When you think of renting what comes to mind? What has been most people’s experiences? In my own past I found it quite daunting at first, especially when I moved to a new city with very few friends and even less idea on how to make new ones.
In a post pandemic world where remote working is more common than ever, rising living expenses are hitting everyone and the hangover from covid restrictions make us all a little less sociable, I believe Folk are bringing their mission of clever co-living with extra benefits to the world at just the right time!
At the heart of Folk’s idea is using key pillars of community and connection. This is not just a place you rent; this is a place for you to truly live. To thrive.
They are achieving this through incredibly smart communal areas throughout the building, such as workspaces, fantastic outside terraces and an open planned communal living set up. The area on the 8th floor has been cleverly designed to feel like a huge kitchen, diner and lounge. You’d expect the place to feel overwhelming, or perhaps even like a cafe or hotel but it feels safe, cosy and most of all homely. Yes, you have a place to sleep, a brilliantly thought-out private space. But the whole building is yours to use as your home.
We stayed in one of the flats with a balcony offering an incredible view of London. The City area was clearly in view, and to the right the famous arch of Wembley. Down below was the nearest tube station – which takes you to Euston in under 20 minutes. As lovely as the flat was, I was eager to see all that the Palm House had to offer around the building, including the gym, cinema and the exciting new restaurant/bar – Mule.
Before I visited the building, I wasn’t expecting such a friendly and warm vibe. My first idea of co-living would be individual flats and a few breakout areas for residents to “maybe” use. Passing by each other in the lifts perhaps – they may even nod a very “London like” quick greeting. But that is simply not the case here. This building feels comforting and super friendly. Each space created to encourage socialising and bonding. It oozes connection.
The decor is sleek without being pretentious. It’s cool without trying too hard. Which is exactly the feel you want to achieve in a personal living area. It’s cleverly practical without seeming clinical. There is anything and everything you could possibly need to live safely and securely in a buzzing a socially electric atmosphere. The staff are on hand 24 hours a day, but not in a stuffy manner. They immediately feel like people you can not only turn to but feel comfortable with. It’s a very astute balance that is a credit to the creators.
At Folk you will also be given the opportunity to enjoy new experiences constantly. From art classes to yoga, hackathons or cooking sessions. Everything is open to residents and almost every amenity is included within the rent. Including the use of the gym, cinema and of course the work areas.
This place is a must for anyone thinking of renting in London. Its unique take on the renting market is something to be admired and get very, very excited about. It takes all the very best parts of co-living and ups the ante using the latest technology and inspiring opportunities to get the most from life. I’m told the residents already living at The Palm House are diverse and from all backgrounds, creating a colourful and rich community within the building. It makes sense for now and the future – with its great balance of communal living, for working remotely and having that private comfort in your own unique flat.
Folk at The Palm House offers four sizes of Studio apartment starting from £1,248 p/m with all utilities, council tax, events, access to shared spaces and services included, opened in February 2022. The site is located in Harrow, which provides rapid train connections into London Euston in as little as 12 minutes.
Words by Saffron Bentley
