Questions

20 QUESTIONS

With Sarah McCarthy

Which room at home is your favourite?

I like the study; it is a nice retreat away from the noise! And it has my books and a nice view of the garden.

What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home?

It’s not glamorous, but my favourite gadget is the washing machine – with three children it’s vital!

What colour do you think everyone should have in their home?

There are so many colours to choose from. Neutral colours are functional and practical and can create a calming effect. Stand-out wallpapers and colourful art can really improve a room; large prints look great on curtains too.

Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests?

Gosh that’s tricky. For laughs I would invite Pete and his little sister Sophie from Gogglebox – does that count as one? If I could also step back in time and be young again, I would invite actor Paul Mescal along to talk about his sexy role in Normal People. And before Paul arrived, I would invite hairdresser Samantha Cusick to glam up my hair!

What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home?

Lazy Sundays, playing in our very large garden with my brother, building dens and cycling around on our bikes. Finishing the day with my mum’s lovely roast dinner and my dad lying on the sofa watching TV.

What interior trend do you hate?

I don’t like an interior that is overly fussy like loud tartan patterns, lacy or frilly accessories – anything that gathers dust or feels creepy!

Would you rather have a garden or a balcony?

With a house full of children and a new puppy, definitely a garden. I like the idea of a balcony but I suffer with vertigo, so sitting so high up isn’t a pleasure. Sarah McCarthy is Marketing Manager for Network Homes, overseeing the marketing for shared ownership, private sale and London Living Rent. Her career started in magazine publishing, and eventually moved into marketing where she stumbled into housing through working with a housing association. She has been with Network Homes for five years

Do you prefer modern homes or period properties?

I like both. I love the history and the architecture of an older property. But a brand new home with fitted appliances that's ready to move into is very appealing.

Would you rather have a library room or media room at home?

A library room would be my dream room. I have books all over my house so to have them all in one place in alphabetical order would be wonderful. It’s my perfect escapism.

Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower?

If I had more time then I would choose a bath, but I’m normally rushing around, so a sumptuous hot shower with some decadent body wash would suit me.

Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country?

I’m fortunate to have the best of both worlds as I have access to fields and countryside near my house. However, I love the fact that I’m close to a mainline station and I can be in Marylebone in under 30 minutes.

If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home?

If money was no object, I would buy a property in America. My brother lives in New York so it would be lovely to be nearer to him and his family. They live beside Central Park, so they are close to some amazing bars, restaurants and theatres.

Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location?

I would rather have a better location as I think the area tends to generate a better community, more facilities and a higher standard of schools.

What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home?

A downstairs toilet! It’s so handy when you have younger children and you can hear if they haven’t turned off the taps!

Where did you buy your first home?

It was a 1930s terraced house in Denham, Bucks. It was terribly oldfashioned and outdated. There was flowery wallpaper on the ceiling of the bedrooms and polystyrene ceiling tiles in the lounge. It needed a new bathroom and kitchen. It felt very grown up selecting new items and I really loved the end result.

What advice would you give a first time buyer?

To remember to enjoy making it your perfect home. You might not be able to have all the furniture and decorate it how you want at first, but you can build it up over time.

What are your views on shared ownership?

I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to get on the property ladder. A friend of mine is in the process of buying a house through shared ownership. They struggled during lockdown with limited space and no garden for their son. This move will really change her and her family’s quality of life.

What are your views on the property market?

I think it is incredibly tough for people to understand the property market. I think educating people on the best way to get on the property ladder is the way forward as it is confusing. Magazines like First Time Buyer really help to cut through the jargon.