Why can’t a doghouse be as elegant and beautiful as the owner’s home? That’s the question that launched a line of extravagant doghouses, outfitted with everything from air conditioning and television to an intercom system (in case your dog wants to order room service).
Manors by Hecate Verona are built with hundreds of details you’d expect to find in an opulent English mansion. “Historically, a dog house has been small, made out of wood plank, and they have essentially been, to put it simply, a ‘box’ with a hole inside,” says Alice Williams, creative director of Hecate Verona.
Image Credit: Manors by Hecate Verona
The British company wanted to change this perception of dog houses. “So we asked a few questions,” she recalls. “Why, when a dog is considered to be a family member, can’t a dog also have its own dog mansion equal to its owner’s, where he can lie comfortably when outdoors?”
Image Credit: Manors by Hecate Verona
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And that is exactly what they did.
Each dog manor is bespoke and handcrafted. Created from craftsmen, who previously worked on luxury yachts, it took three years of testing designs with different breeds and consulting veterinarians for the architects to create the collections.
The dog manors are constructed from hardwoods such as beech, oak and larch, says Williams, as well as natural stone such as marble and dolomite. They can even add Swarovski crystals.
Image Credit: Manors by Hecate Verona
The finer details are made out of aluminum. Interior walls are water and moisture resistant. The terrace and shelter have been coated with a weather-resistant and scratch-resistant material that is easy to clean and durable against dog scratches.
Image Credit: Manors by Hecate Verona
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Windows are lowered so dogs can look out over their kingdom. The space is divided into a living room and bedroom, so your dog will have plenty of room to invite over his friends.
And we haven’t even touched on the technology available: heating, air conditioning, indoor and outdoor lighting, cameras, food and water feeding systems, treat dispensers, sound systems and TV sets, along with “a conference calling system” that allows you to call up your dog and ask him to bring in the newspaper.
Image Credit: Manors by Hecate Verona
The manor, says Williams, will become your dog’s personal palace — his safe, quiet spot for when he needs a break from visitors at your house.
“Our customers and their dogs typically live indoors, so we see our dog manor as an extra that gives a pet more comfort,” says Williams. “It is a dog’s own house that has all the comforts of an indoor living room, making the whole experience of staying outdoors more fun and enjoyable.”
To find the perfect home, the company works with their client to find the right design. They are available in different collections including the Colonia Villa Grand, “a classically elegant a stately Colonial manor”; the Roman Imperial Manor, with columns; and the Spanish Palacio, with terra-cotta roofing, stucco and tile.
Image Credit: Manors by Hecate Verona
The company ships the manor to the owner’s home and sets it up. They recommend finding a spot that overlooks the property so your dog is able to keep an eye on things.
Prices start at around $40,000 with fully equipped high-end models costing up to an eye-watering $200,000. “When it comes to the fulfillment of special orders,” says Williams, “the sky is the limit.”
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