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 | | ONLY THE BEST: This deluxe doghouse is a scaled down version of Rachel Hunter’s home. It has terracotta floors and wrought iron balconies. (Inset) Hunter with her dogs | California: A new market has emerged for housebuilders looking to add value to upmarket properties in the US — the deluxe doghouse. And the latest to splash out on a mansion for her pampered dogs is supermodel Rachel Hunter.
The deluxe doghouse is a scaled down version of Rod Stewart’s ex-wife’s home. She commissioned La Petite Maison, which makes homes for pampered pooches, to build it with terracotta floors and wrought iron balconies.
The elaborate doghouses are created by builder Alan Mowrer and interior designer Michelle Pollak, who conceived the idea after several years making children’s playhouses.
Said Pollak, “I mentioned half jokingly to our builder that we should build a luxury doghouse and it went from there.
“I think people go to these lengths for their pets because they are considered a part of the family now. Many of our clients have pets, but don’t have children, so they’re doted upon and treated just as well as kids would be.
“Almost anything is available — air conditioning, custom beds, running water and interior design.”
Other styles of doghouses built by the firm have included country cottages, colonial mansions and an Alpine chalet for the owner of a St Bernard. The homes can take from a few weeks to a year to build.
The most basic doghouses start at around £3,000 (Rs 2.39 lakh), but clients can spend up to £25,000
(Rs 19.96 lakh) on getting their pet on the property ladder. | 
