Housebuilders in the doghouse with Rachel Hunter

A new market has emerged for housebuilders looking to add value to upmarket properties – the deluxe doghouse.

The idea was dreamt up by builder Alan Mowrer and interior designer Michelle Pollak after several years of building children’s play houses. They have since built country cottages, lavish colonial mansions and an Alpine chalet for a St Bernard.

The latest to splash out on a mansion for her pampered pooch is supermodel Rachel Hunter. Her deluxe doghouse is a scaled down version of Rod Stewart’s ex-wife’s own Californian home.

Built by La Petit Maison, it is a traditional construction of bricks, timber, plaster and stone, featuring terracotta floors and wrought iron balconies.

Mrs Pollak said: "I mentioned half jokingly to our builder that we should build a luxury doghouse, and it went from there. I think people got to these lengths for their pets because they are considered part of the family now.

“Almost anything is available by way of accessories – air conditioning, custom beds, running water and interior design.”

It costs from £3,000 to £25,000 to get a pet on the property ladder.