What I Rent: ‘I pay £1,200 for my studio apartment in East London’

This is What I Rent – Metro’s series that explores what renting is like in the UK and further afield.

We’re chatting to Natalie Robinson this week – an award-winning celebrity stylist and style writer, who has been working in the fashion industry for more than 15 years. 

Natalie lives in a studio apartment at Royal Wharf, a waterfront development in East London’s Royal Docks.

Here’s what she has to say about her rental experience…

Tell us about yourself… 

I am a freelance luxury personal shopper, stylist, and livestream seller host of pre-owned designer bags and beauty products. Through my fashion career spanning over ten years, I have helped men and women from all backgrounds, celebrities, and corporate clients to elevate their style and gain more confidence in themselves and their fashion choices. I recently won a Diamond Special Recognition Award Worldwide (2023) for Women and Youth Empowerment Through Fashion.

What keeps me level-headed? River, the family puppy – we engage in regular brisk walks and park runs. She’s my number one companion. 

What kind of property do you rent and how long have you been there?  

I have been renting a studio apartment in Royal Wharf since 2018. 

How much do you pay to live here? 

Approximately £1200pcm. 

What does that include?  

Rent, council tax and service charge. 

What do you get for what you pay?  

A spacious apartment, a communal garden, a clubhouse with a gym, sauna/jacuzzi, swimming pool, and concierge service. 

Do you feel like you have a good deal?  

Yes – location is everything.

Besides that a spacious apartment and great local amenities, plus public transport is really accessible. It takes 30 to 40 minutes to travel into Central London, and 10 minutes to City Airport from Pontoon Dock DLR, which is a two-minute walk from my apartment. Local buses and the Thames Clipper boat service – all situated within the Royal Wharf development – take you to further destination points. There is a direct train to Heathrow Airport via the Elizabeth Line which you can catch from next to The Excel, a 20-minute walk away. 

What do you love to do in your flat? 

My flat is my safe space, a little sanctuary where I love to be creative – produce content, livestream from home, cook, and relax. 

What do you love and not love so much about the area? 

The vast waterscape and green spaces initially attracted me to Royal Wharf. There are two parks – Thames Barrier Park and Lyle Park adjacent to the new Riverscape development – they are great for dog walking and summer picnics. I also love the community events hosted by Riverscape – the summer fete and others – which help creative professionals who live locally to support one another.  

The Royal Docks area is very multicultural and community-driven. When visiting this area initially, it felt safe and looked clean. What’s more, I felt a special connection with the area – it has so much industrial history to offer and the potential to become one of London’s most cosmopolitan areas in which to live. The only things that need to be added to the area are a local shopping centre, cinema or library. 

How did you find this property?  

Through Google. 

How have you made this place feel like home?  

I have made my apartment feel like home by utilising the space and styling it with comforting accessories, such as feathers, plants, colourful ornaments and memorabilia from my travels to boost positive energy. The key features of my apartment are my bookcase, as I love to read, and a round dinner table where I can entertain friends. 

Have you found it difficult to decorate when renting?  

There are restrictions – but luckily, I do not enjoy painting, so I have tested my interior styling skills by styling my apartment with one-of-a-kind accessories. This includes cushions I picked up from the runway floor in Milan, during fashion week, as well as plants, a bookcase and modern furniture. 

Do you feel like you have enough space?  

I have enough space for now, but eventually, I would love a one-bedroom apartment. 

What would you like to have but don’t with this flat? 

A private balcony. 

Are there any problems with the home you have to deal with?  

No. 

Do you have plans to move again any time soon?  

No – this place feels like home. Plus, moving home can be very stressful.  

What about buying a place?  

I want to buy my apartment as an investment property. 

Shall we take a look around?

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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