At Citu, we believe in creating homes that not only meet your needs but also enrich your life. We spoke with Ciara Hewitt, a lawyer who recently moved to our Aire Lofts development, to learn about her journey to find the perfect home and how her lifestyle has evolved since making the move. Here’s what she had to say.
Q: What led you to move to Leeds, and how did you end up choosing Aire Lofts?
Ciara: “I originally moved to Leeds for work. I got a training contract at a law firm here and decided to explore my options for where to live. I had been living in Bath before, and after spending some time abroad, I was ready for a change. I started by looking for rentals, knowing that I wanted to be closer to the city centre, but also somewhere with a bit of space. I’d seen Aire Lofts on Rightmove before but hadn’t really considered them until I realised how perfect they were for my needs. The canal path is right there, and the development itself felt like a great fit for me.”
Q: How did the process of finding and moving into your new home unfold?
Ciara: “I started looking on a whim and wasn’t really expecting to move so quickly. But when I saw the opportunity at Aire Lofts and realised I could do a ‘try before you buy’ with a rental, everything just clicked. I loved the space, the community vibe, and the location. It all fell into place really fast, and before I knew it, I was signing the lease and picturing how I’d set up my space.”
Q: How have you personalised your new home?
Ciara: “Personalising my space was important to me, especially after spending years in rental flats where I couldn’t make many changes. I started with the furniture – my sofa was one of the first things I bought, and I even visualised where everything would go before I moved in. I’ve added pops of color to make the space feel cosy, and I’ve chosen art and decor that bring me joy, even if it’s a bit random at times. I also really wanted a calm, welcoming vibe, so I softened the industrial elements of the flat with natural wood and soothing tones.”
Q: How would you describe life at Aire Lofts and the surrounding area?
Ciara: “Life at Aire Lofts has been wonderful. The community is friendly, and it’s nice to have a mix of people – from families to professionals – all living here. I’ve met some of my neighbors and everyone’s been really welcoming. There’s always something happening, like community picnics, and the location is perfect for getting out and about. I’m more active now because I can walk everywhere – from the canal path to local spots like Leeds Dock and Nova. It’s nice to be so close to everything, but still have a peaceful place to come home to.”
Q: What’s your favorite part of your new home?
Ciara: “I think my favorite part is the space itself – especially the big windows. The view is amazing, and the extra window in my flat made all the difference. I also love my bookcase and sofa area. It’s my corner, where I can relax and unwind. And the blinds! I spent ages picking the right pattern and color, and they really tie the room together without overwhelming the space.”
Q: How has living at Aire Lofts changed your lifestyle?
Ciara: “I’ve definitely become more spontaneous and active. I walk everywhere now – to work, to local cafes, and even to climbing sessions at Cityblock, which I picked up since moving here. Living in the city centre has made me feel more connected to the community, and I’ve found that I’m getting more involved in local events and activities. I don’t have to plan as much to go out or explore, which has been a great change for me.”
