Identical Twins Find Harmony in Tottenham Rental Home
Welcome back to Metro's tenant diary series, What I Rent, which explores the realities of renting across the UK and beyond. This edition features 42-year-old identical twin sisters, Emmeline and Pauline Okafor, who have crafted a harmonious living space in the heart of Tottenham.
A Culinary Haven in North London
The sisters are the proud owners of House Of Ejima-Egwu Nni, a thriving Nigerian catering company. Their two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat at The Gessner serves not only as their home but also as a base for their business. They frequently use the kitchen to prepare meals for customers and even share dishes with neighbours, fostering a sense of community.
Having lived together for over a decade, Emmeline and Pauline have settled into a furnished, serviced apartment they found on Rightmove four years ago. They split the monthly rent of £2,780 evenly, which grants them access to a range of impressive amenities.
Premium Amenities and Personal Touches
Their rental package includes:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and ample storage within the apartment
- Access to a 24-hour gym, concierge services, and an in-house café
- Communal lounges and a luxury rooftop terrace with BBQ facilities, a kitchen, a private dining room, and an exclusive lounge area
The rooftop space gained notable attention when it was featured on BBC chef Matt Tebbutt's YouTube series, Going To A Stranger's House To Eat Nigerian Food. Tebbutt described it as "very bougie — I like it!" reflecting the upscale feel of the building.
Matching Tastes and Shared Vision
True to their identical nature, the twins share remarkably similar tastes in interior design. Their bedrooms are almost mirror images, and they have never argued over décor. Despite having different favourite colours, they selected furnishings that blend both hues seamlessly, making the unfurnished flat feel entirely their own.
They adhere to standard rental restrictions, such as avoiding fixtures that could damage walls, but have personalised the space with beloved items like a bargain sofa from Honeypot Furniture, which they cite as a favourite piece alongside their beds.
Location Benefits and Minor Drawbacks
Living in Tottenham Hale offers significant advantages for the sisters. Within a five-minute walk, they can reach the train station, bus station, and a nearby retail park. The area's variety of shops, including Iceland Food Warehouse, Lidl, and West Green Halal Meat, is essential for their catering business, though they note traffic noise from the main road near Tottenham Hale Station as a slight distraction.
The flat provides ample space for their needs, though they occasionally wish for a balcony during summer. However, they appreciate the 13th-floor amenity spaces, which compensate for this. Maintenance issues have been minimal, with prompt fixes like a toilet flush repair handled within 15 minutes by an assigned engineer.
Future Aspirations and Property Non-Negotiables
Looking ahead, Emmeline and Pauline dream of buying a house together while maintaining individual family homes. They envision a joint property as a personal retreat or rental investment. When searching for homes, their non-negotiables include immaculate or brand-new bathrooms and kitchens, reflecting their high standards.
Overall, the twins cherish their Tottenham flat for its functionality, community vibe, and the opportunity it provides to grow their business. Their story highlights the joys and practicalities of renting in London, from shared spaces to personal expression within rental constraints.
