A food bloggers’ route to a better home - and kitchen - in London
September 2022
Food blogger and primary school teacher Tiago, the face behind Instagram account @thehealthybeard, had been renting a studio apartment in East London for the past four years, thinking it was the only way he could afford to live in the capital by himself. A keen baker, documenting his creations to his nearly 21k followers, it was essential Tiago lived somewhere that inspired him to spend time in the kitchen.
Tiago comments, “I am a huge fan of baking, so I’ve always dreamed of having a spacious, high quality kitchen where I could explore my passion even more – and of course share my baking with my followers! It might come as a surprise to my fans, but my previous kitchen was tiny – I didn’t even have an integrated oven! I was using a countertop oven that plugged into the wall.”
Determined to find a better home to cook in, whilst getting on to the property ladder at the same time, Tiago discovered Shared Ownership with L&Q and realised it ticked all his boxes.
He comments, “I was keen to stay in Northeast London, close to my school in Stoke Newington, but on first glance on Zoopla I was disheartened; everything I liked was out of my price range. But then I came across L&Q at Blackhorse View and couldn’t believe how nice the development looked, and at a price I could afford.”
L&Q at Blackhorse View is a new collection of 108 one and two bedroom Shared Ownership apartments situated opposite Blackhorse Road tube station, in the thriving neighbourhood of Walthamstow. Situated within the wider Blackhorse Lane regeneration area, the neighbourhood is undergoing a transformation to deliver 17,000 square feet of new retail and commercial spaces.
Convinced by the location and investment potential, Tiago arranged a viewing with the sales team at L&Q at Blackhorse View.
He recalls, “After registering my interest, everything happened really quickly. I went for a viewing a few days later and as soon as I walked into the show home, I got a great feeling. Going from a tiny studio flat into the generous open-plan kitchen/living area of the show apartment at L&Q at Blackhorse View was such a change. I instantly dreamed of living here.”
Tiago went on to buy a 30% share of a one-bedroom apartment at L&Q at Blackhorse View. Moving in just over a month later, Tiago explains what he loves most about his new home.
“My home was the first property that I viewed at the development. I was immediately drawn in by the views from the fourth floor, and the natural light coming in from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The kitchen was of course a massive draw too – the contemporary design was exactly what I hoped for, and the integrated appliances were a massive step up on my previous home!”
Tiago has enjoyed transforming the apartment into his own home.
He says, “Everywhere I had rented before was furnished so I was really excited to go furniture shopping and make this place my own. I’ve chosen a minimalist, Scandivanian style, with lots of oak furniture and white accessories, plus plenty of greenery to bring the outside in.”
Speaking about his new neighbourhood, Tiago describes how he’s found living in Walthamstow so far.
“The location was what initially drew me to L&Q at Blackhorse View and, since moving in, it has lived up to my expectations. My apartment is directly opposite Blackhorse Road station on the Victoria line, meaning I can get into Oxford Circus in 20 minutes and walk to school in Stoke Newington in 40 minutes. Plus, there are great bike networks around Walthamstow, which makes cycling to work a great option.
I especially love that my new neighbourhood is so green; the Walthamstow Wetlands Nature Reserve and Lee Valley Park are minutes away. Coupled with all the bars and cafes by St. James Street, you really get the best of both worlds!”
Now settled in his new home, Tiago reflects on his experience as a first-time buyer with L&Q.
“Throughout the buying process, the sales team were really helpful and supportive. They always answered my questions quickly and were very thorough with explaining how the Shared Ownership process worked – I was a first-time buyer and needed a fair amount of guidance, so their help and expertise was invaluable!”
Looking ahead, Tiago already has plans for the future. He explains, “Over the next few years, I hope to staircase and purchase larger shares in my property, until I own my home outright.”
He concludes, “I am so happy to have bought through Shared Ownership, It’s unlocked a whole new chapter in my life and in my blogging – I can’t wait for plenty more baking at Blackhorse View!’