{"id":19097,"date":"2022-08-02T17:40:08","date_gmt":"2022-08-02T16:40:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/?p=19097"},"modified":"2022-10-14T16:31:29","modified_gmt":"2022-10-14T15:31:29","slug":"beach-house-style-devonshire-apartment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/home-tours\/beach-house-style-devonshire-apartment\/","title":{"rendered":"Coastal styling in a chic Devonshire apartment"},"content":{"rendered":"

The airy interiors\u00a0of Anna Warrington\u2019s\u00a0beach-house style\u00a0home\u00a0have been designed around its stunning coastal location. And it all seemed serendipitous as she describes the decisive and rapid changes she made to her light-filled Devon apartment which she bought four years\u2019 ago\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018I was literally moving in when a friend who was helping me suggested calling a builder pal to pop by and talk through the various ideas I already had,\u2019 Anna recalls. \u2018So there we were, surrounded by packing boxes, discussing what could be achieved, and imagining a completely different look and feel to what was already there. It was a revelation.\u2019<\/p>\n

\"Exteriors

The deck runs the length of the apartment, with the tiered garden overlooking the hills and rooftops of Dartmouth to sea beyond. Photo: Richard Gadsby<\/p><\/div>\n

Returning to town life<\/h2>\n

Anna had been living in a very different property when she first heard on the grapevine that the apartment, owned by a bank, was being sold. \u2018I had a really sweet little cottage about 30 minutes\u2019 drive from Dartmouth,\u2019 Anna explains. \u2018Much as I enjoyed village life though, I seemed to spend most of my time driving back and forth to the town for work and to see all my friends here, and I realised it made sense to relocate. Finding somewhere suitable to create beach house style was easier said than done, though. So when this place became available – and at a price I could afford – I was tenacious, to say the least.\u2019<\/p>\n

\"This

The palette Anna chose for the interiors accentuates the sense of light and space in her unique home. Photo: Richard Gadsby<\/p><\/div>\n

Open-plan spaces for entertaining<\/h2>\n

The unusual hillside property overlooking the town was not completely unknown to Anna as she\u2019d once visited people who had lived there many years\u2019 before. It was just as well because the sale regulations stipulated it must be bought as seen. \u2018It was a leap of faith, but I instinctively felt this was the right place for me,\u2019 Anna explains. \u2018I didn\u2019t hesitate.\u2019<\/p>

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While the property proved to be structurally sound, there was no denying the layout was illogical and didn\u2019t work with the way Anna wanted to live. \u2018I wanted it to feel largely open plan, light and airy,\u2019 she explains. \u2018I also really enjoy entertaining, so I needed the space to accommodate a lot of people when necessary.\u2019<\/p>\n

\"The

The living room now leads directly to the new dining area with its huge island and open-sided kitchen leading off from it. Photo: Richard Gadsby<\/p><\/div>\n

Flipping the interior footprint<\/h2>\n

Initially, Anna and the builder, Sam Davies, simply drew a rough plan for the new layout on a sheet of paper. \u2018It wasn\u2019t just the overall \u2018look\u2019 we had to get right,\u2019 Anna explains. \u2018The practical and financial considerations were of utmost importance, too.\u2019 In simple terms, the property\u2019s interior footprint was to be flipped: what had been a kitchen at the far end of the long, beach-house style apartment was to become the main bedroom with a sparkling new bathroom leading off it.<\/p>\n

\"A

Anna says she’s ‘kept the bathroom deliberately uncluttered for a relaxed spa-like feel’. Photo: Richard Gadsby<\/p><\/div>\n

Zoning the spaces<\/h2>\n

At the other end, meanwhile, a dramatic overhaul was to see a large but awkward area – once used as a bedroom – transformed into a generous open living space: the old bathroom here was designated for Anna\u2019s new kitchen, leading to a custom-made over-sized island which would not only be a strong focal point, but effectively zone the space, too. Tucked in the middle of the property, meanwhile, a dressing room along with the guest room, and shower suite were neatly accommodated.<\/p>\n

\"The

Anna’s light and bright bedroom scheme is filled with heirloom and treasured pieces. The unframed seascape was painted by her late mother. Photo: Richard Gadsby<\/p><\/div>\n

Dreams become reality<\/h2>\n

Five months later, once the plans had been finalised, the work could begin. Anna stayed on site throughout the five-week renovation – \u2018I just gritted my teeth and put up with the mess and dust,\u2019 she laughs – and was fascinated as she saw the layout effectively come to life. \u2018As the new rooms emerged around me, the kitchen and bathroom I\u2019d chosen installed, flooring laid, and my dreamed-of island became a reality, it really felt as if the apartment was truly becoming mine,\u2019 she recalls.<\/p>

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\"The

What was once a bathroom has been transformed into a neat, practical kitchen area, with Shaker-style units from Howdens. Photo: Richard Gadsby<\/p><\/div>\n

New England beach-house style<\/h2>\n

Now – at last – Anna was able to plan the d\u00e9cor and her much-loved beach-house style. \u2018I love the look and feel of New England beach houses which are so fresh, breezy and relaxed,\u2019 she says. \u2018The apartment is in such a lovely position – overlooking the hills and rooftops of Dartmouth with the river and sea beyond – so I also wanted to bring in the sense of light and airiness you feel up here.\u2019<\/p>\n

To achieve that, Anna chose a simple palette of tonal blues set against a clean white background, layered with textural materials and classic patterns that subtly echo a coastal vibe without being too overtly \u2018seaside\u2019.<\/p>\n

\"New

Featuring an old louvred wardrobe door painted white to resemble a continental shutter creates beach house style in the compact guest room. Photo: Richard Gadsby<\/p><\/div>\n

Pinterest played a key part with the beach house style<\/h2>\n

Working to a strict budget, she carefully combined furnishings she already had with pieces found in both upscale and high-street retail outlets, often during sales. \u2018I kept a Pinterest<\/a> board of interior looks that appealed to me, – no matter how eye-wateringly expensive the design or product might be, then spent time hunting down similar pieces that would help me achieve the overall style,\u2019 she says. \u2018It was a really satisfying thing to do – and pull off.\u2019<\/p>\n

\"The

The French doors in the bedroom lead straight out on to a deck. ‘It’s the most wonderful hillside backdrop to wake up to,’ says Anna. Photo: Richard Gadsby<\/p><\/div>\n

Pinch me moments<\/h2>\n

Much-loved family heirlooms and vintage treasures also have their place here, ensuring the apartment feels personal and unique. \u2018These are things which have been with me for years, and always say \u201chome\u201d to me,\u2019 Anna says. \u2018At the end of the day, no matter how big or small a renovation might be, it\u2019s how you feel in your place that matters. I\u2019m so happy here, I still have to pinch myself sometimes.\u2019<\/p>

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MORE COASTAL RENOVATIONS<\/h4>\n