Finding Home in Bristol's Clifton
For Hannah Van De Peer, 27, and her partner Scott Laxen, 26, their two-bedroom flat in the heart of Clifton, Bristol, represents a significant chapter in their lives. The couple, who met on Bumble in September 2023, decided to move in together just under a year later. Hannah, a freelance writer, initially moved into Scott's three-bedroom house in mid-2024 but quickly realised she couldn't afford her share of the rent.
This financial reality prompted a joint decision to downsize and find a new home they could truly make their own. In May 2025, they secured their current flat, paying £1,200 per month in rent, with bills adding approximately £350 monthly.
The Reality of Renting: Charm Versus Compromise
Their Clifton flat offers two bedrooms—one decently-sized and one notably smaller—a shared bathroom, and a living room featuring a stunning window that often draws compliments. The open-plan living area connects to a tiny kitchen, which Hannah admits is "a little too small for my taste." The couple finds it challenging when both attempt to use the kitchen simultaneously.
Despite its charms, the property has significant issues. The windows are single-glazed, leaving Hannah feeling "cold to the bone" on several occasions. They also contend with mould, though Hannah describes it as "nothing wild." In their first few weeks, their already cracked sink completely caved in, leading to a flat inspection from their landlord shortly afterwards.
Hannah reflects on their deal philosophically: "I almost feel like we're paying for the area as well as the flat itself." Clifton, renowned for its independent bars, coffee shops, and food halls, offers an enviable lifestyle. Their favourite spots include Tapps for wine, La Tazza for charcuterie, Bosco for pizza, and Bakesmiths for coffee and pastries.
Making a House a Home Against the Odds
Despite the property's shortcomings, Hannah and Scott have infused the space with their personalities. They describe their decor style as "pure maximalism", blending Scott's love for Marvel with Hannah's preference for "campy bits of tat" like glittery lips and ornamental cherries. Shared interests, such as David Lynch films, are represented through posters, and Scott has allowed Hannah to select some of the vinyl covers adorning their walls.
They've navigated rental restrictions by using command strips to avoid damaging walls, and their landlord hasn't raised objections during frequent inspections. This Christmas marks a special milestone as they host their first festive season together in the flat, with Hannah already embracing the excitement through early decorations.
Looking ahead, Scott is very set on buying a property within the next five years, while Hannah is content to "continue living fairly aimlessly." For now, they plan to stay put, with Hannah noting she's moved five times in nearly three years and is ready to settle. Their property non-negotiables remain clear: a mandatory second bedroom for guests and Scott's night shifts, and absolutely no kitchen appliances in the living room—a lesson learned from a previous viewing.
