ANGLESEY CLAPBOARD HOUSE
Like generations before them, this young family were enticed by the idyllic surroundings of North Wales
Halcyon days spent Holidaying in north Wales inspired sarah cross to build a special Home that strengthens family ties With a bygone era
If
it hadn’t been for an incredibly stormy night back in 1882, it’s unlikely Sarah Cross would ever have built a stunning New England-style home in a magical, coastal spot in north Wales.
‘At the time, my great-great grandmother had travelled from London to Holyhead, with the intention of sailing to Dublin,’ says Sarah. ‘However, when rough seas meant the crossing was cancelled, she ended up staying in nearby Trearddur Bay.’
Having spotted Rhoscolyn across the headland, Sarah’s ancestor was enchanted by the view, and made a point of visiting there the following year. Her tales of this carefree coastal village piqued the interest of Sarah’s relatives. Soon, great-great aunts and uncles also began holidaying, and then building properties, in Rhoscolyn.
‘As a child, I was lucky enough to spend every summer here, staying with my extended family, in the house my grandparents bought,’ says Sarah. ‘I’ve such fond memories of playing in rock pools, lobster-potting and exploring with my brother, sister and cousins – just as previous generations of our family had done.’
When Sarah met and married David, the pair, who live in Cambridge, continued the tradition of holidaying here. ‘As our own children came along, we wanted to find a house in Rhoscolyn,’ says Sarah. ‘I yearned to create a little oasis where our family and guests could feel stress-free – a relaxed home-from-home.’
After searching for six years, the couple finally found a property they felt would be perfect to remodel. Just a 10-minute walk from the beach, the house has spectacular views over the fields and across Rhoscolyn’s beautiful bay, Borth Wen, towards Snowdonia.
Having snapped up the house in May 2015, the family spent that summer living there. ‘Familiarising ourselves with the light and orientation of the property helped me formulate the design for our new home,’ says Sarah. ‘I knew that the main living spaces had to be on the first floor to maximise the views and felt that a large glazed balcony would create the indoor/outdoor living we wanted.’
After liaising with an architect and gaining planning permission, building work began in January 2016. ‘I’ve always admired
New England homes and believed this style would look great, as well as being a nod to the coastal location,’ says Sarah.
She took on the mantle of project manager and worked tirelessly for many months. ‘I was living and breathing the project remotely,’ says Sarah. ‘When the children were asleep, I’d often work late into the night, emailing the builders and suppliers. It was hard work but I loved every minute, and it was fantastic to see it all coming together.’ Because of the distance, Sarah could only visit the house about once a month. ‘The builders, AK Developments, were brilliant. I was so grateful for their positive “can-do” attitude.’
The holiday home is everything the family could have hoped for – and more. ‘When we arrive here, it’s amazing how quickly we all slow down,’ Sarah says. ‘We savour the simple pleasures – just as my great-great grandmother would have done, many moons ago.’