Built in the late 17th century, this thatched cottage has two bedrooms with later additions. The owners, a holiday property company owner and a builder, fell in love as soon as they saw the painted rubble and cob cottage near the north Cornish coast two years ago. 'It was magical,' they say.
The couple had been looking for a holiday home in Cornwall when they saw the property online. The place had a farmhouse feel with its large kitchen, which was part of the original dairy. 'The cottage felt surprisingly spacious and it had a warmth that we loved.'
The house was in a good state structurally but was rather dated with clashing deep purple and light pink carpets. 'But,' says the owner, 'even though the decor wasn't right, I knew we could transform it into something special.'
Top of the wish list was a warm, rustic look with the kitchen at the heart of the home and a range cooker and farmhouse table taking pride of place. She also wanted the interior to have a fresh Scandi feel, while still being sympathetic to its Cornish roots. 'I wanted as much as possible to be recycled and hand-built - even down to the loos.' The cloakroom loo is a reclaimed piece featuring a wooden frame and seat and reverse water outlet that works surprisingly well.
The owners took out all the standard radiators and replaced them with reclamation ones that, after a light sanding, look amazing.
Restoring the cottage took around three months. The exterior walls were painted marshmallow pink and the dusky pink windows and door are pretty finishing touches. The newer end of the cottage was replastered to blend seamlessly with the older part.
With the help of an interior designer the owner put together a moodboard of the style she wanted to create in her home. The grey and neutral palette creates a calm and stylish feel and keeps the look light.
The garden also got the makeover treatment and was turned from an overgrown thicket into a beautiful rose-filled patch.
'With the combination of the original cottage and the newer extension, we've got the perfect mix,' say the owners. The older building features low ceilings and charming beams, while the newer end has more of a light-filled summer room feel. 'It's really a wonderful place to spend Christmas and that's one of our favourite times to be in Cornwall.'
Like the look of this gorgeous home? You can rent this Scandi cottage through Unique Home Stays.
1/10 Exterior
'With the combination of the original cottage and the newer extension, we've got the perfect mix,' say the owners. The older building features low ceilings and charming beams, while the newer end has more of a light-filled summer room feel. 'It's really a wonderful place to spend Christmas and that's one of our favourite times to be in Cornwall.'
2/10 Entrance
The pretty painted rubble and cob cottage with its wheat reed thatched roof was a dairy at one time. The front door has been painted pretty pink to tone with the paler pink plasterwork, while a Christmas wreath and wall lantern are wonderfully festive touches.
Door paint
Light Peachblossom at Little Greene
3/10 Living room
The inglenook fireplace is the perfect spot for a woodburner and the owner has chosen a palette of neutrals and casual linens for a chic look.
Similar sofa
Willow & Hall
Blanket box
Louisa Grace Interiors
4/10 Open plan kitchen and dining area
The owner has kept the low-ceilinged kitchen light and bright. 'The space was given a modern country look by replacing the cabinet doors and sanding back worktops,' she says. Her favourite piece is the range cooker.
Range cooker
Rangemaster
5/10 Dining area
The dining table originally belonged to the owner's grandmother and she has upcycled it with a smart zinc top. The pale backdrop allows its rich red to stand out. Low-slung pendants help to make a star of the table and provide a very modern update to a traditional piece.
Pendant lights
Nkuku
Clock
Homesense
6/10 Kitchen range cooker
The range cooker takes pride of place at the very heart of the home, creating a warm and cosy corner for cooking.
Range cooker
Rangemaster
7/10 Main bedroom
Industrial lights and a bark table add a modern touch. The roof space with its low ceiling and intriguing shape creates a cubby hole around the bedhead that feels cosy and cottagey. Bedside lighting provides a warming glow at night time.
Bedside table
French Connection
Bedside lamps
Ebay
8/10 Guest bedroom
Eye-catching wallpaper makes a statement beneath the vaulted ceiling of the guest bedroom. The designer wallpaper has the effect of looking like an extended headboard and makes a stunning backdrop for the bed. Broad-stripe bed linen is an impressive addition.
Wallpaper
Andrew Martin
Bed linen
Soak & Sleep
9/10 Bedroom sitting area
The owners have created a relaxing space under the eaves in the main bedroom. White painted ceiling, walls and flooring help keep a tight space looking lovely and light-filled.
Armchairs
Maisons du Monde
Rug
Barnscroft of Devon
10/10 Bathroom
The bathroom has been renovated using reclaimed items. 'I wanted as much as possible to be recycled and hand-built,' says the owner, 'even down to the loos.'
Similar bath
Drummonds
-
5 things I wish I knew before buying a heated airer so you don’t waste your money on the wrong one like I didIf you're shopping a heated airer in the Black Friday sales, here are a few things to consider
-
Ninja Foodi MAX Health Grill & Air Fryer review - a solid choiceThis Ninja gadget is great for combining two functions
-
How to plant anemone bulbs – expert advice to ensure an abundance of colour in springThe expert guide to setting these vibrant blooms up for success
