What I Rent: I pay £975 per month for my Dorset two-bed — it’s a dopamine dream

Welcome back to What I Rent – Metro’s tenant diary series exploring what renting is like in the UK and further afield.

Ever since 33-year-old Sam Scott was a little girl, she’s been completely enamoured with Japan. Fast forward to the here and now, and she’s decorated the entirety of her rental flat with a Japanese-inspired style.

The interiors inside her two-bedroom home in Dorchester, Dorset, are full of Hello Kitty plushies, bright colours, and joyful, dopamine-evoking patterns – and a giant pink bow adorns the living room wall.

Her flat might be a rental, but she’s made it into the perfect home for her and her son, and their growing family of pets.

Here’s what Sam had to say about her property journey…

Tell us about yourself…

I’m Sam, and I’m 33. I have a son who’s almost 10. I’m very colourful and creative, and I love being a mother of human and fur babies. I have four cats, two puppies, and two leopard tortoises. It’s chaos, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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

I rent a two-bed Victorian terrace house (which includes one box room). I’ve lived here for almost six years.

How much do you pay to live there?

I pay £975 a month in rent.

And what does that include?

This only includes the house; it doesn’t include any bills, gas or electricity, which typically come to around £130 per month.

What do you love most about it?

Definitely the size. I’m so lucky with how big the rooms are and how much space we have, especially with our ever-growing family.

Where is your home, and what do you think of the area?

I live in Dorchester, Dorset. It’s quiet in comparison to big city living, but it’s the right amount of hustle and bustle. We’re surrounded by beautiful coastlines and architecture. The beaches are 10 minutes or so away, so I’m so lucky to call this place my home.

How did you find this property?

I found this place when I was looking on Rightmove, as we needed to move out of our last rental property quite urgently. Places were very few and far between, especially as a single mother. I found it really difficult to find a property where they would take me seriously and not judge me.

When I looked at this place, I was welcomed with open arms and managed to get it as soon as I viewed it, just before lockdown struck. I feel really grateful that I got here when I did. It was definitely meant to be.

Do you have enough space?

I would never like to complain about the size, as I wouldn’t like to live in a really big house. I’ve always said the cosier the better, but having said that, we are always looking for more space. We always make it work anyway. I love a challenge, plus any excuse to have a shift about and apply a lick of paint.

Have you found it difficult to decorate when renting?

I haven’t found it difficult to decorate, no. Of course, there are things that I would love to paint, like the doors and window frames, for example, that I wouldn’t do out of respect for my contract. It’s also important to make this place feel like your own, where you’re here for a year or 10. That little bit of effort will make you feel much more at home.

What influences do you have in your home?

I have a huge love for Japanese culture, which is definitely reflected in my decor. It’s always been a dream of ours to live, see, breathe, and eat in Japan. I feel as though my house could be transported somewhere in Japan and fit right in.

My best friend was Japanese in primary school, and that’s where it all began. There are an unbelievable number of places to explore in Japan, which is something for us to look forward to in the future. I fear for my bank account if I were to visit – I might not ever come back home.

What’s your best tip for working with colour?

Start off with a pillow, decorative piece or a print that you really love and transport those colours onto the walls and onto your rugs. Don’t be afraid of what others think; if it makes you happy, then that’s all that matters.

What are your favourite features?

The sofa was a sold unseen secondhand purchase. My friend had sent me a picture from her local charity shop, and I instantly knew it was something I had to have. I was prepared to do anything it took, and they delivered it the next day. It cost me £150, including delivery.

The smile lamp also brings me so much joy – it gives us such a lovely glow. It’s such a statement piece, and it’s the first thing that everybody sees.

Another favourite feature is the lilac block on the wall. It’s Joyful Lilac by YesColours and is an easy and affordable way to add a pop-up colour.

Are you a fan of sourcing things secondhand?

Yes. The pink fridge is also secondhand, costing a grand total of £100. It was super smelly and needed a lot of work, so I tried my best to get it spic and span. I must say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I love it because it’s pink, and if there’s anything I can get, that’s pink, I will.

Your son’s room is also super colourful?

My son asked for the most colourful room in the world, which filled me with great joy – I went absolutely wild. I think this room has more trinkets and memorabilia in it than the whole house combined.

What would you like to have in your home, but currently don’t?

I would like a colourful door, as mine is very ‘renter-friendly’ looking, and a wider hallway, as it’s very narrow. It can be difficult at times, especially when you’re in a rush in the morning.

Are there any problems you’ve had to deal with?

There haven’t been many issues, maybe small things like door handles loosening, a couple of leaky sinks, which have been fixed straight away. I have a really good communication with the landlord’s handyman.

What are your property non-negotiables?

A couple of years ago, this wouldn’t have been an issue as we didn’t have any dogs, but now we have two puppies (aged one and four months respectively), so an easily accessible garden is now a must.

Do you have plans to move soon?

No immediate plans to move, although I do dream of having a place to call my own to live my quirky, colourful dreams.

Right now, we’re enjoying where we are. But, I’ve always said I’d love to live in a static caravan and completely renovate it into my own space in a fun, affordable way.

I’d even like to find a bigger place somewhere in the countryside where the animals can live freely and renovate that.

For the past few years, I’ve been working on my credit score, which is now excellent and something I’m really proud of. We’re grateful for the now.

Shall we take a look around?

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