Kiwi Super Model Rachel Hunter’s moggie now have their own dog house based on a southern Californian mansion.

The idea was that of builder Alan Mowrer and interior designer Michelle Pollak. Starting with child playhouses, they were so asked to build playhouses for people’s pets. They have since built country cottages, lavish colonial mansions and an Alpine chalet for a St Bernard.

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.

The sub prime mess obviously has not extended to the premium dog house market.