POTENTIAL AND PROMISE
BRILLIANT DESIGN MEANS THIS STYLISH SEASIDE COTTAGE HAS SEA VIEWS
IF YOU’RE looking to update a semi-detached house somewhere in Wales and need some inspiration in design and maximising potential, this property in the coastal village of Aberporth in Ceredigion might be a good place to start. Imagine purchasing a property close to an award-winning Blue Flag beach but not having an obvious sea view – frustrating.
However, with a bit of imagination and clever design, a property can have more potential and promise than first appears.
With this pretty semi-detached cottage, the current owners have turned the accommodation upside down to be able to access the elevated garden directly from the open-plan kitchen area on the first floor.
A new decked “bridge” connects the French doors of the open-plan kitchen/breakfast room to the mainly lawned, sunny rear garden that has views of the sea on the horizon.
But because this renovation has been carefully considered, the garden
is not the only area of the property where the glistening water can be admired.
To the side of the house, on the first floor, the main gable end wall has been “sunken” back from its original position to create a “built-in” balcony from the lounge area, creating the best spot in the home to see the sea. Genius.
Not content with just looking at the sea and beach from a window, this clever design idea has created a mini outside spot to sit and admire the view and maximises this home’s potential as a house close to the sea but not in a frontline beach position.
From the outside the cottage looks like a traditional and standard home, albeit with distinctive facade designs framing the ground floor windows.
The choice of dark grey colour for the facade of the house is a hint to the tasteful and modern interior design waiting inside.
Traditional and characterful features that are synonymous to a charming period cottage are mixed with modern furniture and fittings to create a welcoming atmosphere.
A colour palette of warm creams and soft pastels, white walls and subtle patterns mean the decor complements the feature exposed stone walls and wooden flooring as well as ensuring a light and bright flow through the home.
It’s obvious that the kitchen and bathroom have been given the focus of the contemporary update, both rooms particularly stand out for their modern style.
The kitchen has glossy units in a light cappucino tone that blends well with the honey-toned floor and white washed walls.
Interest is created by the addition of a patterned tiled splashback. However, this is a subtle addition that does not overwhelm the area and cleverly draws the eye to the end of the room, making the space feel bigger.
The kitchen island, which includes an integrated breakfast bar, is a welcome design addition to the space and overlooks the garden via the low level window and French doors.
In this kitchen space the thoughtful design continues with the addition of a velux window installed into the sloping roof to ensure maximum light over the cooking, preparation and sink areas.
Additional light is provided by statement pendant lights, creating pools of light on work surfaces as well as ensuring a warm atmosphere within the space, especially after the sun sets.
On this first floor, the kitchen occupies the rear of the property and spans the whole width of the house.
The lounge and main dining area can be found at the front of the cottage, again spanning the whole width of the house, and featuring that clever balcony with the absorbing beach and sea view.
When a visitor arrives at the main front door on the ground level, they are greeted by a double bedroom either side of the hallway.
Both rooms are characterful spaces, with one boasting an exposed stone feature wall and one boasting an original parquet wood floor as well as a stylish ensuite shower room.
The wooden internal doors have been stripped back to reveal their original beauty and add to the charm of the property.
At the rear of the ground floor can be found the third bedroom and the family bathroom.
The home’s contemporary, tasteful style continues into this main bathroom, with grey metro wall tiles and very “on trend” patterned floor tiles framing the feature free-standing bath.
Throughout the home, personal style and “pops” of colour are introduced mainly through the introduction of statement artwork, soft furnishings and accessories.
The house has the potential to also be a popular holiday let, within walking distance to the Blue Flag Award Aberporth Beach and sea front.
There is private parking for a car and the home’s Aberporth location means ensures easy access to all the attractions of the Cardigan Bay area, including dolphin spotting, sea fishing and sailing.
The upside-down cottage is for sale for offers in excess of £400,000 with the Cardigan branch of West Wales Properties. Call 01239 615915