‘Stresses me out’: The seaside flat with a kitchen hiding in a cupboard

A studio apartment in the UK has taken compact living to the next level.

Billed as a delightful one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit in Eastbourne on the south coast of England, the property appears to take a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) approach.

There’s a double bed, a side table, flatscreen TV, two arm chairs, a cute dining table setting and two tall cupboards. 

For those wondering where the kitchen area is, it’s hiding in plain sight.

One of the tall cupboards has been transformed to house a microwave, fridge, a plumbed sink, crockery and cutlery. It even has a glossy grey subway tile backsplash.

Yet, the studio wasn’t to everyone’s taste. In fact, it confused many in the nine.com.au team.

Many took issue with the kitchen set up and lack of storage.

“The kitchen in the cupboard doesn’t even make sense? It takes up the same amount of room without the doors,” Mikala said.

“Whose stuff fits in that wardrobe? It’s the only storage for any items,” Serena said.

“Not sure if a kitchen in the wardrobe is a good trend to set. It’s tiny, unappealing, but at least this ‘delightful’ studio flat is proudly offered furnished,” Josh said.

Others went a step further, questioning the listing photos.

“Why are the photos like that?” Sindy asked.

“Is the fish-eye lens meant to make it look bigger?” Jess echoed.

As for what you’d expect to pay for this rental?

It’s listed at £920 ($1846) per month or $420 a week with a $1846 bond. Bills included.

The price left some on the team reeling.

“I just assumed it was London based on price,” Maddi said.

“I think this is insane, the whole kitchen inside your wardrobe is cooked. I mean… sure there’s some value in your bills included but it’s smaller than a studio hotel room,” Amy said.

“Eastbourne and the like seaside places are becoming popular with Londoners moving out.  Still close by. And now also pricey! Even though not London. So it fits,” Sarah said.

“If it was in a big city like London or Sydney the price wouldn’t seem too outrageous. But for a flat in a seaside city like Eastbourne it seems like a rip-off. Plus I looked it up and the ‘beach’ is a pebble beach,” Orana said.

“The kitchen stresses me out. How can I cook my salmon in that chaos? But I guess I wouldn’t be able to afford salmon paying that rent,” Carina said.

The minimum tenancy is six months. While it comes fully furnished, not everyone is welcome to apply. The listing states no couples, no students, no families, no pets and no smokers.

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