Modern wine storage rooms ‘on-trend’

Property developers in the UK are seeing a rise in demand for bespoke wine storage rooms among wealthy homeowners.

A rise in stamp duty for high-end homes means owners are now more likely to renovate rather than move house, and contemporary wine cellars are a fashionable style statement.

Companies like Spiral Cellars are seeing an uplift in demand for wine rooms with a contemporary look and feel, as more people want bespoke wine storage in keeping with the design of their homes. Lucy Hargreaves, Managing Director of Spiral Cellars, says: “We are seeing a growing interest in wine rooms which not only provide the best conditions for wine but are also a unique design feature in the home. We see this as a trend that is set to continue as wine cellaring becomes a key feature of up-market priorities.”

Recent commissions for the company include wine rooms featuring stainless steel and glass, dramatic glass wall displays and requests for hi-tech options such as locks with finger-print technology, and glass which turns opaque at the flick of a switch.

Sam Sproston, Partner at estate agents Knight Frank in Wandsworth, commented: “Wine cellars are becoming an increasingly important feature in homes at the higher end of the property market. Fine wine collections are seen as both a good investment but also a source of pride, meaning that cellars need to provide a space where it can be both stored and admired. As a result, we are currently seeing wine rooms of all shapes and sizes being designed for high end homes, particularly in recent refurbishments and new developments.”

As a result, Spiral Cellars has seen 25% growth over the last 3 years with turnover reaching £5 million for the financial year ending December 2015. On average, customers are spending around £30,000 to create the perfect cellar for their wine collection.

However, the trend for conversion can have its downside. Last year, a £3.5 million Georgian townhouse in West London collapsed during work by builders to excavate a large basement. The conversion was reported to be including a gym, cinema and wine room.