A Cosy Cliffside Hideaway on North Devon’s Rugged Coast

I've just arrived at our little cabin for the weekend, tapping away at my laptop, wrapped in a blanket, with candles lit and a cup of tea on the go. It’s so lovely to be here (even if it's taking a while for the place to heat up) and got me in the mood for weekend retreats. And where better to transport us today than a cosy, secluded getaway on the North Devon coast in England?

Nestled on a cliff overlooking Exmoor’s dramatic coastline and surrounded by forest, Rockton Mews is situated in a former coach house and has been beautifully renovated, all while ensuring the stone walls, roaring fire, and spectacular sea views take centre stage. I love the use of dark blue-grey, which creates contrast, adds a sense of drama, and connects the apartment to the sea beyond. It’s a perfect place to unwind and relax over a weekend—or hey, maybe even a week or two!

Ready to take a tour and dream away? 

Naturally you'd need to arrive in a racing-green Landrover Discovery (definitely the car of my dreams!). 

A windowsill in the kitchen doubles up as a spot for a cup of tea and a read. 

The open-plan room includes a kitchen, small dining area and sitting room - 

Could you imagine spending the weekend here? In my mind, I'm already pulling up in the Landrover Discovery, ready for my coastal walks and wine by the fire!

The interior has been beautifully done too - a perfect blend of modern and rustic, with a cosy twist! Is there anything that caught your eye? 

Oh, and if you're heading to England, you can actually experience this place in person as Rockton Mews is available to rent through Boutique Retreats. You can also see some before and after pictures of the renovation and words from the owner here, and follow Rockton Mews on instagram for more pics and news. 

The harbour in the last picture is so quintessentially English! It makes me look forward our trip back over the Christmas holiday.

Did you see this cosy English cottage I shared a few weeks ago? Another charming one! 

Have a great weekend - thank you for stopping by. I've loved reading all your comments and emails too! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Boutique Retreats / Rockton Mews

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Old Meets New in a Cottage in South Moravia

"Time slowly passing, homely comfort and instead of a television, only a huge window with a view of the garden." This is how Marika and Jirka - food bloggers and authors of cookbook The Kitchen Story, describe life at their cottage in a small South Moravian village. 

It all started with a simple wish: "to switch off for a while, escape from everyday life and just be at peace." The pair were looking for somewhere they could getaway from the city and gather with friends and family without distraction. And they fell instantly in love with Chalupa mez sklepy. 

The cottage required so much work that in the end it became a re-build, but the couple were determined to maintain the rural character and style (keep an eye out for wooden windows and floors, stone lintels and an exterior designed in collaboration with Adéla Lipar Kudrnova and Petra Stein). 

Today, Marika and Jirka love coming here with friends and family (it sleeps up to 10) - and also rent it out as a guesthouse for others to enjoy. Let's take a look around. 

Wow! I think this is the first home I have featured from the Czech Republic, which makes it entirely unique to me. I love the tones of rust red, pale blue and cream - which match the colours of the village.  And I also appreciate how Marika and Jirka have combined a modern feel with a rich historical touch from the region, all while keeping the look simple, understated and comfy looking. 

Was there anything that stood out to you about this lovely home? 

You can see more pictures over on their instagram @chalupa_mezi_sklepy and find out more about booking the property as a holiday home here. 

You know what's coming, don't you? Yep, I found another home tour from the Czech Republic that I've featured in the past! Take a peek at: a Scandi-inspired home in the Czech Republic in soothing neutrals. 

Other connections on My Scandinavian Home include a beautiful Swedish home featuring a mural by an artist from the Czech Republic. And also, I feel very honoured that my Lagom book is available in Czech too! 

Have you been to the Czech Republic? I haven't, but it's certainly on my wish list! 

Have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @chalupa_mezi_sklepy, shared with kind permission. 

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This Magazine-Ready Cabin on a Swedish Island is on Airbnb!

Can you work from home? Or more importantly, need a holiday? If so, this lovely Swedish cottage on the island of Dalarö in the Stockholm archipelagos for you.  At the top of the Airbnb checklist is 'dedicated workspace - a room with wifi that's well suited for working'. But when you read the full description, it's enough to make you want to switch off your laptop and soak up the tranquility of the surroundings instead! 

Built in 1968, the cabin is surrounded by the ocean, forest and nature, and the grey and wood interior has been designed to mirror the beautiful rocky cliffs and woodland, giving it a subtle raw, masculine touch. 

On sunny days, life moves out onto the terrace where a bed swing (such a great idea!), hammock and barbecue awaits. On colder days, a wood-burning sauna offers a respite from the chill. Oh, and dogs are welcome too! 

Feeling tempted? Wait till you see the pictures!

Could you imagine swapping your desk for the one in this cabin? Or simply booking this stay for a relaxing holiday? If so, you can find more details here. 

I was in the Stockholm archipelagos recently and I can't tell you how tranquil it was - rain or shine! it's a great place to hike (there are trails everywhere) or sunbathe on the warm rocks. If you're visiting the Swedish capital, make sure you stay a few more days to explore the islands! 

Looking for more wonderful 'stays' in Sweden this summer? I love these lets: 

A limestone barn on the island of Gotland

The stonecutters farm on the island of Öland 

Get away from it all at a lakeside cottage in Sweden

Just a word of warning - always check with a Swedish airbnb if they provide bedding. In Sweden, you are often expected to bring your own sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases so it's good to ask the hosts to make sure you don't get caught out! 

Happy Wednesday friends!

Niki

PS I am exciting to be heading to 3 days of design in Copenhagen, Denmark tomorrow, let me know if you're in town too! 

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Feel Inspired by Charming 'The Station House'

This morning, I've woken up in Bodø, North of the Arctic Circle. It's flanked by spectacular mountains, deep fjords and the North Sea, which gleam under the midnight sun - which won't set again for three months. It's an awe-inspiring part of the world (do follow along on my instagram stories if you'd like to follow my journey!). Meanwhile, in the land down under, our Aussie friends are inching towards winter - which is one of the crazy things about our magnificent planet. As they say: the only constant in nature is change.

And today, I've got a beautiful 19th century cottage in Daylesford, Australia to share with you. Captured by Marnie Hawson, The Station House it is set in 3 acres of land and was built around 1853 making it one of the oldest houses in Daylesford. A few years ago, it fell into the hands of talented Theresa Albiloi who has renovated it to perfection! Walls were torn down to create an open-plan living space and the cottage was transformed to include five bedrooms and three bathrooms, all of which are full of vintage picked up  locally at Mill Market. 

Ready to feel inspired? 

It's the bathroom that does it for me. The vintage bath and stain-glass window - wow! I'd also be perfectly happy to sit and look out over the fields and relax too. 

Is there anything that caught your eye about The Station House? 

If you're visiting the area and would like to stay here, you can find more details here. 

Marnie Hawson has a knack for finding the most incredible properties - here are a few other houses she has photographed in recent years: 

Marnie's very own home in a former post office

A beautifully restored country retreat in Burrawang

The Whale Song Shack

A Swedish-inspired weatherboard cottage in South Australia

Right kompisar, I'd better get ready for my day out in Bodø - I've got lots of research to do for the magazine article and hoping to fit in a hike in the mountains tomorrow. Go, go, goooo! Luckily, the light is on my side for once! 

Happy midweek friends. 

Niki

Photography: Marnie Hawson

Interior / bookings: The Station House

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