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Apart-hotel – My Edinburgh Life

Alt Admin • Feb 03, 2016

"We selected Hideaway Kitchens and these fulfilled the functional specifications and also the quality that the project demanded…"

Peter Cannell

My Edinburgh Life

Nestled in the West End of Edinburgh city centre is a sanctuary to weary travellers and a temporary home from home for short term tenants. ‘My Edinburgh Life’ is a project undertaken by owner Peter Cannell, which reflects the British preference for private space by combining hotel luxury with the comforts and convenience of home.

The four storey Victorian Town House underwent a six month major renovation with a budget of £350,000.00. The result is outstanding and achieves the goal of marrying the design principles and quality of an upmarket hotel with a homely feel to provide accommodation for tourists, business visitors and longer term visitors such as students.

The design was inspired by the My Edinburgh Life philosophy:”Peace, sophistication, comfort and modern appliances in stylish spaces, where guests can study, work, relax and socialise.” There are a total of 13 rooms available to guests, of which 6 are studio apartments. Rooms and studios aim to offer a peaceful base to live soundly and sleep well for the full academic term, a monthly contract or just for few nights.

In order to offer a home from home with luxury experience various elements were carefully considered. All of the rooms have access to a shared kitchen and living room, furnished with a TV and social area. The garden was landscaped to provide a delightful setting for outdoor relaxation. The decision to include a kitchenette within the design of the studios was taken to attract those guests who would be staying for longer periods.

Peter Cannell was responsible for sourcing the kitchenettes and after some initial research discovered that John Strand MK could provide the perfect solution: “We selected Hideaway Kitchens and these fulfilled the functional specifications and also the quality that the project demanded…”

The Hideaway kitchen is manufactured by Electrolux exclusively for John Strand. The kitchen boasts a 120 litre refrigerator with ice box, sink and drainer, ample storage, shelving and microwave oven all within a 1200mm wide unit; all of this can all be hidden away behind closed doors. The Hideaway is often selected for single room living and proved ideal for this situation. It offers everything one might need to cook as if in their kitchen at home or indeed, just make a cup of tea.

To fit elegantly with the ‘hotel chic’ style options selected for this project included black and burgundy gloss finishes for the doors and stainless steel accents with the backboard, ‘T’ bar handle, combination microwave and ceramic hob. A wooden chopping board which fits over the sink provides additional work top space. Peter Cannell, owner remarked: “We also used some (John Strand MK) doors on our own fitted wardrobes in order to enhance the design integrity of the rooms…. After 6 months the kitchens seem to be performing and still look good.”

Calvin Reeves was appointed project manager for this development and worked closely with Peter to ensure the overall look and design brief was accomplished. John Strand MK has excellent relationships with UK based cabinet makers and combined with 30 years of experience within furniture design are uniquely placed to offer clients a bespoke service.

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