Far-removed from the nautical-but-nice blue stripes of the traditional coastal home, laid-back living is wholeheartedly embraced at the beach houses we feature within our portfolio. Character and authenticity are key, while simple, understated luxury ensures it’s all about the setting. Here, Property Curator Jess Clark shares how she achieved a unique coastal aesthetic at Cornish retreat Alba Beach House.
One-off finds
I selected pieces that reflect the setting; Alba Beach House is frontline to Porthmeor Beach so fishing, rock pooling and seaweed foraging set the scene for many a balmy summer’s day. Sourcing unique pieces, vintage books and pulleys, rustic nets and seaweed prints create a backdrop that echoes its surroundings. Considering the finer details that guests will be privy to that will enhance their stay, Alba Beach House features traditional wooden bellyboards from Dick Pearce to afford a unique in the waves experience for guests, along with eco crab lines for little ones.
Texture and tone
Layering linens and working with a pallet of muted tones created a coastal scheme with cohesion, where a fusion of textures combine to create a lived-in and loved informal aesthetic. From distressed paintwork to the art that adorns the walls featuring artists inspired by the views outside ensured an alternative not-found-elsewhere scheme at the property. Reclaimed furniture finds possessed an inimitable patina and can often be standout pieces of ‘art’ in themselves. At Alba Beach House, muted greens, coral pinks and stony greys sit alongside chalky whites to create a modern coastal edge.
Support Local
We encourage owners to feature local designers and makers where possible through their interior scheme and within the welcome hamper to provide guests with a true flavour of the locality while supporting small, artisan suppliers and producers. The owners of Alba Beach House will often head to The Searoom for an end of day cocktail, and as such guests can sample the St Ives Liquor Co gin when staying at the house; the perfect accompaniment to balcony sundowners. For those keen to escape the kitchen and fully embrace the holiday mode, feast-style sharing platters by Dine with Iris ensure a rainbow-bright spread of delicious assured to lift the dourest of winters days.
