Behind the Idea – Anne Reynolds
The Inspiration Behind The Modern Living
Looking back on my life, my living arrangements plays a big part of why I have started The Modern Living. From the early days of sharing a flat with friends to the complexities of being a single mum, and now, living in a large home with my husband, I’ve learned that traditional ideas of home ownership aren’t the only way to find stability, comfort, or happiness.
As a student, I shared a flat with two friends. We built a small community where we had fun and supported each other. Looking back, it was one of the happiest times of my life. It taught me the power of shared living and how it can create bonds that go beyond simple financial convenience.
I became a single mum to my twins. My friends didn’t have children, so I often felt a little isolated. I wish I have had the option to buy a house with a friend in a similar situation, someone who could understand and share the weight of parenting and the burden of isolation.
I remarried and had a son with my husband. Navigating life as a blended family was challenging, and we eventually decided that the best arrangement was to live separately to focus on our children. We found that just because we weren’t living under the same roof didn’t mean our relationship was any less valid.
First the children and I rented for 14 months, a stressful period during which we moved three time. When I finally bought another home, I felt a sense of peace and stability, something I hadn’t experienced while renting. I realised the profound difference between renting and owning and how much security a home can bring.
My husband and I live together again, but this time in a large house that we could only afford because we pulled together our resources and share the financial burden. Through all these experiences, I’ve come to realise that the modern world doesn’t dictate how we should live. In fact, over 42% of marriages end in divorce, and many marriages survive solely for financial reasons. The traditional idea that you must buy a property with a romantic partner is outdated or at least not for everyone.
The Modern Living was born from all these experiences. It’s a platform that challenges conventional ideas of home ownership. Why not buy a house with a friend? Why should single individuals be limited in their housing options? The Modern Living is about empowering people—whether single, in blended families, or in unconventional living situations—to achieve more by rethinking how they live and own a property.
Home ownership should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their relationship status. The Modern Living exists to help single people, single parents, and those looking for alternative living arrangements to fulfill their property dreams. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilled life, whether that means buying a home alone or with a friend.
