Coastal Living, but Cooler: Inside an Artist’s Seafront Retreat

There’s something about houses on the coast that always gets me. Maybe it’s the light, maybe it’s the horizon, or maybe it’s just that I’ve always secretly wanted to live overlooking the sea. For now, I’ll happily live that dream through others, like this incredibly cool early 20th-century house in Littlestone, Kent.

On the surface, it’s a peaceful five-bedroom home. Step inside and it’s clear this is no ordinary seaside house. Flooded with natural light, it has that creative, subtly rebellious edge that only comes from being shaped by who I presume are artist owners.

Portrait paintings in oils, the predominant art of choice here and perhaps reflecting the hand of the owner, lend a personal touch to the interior. Look closely and you’ll also spot the coastal hints, a palette of blue and white to mirror the waters of Hythe Bay and textures that nod to driftwood and sand. Always just enough to echo the view beyond the windows, never enough to feel contrived. Add in those bay windows framing nothing but Littlestone beach, the water and horizon, and you’ve got coastal living, but cooler.

Such a cool home – and entirely unique. The art and the handpicked mix of antique and vintage finds help to make the space. I also love how the paint has been used selectively, with a blue on the stairs and door, and a grey on an accent gallery wall.

I've shown everything but the exterior - which I must share as it was so unexpected:

The architect reflects the Arts-and-Crafts-influenced style of early 1900s British seaside homes, practical, built to last and to enjoy the views. From the outside, it is not traditionally beautiful, and a passerby might walk past without giving it a second glance. But step inside and it tells a completely different story. In the hands of an artist, it has been transformed into something very cool, a home full of personality and creative spirit. And I simply love that element of surprise!

Is there anything that stands out to you about this Kent seaside home? 

Tempted to move? Check out the complete listing here on Inigo. 

Shall we look at other homes with a sea view today? 

Maria's stunning house by the water on the Swedish High Coast
A cosy Swedish cottage with stunning sea views
A dreamy cottage by the ocean filled with vintage finds

And also: 15 coastal living ideas to steal from a Danish cottage

Happy Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Inigo, shared with thanks. 

 

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Tour the Beautiful St Oaks Studio by 'Our Food Stories'

The girls behind Our Food Stories have done it again. Those of you who’ve been following MSH for a while will remember the Berlin flat and country retreat, derelict classroom that became a  beautiful kitchen and even a charming house in Sweden. More recently, Laura and Nora have been busy renovating St Oak apartments near Berlin, and have just completed a beautiful 200-square metre (2150- square foot) studio. 

Their signature style is unmistakable — richly patinated walls, brass fittings, and incredible cabinetry that always steals my heart. As keen foodies, the kitchen is always at the centre of their projects, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Made from Frama CPH and Kvänum units, it has that old-world feel with a modern twist. I’m especially smitten with the glass-fronted pantry — how beautiful (and handy) is that?

The open-plan space also features two striking green Italian sofas by Tachinni which rest on a textured Cappelen dimyr rug, a light-filled dining area, and a bathroom with a very cool wooden bathtub from Michor (how I'd love to put this to the test!). And there’s even a balcony where you can soak up the summer sun.

It certainly has me dreaming of a weekend away in this holiday home: flitting about, relaxing, and using it as a base to explore the surrounding area (I hear there’s a lake nearby that’s perfect for swimming!) - maybe a day in Berlin (such a fantastic city, have you been?). 

I hope you feel as inspired by the tour as I do! 

Beautiful! I’m always amazed by how they manage to renovate so many spaces — each one unmistakably with their signature style, yet with its own unique character. I also love how they source distinctive pieces, like the sofa and that incredible wooden bath — it’s such fun to see something a little different.

Was there anything in this studio that inspired you?

If you're visiting Germany anytime soon and fancy giving yourself a wonderful spa-like getaway - you can find all the details about booking a stay in this studio here. 

Here in Malmö, the sun is shining and we’re basking in 28°C (82°F) — it’s shaping up to be a lovely weekend, not least because we have a birthday in the house! Liv is turning 17… where have the years gone?

I hope you’ve enjoyed the tours this week. Wishing you a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you back here on Monday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of St Oaks apartment, shared with kind permission.

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A Peek Inside a Tapestry Artist’s Notting Hill Maisonette

Sometimes, it’s hard to walk into a property and instantly see its full potential – especially when it’s looking a little… shall we say… worse for wear. Do you agree? The Notting Hill, London home of tapestry artist Teresah Hastings was exactly that – and then some. Gutted by fire, it had lost much of its original character. At one point it was even home to the West London Buddhist Centre, who installed a stage in the front room, and there was only an outdoor loo. Can you imagine nipping outside in the middle of a January night?

But Teresah had a vision. She rolled up her sleeves and transformed the tired Victorian maisonette into a warm, beautiful home and creative studio for herself and her three children. She rented nearby while painstakingly renovating, bringing the place back to life with natural materials, a gentle respect for the building’s history, and a few clever restoration tricks – including borrowing a moulding from the flat upstairs to re-create the missing ceiling cornicing. Love that!

Over the years, she’s filled the space with a lovingly collected mix of antique furniture and cherished pieces. In the sitting room, you’ll spot the sturdy frame that supports her tapestry work – the backbone for her richly textured, handwoven creations.

Now, with a heavy heart and a head full of memories, Teresah is moving on – which means The Modern House has given us a little peek inside before the lucky next owner moves in. So… who’s ready to fall in love with a home that comes with a backstory, a bit of grit, and a lot of heart? Let’s take a tour…

What a lovely home – full of creativity. I’m especially smitten with the wall of saucepans and the eclectic mix of furniture. I also noted how clean and calm the master bedroom is - which lends itself to a peaceful night's sleep. Do you also like to decorate your bedroom in a nice and calm way? 

It’s fascinating to peek behind the façade of a pastel-coloured Notting Hill home I’ve walked past so many times! 

I hope you enjoyed the tour too! Is there anything about Teresah’s home that stood out to you?

You can see more pictures of her home and read more about it over at The Modern House. You can also discover more about Teresah’s work here.

Would you like to see more inspiring homes  today? Check out 8 homes belonging to creatives. 

Stor kram! 

Niki

Credits: photography Dan Glasser for The Modern House, shared with thanks. 

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