The reasons for moving house can be varied, but most commonly centre around changing job, being close to preferred schools, or accommodating a growing family.
However, the pandemic has placed a renewed focus on extra space, not only for families but also for their animals – many of which were acquired during lockdown.
We speak to one couple who are looking to relocate from their London property – primarily to accommodate their two cocker spaniels – Fudge and Toffee.
Lynne and Mark Baker-Cowell are moving home after 17 years at this two-bedroom property in London’s Blackheath
The couple are moving to Berkshire to accommodate their two dogs Fudge (left) and Toffee
Business manager Lynne Baker-Cowell and her store manager husband Mark have lived at their two-bedroom home in London’s Blackheath for 17 years.
After Mark became unwell due to Covid last year, the couple reassessed their lives and where they wanted to live.
Lynne grew up and had always lived in the area of London they were in, but the couple decided to take the leap and move house – the main motivation being to find more space for their two dogs.
While they already live in a dog-friendly location, next to the heath and to Greenwich Park, they are looking for a property with an enclosed garden for Fudge and Toffee.
They have decided on a move to Berkshire and hope to find a new home with a ‘very large garden’.
The couple’s home fronts Blackheath common and is currently on the market via estate agents Savills, with a price tag of £900,000
The couple are hoping to find a new home with a large enclosed garden for their two dogs
The property boasts plenty of space internally, which extends across three separate floors
The couple have a conservatory at their current home opening onto the garden
Lynne explained: ‘We’ve enjoyed living in Blackheath for many years – the local lifestyle is fantastic and it’s been a great place to walk our two dogs, Fudge and Toffee.
‘However we made a decision earlier in the year that while we have had the heath and Greenwich Park on our doorstep, what we really want is a big garden for the dogs. This has been the primary reason in us deciding to move to the country.
‘We hope to find a house that we fall in love with but most importantly, an enclosed, much larger outdoor space for the dogs to enjoy and for us all to call home.’
The couple’s decision highlights the desire from many home buyers for pet-friendly properties, which is only likely to have intensified with the substantial increase in pet ownership through the pandemic and lockdowns.
According to figures compiled by the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, 3.2million households in the UK have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic.
It says that there are now 34 million pets in the UK, including 12 million cats and 12 million dogs.
The kitchen at the Blackheath property has wooden cabinets and dark worktop surfaces
The property extends across three floors, which are linked by a feature spiral staircase
The period property is Grade I listed and has two bedrooms, with the main bedroom on the top floor
The couple’s existing period property is in Blackheath and is currently on the market via estate agents Savills, with a price tag of £900,000.
The Paragon is an historic piece of architecture dating back to circa 1800, consisting of a mix of Grade I listed houses in a private road on the fringe of Blackheath common.
The property extends across three floors, which are linked by a feature spiral staircase.
