by Michael Grahamslaw Properties Unique are a leading luxury accommodation provider for the North East of England and offer serviced apartments to discerning business and leisure travellers.
Their expanding portfolio of properties encompasses a series of prime locations including Newcastle City Centre, Gosforth, Jesmond, Gateshead and the Quayside and offer an extremely cost-effective alternative to a hotel for those looking for a short or long term stay.
The lady at the helm is Vivien Herrera-Lee, winner of several “Outstanding Customer Service Awards” and also the prestigious “North East Business Woman of the Year” accolade. Possessing a set of exemplary customer skills, “Viv” as she is affectionately known, is on call 24 hours a day and tirelessly goes above and beyond to ensure the best possible experiences for all of her guests.
I thought the concept was an inspired one so I was thrilled to land the opportunity to review one of these apartments for the readers of Northern Insight. Doubly chuffed when I discovered our apartment would be laden with slick mod cons and boasted the coveted NE1 postcode to match. Now what could possibly go wrong there? I rounded up the rest of the Grahamslaw Clan who were also in the mood for a spot of city living.
Our designated complex was Manor Chare Apartments, a superior site tucked away just off the Quayside with easy links to its many attractions (60 seconds to the Broad Chare pub, Live Theatre & several excellent restaurants) and also to the city centre itself. The perfect base camp from which to explore, Manor Chare is comprised of 2 bedroom penthouses which are all modern, capacious and tastefully appointed. In addition to these opulent living spaces there’s also complimentary on-site parking, secure door entry and lift access.
Properties Unique are a top firm who pride themselves on the personal touch. It was little surprise then that we were greeted on arrival by Property Manager Len; an extremely friendly and courteous gentleman who was more than happy to give us the grand tour of our weekend abode.
It soon grew apparent that this was very much a home-from-home environment. Dubbed an “upside-down flat” by Len, our 2 bedrooms (both featuring an en-suite) were each situated on the bottom floor whilst a chic corner staircase led upstairs to the hi-spec kitchen/dining area, spacious lounge and additional bathroom. There were a few cries of “It’s even bigger than our house!”
Neutral shades lend a nice bright and airy feel whilst cosy spotlighting and a chunky brown sofa usher in feelings of warmth and sanctuary. In fact, the whole apartment is a neat fusion of style and convenience. There’s also gadgets galore as each apartment comes equipped with a wide screen TV, DVD Player, stove, grill/microwave oven, toaster, refrigerator, cooking utensils, tableware, washing machine and hairdryer. Conscious of the modern business person, each suite also includes a versatile workspace comprising a desk, lamp, telephone connections and free high-speed Wi-fi. We also learnt that each apartment is attended to by a weekly housekeeping service and that all bills and utilities are inclusive in the rental price. How about that?
Len soon left us to our own devices and we all revelled in the breathless freedom with which living in the city can bring. Wrapped up in the novelty of it all we packed in plenty including cinema trips and morning walks across the bridges, not to mention a swift pint or two down our new local haunts on the Quayside. Well, only for review purposes.
It was a truly memorable weekend and totally reassuring knowing that if anything was to go wrong (of course it didn’t) we had 24 hour access to Vivien and her devoted team. As luxury apartments go it was clear that this was one in the very top echelon although that doesn’t necessarily mean for an extortionate price; in fact, Properties Unique offer highly competitive rates. It also dawned on me that this was would be highly suitable for businesses looking to accommodate corporate clients, team members or other travelling associates. Some food for thought I think.
Whether like us, you fancy a leisurely escape, or you’re an enterprising business executive seeking comfort and luxury, the Properties Unique experience cannot be overlooked.
