobile but it wouldn't let me, would love to be kept up to date with this. Looking to move end or September, perhaps October brokeinthebigsmoke@gmail.com

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  42. This is an AMAZING initiative and I'd love to be part of it :) Zen, whereverhapiness@gmail.com

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  43. Love this idea! Im looking to move in September, would love to have more info! mimzxo@hotmail.com

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  44. I find your 'City Boy Traders aka total wankers' comment to be fairly preposterous. I'm surprised that as a blogger who is presumably trying not to alienate your audience,you would be looking to avoid making massive sweeping generalizations? I'm sure you are fairly riled yourself when others aim to purport the 'bloggers are all narcissistic, self-indulgent vacuous wankers' stereotype.

    My brother is a 'city boy trader'. As are a lot of my friends. As was my father. No wankers to report.


    PS. Live with your friends.

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    1. Hi.

      If you read on, you would know that I was talking about my current flat mates who indeed are wankers. Also as I go onto explain I myself work full time in investment banking.

      I was merely explaining my situation and the types of people I do not want to live with again.

      Ps. This is a sweeping generalisation. I can't live with my friends as they already have houses.

      Delete
    2. Thank you for your reply, (not a troll by the way, just a reader who took offense)

      Forgive me my misinterpretation but where you said 'City Boy Traders who think they rule the world', that really does sound more like you're generalizing it to every trader instead of just the ones that you live with. Surely if it is indeed just your current flatmates that you live with that are the problem, you didn't need to assign their dickery and supposed wankerishness to all traders at large.

      I have worked at Goldman Sachs and there were certainly some undesirable characters there, but I would never seek to make any generalisation about them. It's a bit of a tired cliche. don't you think? Like lawyers being soul-less, or accountants being boring. It surprises me even more to hear you work full time in investment banking and still wish to tar everyone with the same brush.

      PS. 'Live with your friends' wasn't a generalisation. It was a suggestion.

      Delete
    3. I assume you deleted my reply to this as your witty riposte can't quite cover it. Good to know.

      Delete
    4. Hi.

      I never deleted your reply, I have seen it only my email however, so I'm not sure why it has not come up. The below deletion comment was my own comment I deleted.

      I take your point ( in your missing comment) yes maybe it did come across like that, and so I am sorry.

      I've just had a hard time with the investment banking culture at te moment, with my first own job being given to someone else "it's not personal it's just cheaper" and then my terrible housemates, who I'm afraid do portray the cliche.

      If I offend you, then I am sorry

      Delete
    5. To show I never intended for your comments to be removed here it is:

      Thank you for your reply, (not a troll by the way, just a reader who took offense)

      Forgive me my misinterpretation but where you said 'City Boy Traders who think they rule the world', that really does sound more like you're generalizing it to every trader instead of just the ones that you live with. Surely if it is indeed just your current flatmates that you live with that are the problem, you didn't need to assign their dickery and supposed wankerishness to all traders at large.

      I have worked at Goldman Sachs and there were certainly some undesirable characters there, but I would never seek to make any generalisation about them. It's a bit of a tired cliche. don't you think? Like lawyers being soul-less, or accountants being boring. It surprises me even more to hear you work full time in investment banking and still wish to tar everyone with the same brush.

      PS. 'Live with your friends' wasn't a generalisation. It was a suggestion.

      Delete
    6. Thanks for your reply, and I didn't mean to come across quite so offended and livid. I am sorry also. I just always take immediate offense and chagrin to sterotypes about traders and bankers.

      Really hope your situation works out with the house. H

      Delete
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  46. Hi lovely! If it's not too late, I would love some information! My email address is rebecca-seddon@hotmail.co.uk xxx

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  47. What a fantastic idea! I'm a northerner dwelling in the big city. Would be great to let those creative juices flow and not be filming hidden in a room!!


    Drop me an email dani@missionworldie.co.uk


    www.missionworldie.co.uk

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  48. What a fantastic idea! I'm a northerner dwelling in the big city. Would be great to let those creative juices flow and not be filming hidden in a room!!


    Drop me an email dani@missionworldie.co.uk


    www.missionworldie.co.uk

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  49. Hi,
    This sounds like an amazing idea. I am 27 and need a place to call home, that isn't just a room. I too am looking in zone one and want to be apart of a household that wants to be a community and a friendship. The "spareroom Cysle" you mention is what I am in and I don't want to see another room that is not like its pictures, (a large double being a Cosy single")
    I am creative at both work and home as well.
    I would love tobe apart of a collective
    Drop me a line and let me know about the dinner/ meeting you want to set up.
    Sounds AMAZING
    Rhi x
    rhi.humble@gmail.com

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  50. This sounds like the most lovely idea in the world! Wish I didn't live so far away!

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  51. Hi :)

    This is a great idea and it's something I would definitely consider trying out, but I'm not moving flats for another year or so - I'm from London but I live away for university which is in the North of England.

    I know how you feel though, and I really hope you get things sorted. Situations like these are not fair. I have been flatsharing/housesharing since I moved away to university in 2012 and it's been an ongoing nightmare battle ever since. Pretty much most of the flatmates I've ever lived with have been awful - messy, horrible, disrespectful, selfish, constantly distracting or harassing, rude, not willing to respect my space and boundaries, bitchy, two-faced, etc etc. In fact, there has never been a time in my life where I've lived in a happy home/flat surrounded by people who truly understand, respect and support me and the home in which we live in. It's not fair.

    I strongly believe in the mantra "home sweet home" - I believe that a home should be happy, functional and stable. Yet I have been made to feel uncomfortable, unhappy and uneasy in my own homes, and I have been treated so horribly and disrespectfully. I shouldn't have to tip toe around my own home and feel isolated, yet I have been. :(

    I have decided that I am going to try to find a one bed flat but if I have to flatshare then I might try to find other bloggers to flatshare with. That is a fantastic idea I'd have to bear in mind.

    Good luck with everything! And sorry to hear you've had such a horrible time. I hope you find peace, stability, normality and happiness in your blogger home!

    :)

    chichi-writes.blogspot.co.uk

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  52. Hi Laura, I am hugely interested in this! This sounds like my perfect house and I am looking to move anytime within the next few months. I am not a blogger (yet!) but creative job and the house would be a perfect place to start. I'd love for you to contact me: fgfollis@hotmail.com

    Thanks x

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  53. Hey Laura, this sounds like such a great idea. I wished that I was looking for a house share right now! :-) Enjoy the creative journey and looking forward seeing the result of this initiative! xx

    www.newyorkermeetslondon.com

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