You know summer’s actually within reach when someone asks you what your summer plans are! A big moment for us in Scandinavia — we’re just emerging from a very long winter.
The truth is, we don’t really have any plans — we’ll probably just mooch around here in Sweden. Maybe a bit of sailing, maybe some time at our cottage. After all, we’ve waited so long for the good weather to arrive, we don’t want to miss a second of it.
If we were to travel, one of my favourite destinations is Cornwall, in southwest England. The coastline there is rugged and wild, and while the sea is definitely on the fresh side, it can be the most amazing shade of turquoise in places.
This brings me to today’s home tour: The Bell Tower, owned by couple Chris Blake and Christen Pears and located in Penzance, a coastal town in Cornwall known for its charming harbour, historic streets, and views of the iconic St Michael’s Mount.
One of the most recognisable buildings on the Penzance skyline, the Bell Tower began life as a school back in 1834. Today, it’s been artfully transformed into a holiday apartment with panoramic views over the harbour and St Michael’s Mount in the distance.
Following a thoughtful renovation, the space has been furnished with a mix of mid-century pieces and beautiful fittings from brands like Lefroy Brooks, Robert Welch, David Mellor and Sage. There are also some very Scandinavian touches (keep a look out for the Tremme sofa/daybed by Børge Mogensen and I also spy Danish dining chairs and lamps and Swedish textiles!). While the interior is lovely, it’s the arched windows and cosy window seat that really stole my heart.
What I wouldn’t give to swap my desk for this spot today — flitting about barefoot and sipping coffee while watching the boats drift by.
Enjoy the tour!
A lovely holiday home! Did you spot the Le Klint scissor lamp? We have the same one at home and I absolutely love it. I also admired the Børge Mogensen sofa/daybed with its clever collapsible armrests — I’ve seen it in a few homes before and have always been a bit fascinated by it. Such a smart, timeless design!
Was there anything that caught your eye?
Can you imagine mooching around here today?
See more pictures and find out about booking a stay at The Bell Tower here or their other cottages here. Owners Chris and Christen live on-site at the farm, so if you decide to visit, there’s a good chance you’ll meet them! They’re a fascinating pair — Chris is a master mariner who specialises in square-rig sailing ships, and when he’s not off at sea, he’s usually pottering in the vegetable garden. Christen previously worked as a journalist before retraining as a Pilates instructor, and when she’s not out exploring Cornwall, she’s often reading, watching old films or hosting a reading party!
You can also check out some other lovely homes I've featured in the area here:
An artist's cottage, atelier and gallery by the sea
A charming white coastal cottage in Cornwall
The historic home of a collector
And if you ever find yourself in that beautiful corner of England, don’t forget to tuck into a proper Cornish pasty and a scone with jam and cream — so delicious, especially after a blustery walk along the coast!
Happy mid-week!
Niki
Photography courtesy of The Bell Tower, shared with kind permission.
Those windows! That view!
ReplyDeleteThe combination is perfection! How I could sit in that window nook and just stare out over a cup of coffee!
DeleteArched windows with window seats = happiness. And the floors! I did notice the daybed with the collapsible armrests. I don't quite understand how the armrests work, but it seems like a great design. I noticed lots of space-saving ideas, which is great for a rental. In the same picture as the daybed, the coffee table is hinged; I can imagine opening it for space for board games or puzzles. The wall mounted bedside tables and lamps are nice ideas. What a fun place to stay!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comments. The side of the Spoke-back sofa is held with a leather strap so you can raise or lower it and yes, the table is perfect for games.
DeleteThank you for responding!
DeleteLove the windows and the perfect blue paint on doors and woodwork. : > )
ReplyDeleteThank you. The paint is Etruria by Little Greene.
DeleteOther Nordic pieces I noticed were Aalto stools. Pirjo
ReplyDeleteI love the pops of green! so inspiring
ReplyDeleteThank you. The colourscheme was inspired by a linocut of the local coastline.
DeleteI am totally crushing on those window seats. Soft music playing, a good book, and a cup of tea? That is a perfect moment. What a wonderful spot to relax.
ReplyDeleteThe only problem is that the view can be a bit distracting!
DeleteThat is a distraction I can live with. What a wonderful view!
DeleteWhat a splendid place to spend a holiday. It is beautifully appointed with fine quality things, but feels like a place to kick about and rest easy. Those windows are just so gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThank you. That's exactly the feeling I was trying to create.
DeleteLove the handsome stone exterior and the scandi/japandi approach indoors. Guess the blue/gray 'thread' to remind one of the beautiful coast. Spotted a starfish too:) My favorite is the kitchen and the patio. Lovely thoughtful restoration.
ReplyDeleteSuch great observations, thank you for sharing!
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