British company Hecate Verona will launch their luxury dog manors in June, and these exclusive products will ship globally.
According to Alice Willimas, Creative Director of the firm, the product development was triggered by simple questions: “Why wouldn’t a dog house be as elegant and beautiful as its owner’s? Why shouldn’t an architect design a house for the dog? What if it could be beautiful, stylish and also practical? What if it had miniature engravings, windows, doors etc all in proportion with the dog house? Why is it that during a time 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?“
“Our objective was to create a majestic and royal looking dog manor which seeks to complement the garden and its surrounding in which it stands.“ Ms. Willimas added.
Craftmanship embedding latest technologies
What makes this particular product unique and exclusive is the beauty, craftsmanship, and architecture employed in creating it. Indeed, the development of these miniature buildings has been led by craftsmen previously building luxury yachts. Hundreds of miniature, handmade details have been implemented in each manor, giving the overall finish more of a Swiss watch feel than that of a regular building.
Hecate Verona’s dog manors feature smart house technologies enabling each dog house to be acclimatized to the specific needs and wants of any particular dog breed, including heating, air conditioning, indoor and outdoor lighting, cameras, food and water feeding systems, treat dispensers, sound systems, TVs, and a conference calling system where the dog and its owner can communicate with each other.
It´s not just about beauty, the livelihood is a real focus
“Our customers and their dogs typically live indoors so we see our dog manor as an extra that gives a pet more comfort – it is 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. This leads to the dog enjoying the outdoors even more and staying more active and that is highly recommended by veterinarians,“ Alice Willimas, creative director of Hecate Verona, explained.
During the three-year development period the company has tested the product on many different breeds and has consulted with many veterinarians and specialists. As a result, the living space has been divided into a bedroom and living room, with the latter giving a good panoramic overview of the surroundings. Windows have been lowered accordingly to the dog’s height which gives the dog a clear view of the surroundings and its territory. This place will become his personal palace; a safe, quiet spot for when he needs a break from visitors at your house.
Exquisite materials, lasting construction
Manors by Hecate Verona are made from the best, by the best. The best applicable hardwoods are used (beech, oak, larch), as well as natural stone, such as marble, and dolomite, and the finer details are made out of aluminum. For the foundation, a metal structure has been used. Interior walls are water and moisture resistant. The terrace and shelter have been coated with weather resistant and scratch resistant finishing, that is easy to clean and durable against dog scratches.
Prices start at $40,000 with fully equipped high-end models costing up to $200,000, but when it comes to the fulfillment of special orders then the sky is the limit.
The needs of each client are carefully and personally studied, discussing their wishes and choosing the best design and size that suits them. Once the details of the order are confirmed the personal dog manor construction may begin. The dog manor is then built and assembled entirely in the factory, in average taking around two to four months. Once the manor is finished it will be shipped and installed to the client’s location while a specialist configures all the elements in the dog manor and makes sure that everything is working perfectly.