Usually we go to visit family in England at Easter, but this time sadly we didn't have the time. Often when we go, we pay a trip to Cornwall in the southwest, where some of my ancestors are from and my sister has a beautiful house (they rent it out too - more details here, in case you're a budding surfer or simply love beach life and coastal walks!).
The rugged coastal nature and quality of the light has been a draw for artists since the early 19th century.
And it must be with a very heavy heart that the landscape painter has decided to sell her home (found via Nordroom today!), atelier and gallery in nearby Padstow. You can tell that so much love has gone into the decor - with it's white washed walls, pillars and beams, arched doorways and lovely antique furniture. And the stepped garden is lovely too! A perfect coastal sanctuary in which to inspire creativity.
The coastal vibe is accentuated with subtle details such as a pendant light made from a ships horn!
A wood burning stove in the centre of the room is made from a repurposed spun steel trawler net bobbin.
Shells and other beach combing finds have been displayed in bell jars. Art decorates the walls in every room.
The reclaimed doors have gothic and Georgian elements.
Notice how treasures have been displayed in a glass cabinet built into the side of the stairs. I love this idea!
Books shelves are laden with white tomes. Look closely and you'll see they are all labelled. I am wondering if they could be catalogues from galleries? My mum has a ton of these too. It could also be that the owner has taken time to cover the books to preserve the original jacket, before labelling them. Or a blend of the two.
Upstairs, a subtle blue wall helps to connect the home with it's coastal location.
An atelier on the top floor serves as a perfect place to sit and paint in quiet.
The garden has views over the camel estuary, and this seat offers an ideal perch to sit and watch the town go about it's business along with passing gulls. I see it's already occupied!
The front of the house is perfectly positioned to be a shop or gallery.
What an amazing opportunity to fulfil a dream of living in Cornwall and start a gallery! More details here in case you're feeling inspired!
My Mother would love this house - I must send her the link straight away. She used to work in the art world and wherever we go, she pops into galleries looking for paintings. Needless to say, Cornwall is one of her favourite haunts!
If you're planning on visiting England - do try to visit the Southwest. It's full of pretty coastal villages like this one. Last summer my family and I went on a day trip to St Ives - home of the Tate and Barbara Hepworth museum and sculpture garden, which I absolutely loved!
Would you like to see other homes by the sea today?
And so many more in the coastal archive!
Altogether now: 'Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside, Oh I do like to be beside the seaaaaaa!'
On a final note, I seem to have got a little out of sink with my posting days - the next post will be on Friday and after that, I'll be back to my usual Mon - Wed - Fri routine! Thank you so much for following along!
Niki
Photography courtesy of Inigo with thanks.
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