"My furniture fitted perfectly, even the king size bed!"

Resident Peter Ruddick has been living at St. Clements Court in Newcastle since February 2020. Here, he tells us why a studio apartment is just what he needed.

You have an amazing home and you’ve used the space well. What do you really love about your studio?

My studio apartment is just the right size for me as a bachelor and it’s so easy to keep clean and tidy. I can hoover the whole place from 1 socket!

What type of property were you living at before?

I moved from a three-bedroom end link house, so it was a downsize for me. Luckily, the furniture that I did bring with me fitted perfect into my apartment, even the king size bed!
 

What inspired your décor?

The previous occupier was older and the original décor was a bit dated for my taste so I wanted to keep things simple and modern yet cosy. It’s important to understand when you’re downsizing exactly what you need to live comfortably. For me, having a king size bed was important but wardrobes and drawers not so much.  Fortunately, I have a massive walk-in cupboard in the hall to hang clothes and store anything else. As a former catering manager, I know exactly what I need in the kitchen as well.

The beauty of studio living is your budget goes a lot further, so if you want carpet for instance, you can afford a much better quality because you not covering a massive space. Its quality over quantity.
 

What is the easiest thing about having a studio?

In one word: Compact!
 

What about visitors and entertaining?

I have local family and friends visit me often and we spend time in the communal lounge which is a family friendly space (with a bar too!).  There’s always something going on or someone to speak with.  My friends that are visiting from further afield stay in the guest room which is great, so they often come for a few days instead of a flying visit. Quality time with my mates is important.
 

So would you say that everything is ‘within easy reach?’

Yes, very much so. When I sit on my 5-seater settee, its 3 steps to the kitchen, 4 steps to the bathroom and 4 steps to my bed!
 

How do you work with storage?

I have a winter and summer wardrobe which is accommodated by a large walk-in storage cupboard.  However, for the remaining items that don’t fit in there, I use storage bags and hoover the air out of them so I can slide them under my bed in drawers.
 

Do you have any hobbies or anything you enjoy on a day-to-day basis?

Yes, I do volunteer work here at St. Clements Court. This involves cooking in kitchen from time to time and helping to run the bar in the communal room. I’ve been known to do a bit of DIY for residents such as putting shelves and curtains.

I have lived in St Clements Court since Feb 2020 and its excellent. It’s perfect for public transport, local shops, pubs and takeaways. More importantly, it’s safe and secure as I live on my own. The residents are great and there is always something going on in communal lounge. The local manager here is always at hand or at the end of the phone when in need.