WELSH COASTAL HOUSE

Keen to ensure that her family’s love for a magical area in Anglesey continues for generations to come, Sarah Cross has created a spectacular coastal home

Breathing new life into the property next door has created a luxurious holiday retreat that can be enjoyed for generations to come

Achance conversation prompted Sarah Cross to seize a golden opportunity to buy the house next door to her and give it a new lease of life. ‘When my neighbour popped in to let me know that a “For Sale” sign would soon be appearing on their home, I was both surprised and excited,’ says Sarah. ‘I love renovating properties and interior design, and had started searching for another project here in Anglesey, never imagining that the perfect house could be on my doorstep.’

Back in 2016, Sarah had successfully remodelled a tired property in the quaint coastal village of Rhoscolyn in North Wales, a stunning area that’s close to her heart. ‘Captivated by the natural beauty of Rhoscolyn, my grandmother first visited this part of Anglesey during the late 19th century,’ says Sarah. ‘This started a tradition, which led to generations of my family coming here and falling in love with the area. As a result, I was fortunate to spend my childhood summers here and, after I got married and the children came along, I was determined they would experience similar carefree holidays.’

Having transformed the house, Llain Y Brenin, and in the process of launching her holiday home business, Little Fish Escapes, Sarah could see the appeal of creating a larger and more ‘grown-up’ version of their existing house. ‘Looking to the future, I realised that if the children wanted to bring partners, friends and, in

time, grandchildren to come on holiday here, we would need somewhere with more space,’ says Sarah. ‘Since I wanted to buy another property, it made perfect sense to snap up the spacious house right beside Llain Y Brenin.’

Having agreed the purchase in 2018, Sarah contacted her tried-and-trusted local builders, AK Developments, who began reconfiguring the property, according to plans created by Sarah, to turn Cil Y Gwynt into a stylish and luxurious retreat. ‘Over the years, because I spent every summer here as a child, I’d got to know the neighbours very well and understood how fond they are of this house,’ says Sarah.

‘Although I wanted to freshen up the slightly dated property, I was mindful of renovating it sensitively to retain the features they love, such as the fireplaces and beams.’ When rejigging the layout, Sarah knew that it definitely needed to retain the ‘upside down’ living concept. ‘One of my favourite aspects of Llain Y Brenin is drinking in the incredible views from the glazed first-floor balcony, over fields and across Rhoscolyn’s delightful bay, Borth Wen, towards Snowdonia,’ says Sarah.‘with this in mind, I designed and enclosed the existing balcony at the rear of Cil Y Gwynt with glass panelling to replace the existing iron railings. I also incorporated a separate exterior staircase.’

Right from the outset, Sarah felt that although she wanted to echo some aspects of the neighbouring

❝THE HOUSE IS WITHIN EASY WALKING DISTANCE OF ONE OF ANGLESEY❞ THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, SECLUDED BEACHES IN

house, this larger home needed its own identity. ‘The New England exterior style of Llain Y Brenin wouldn’t have worked here,’ she says. ‘Instead of cladding the exterior, repainting it felt more appropriate.’ Inside, the layout was completely reconfigured to create a more balanced layout with a better flow. ‘By moving walls and repositioning bathrooms, we created eight, rather than the original 11, bedrooms,’ says Sarah. ‘All are either twin or double, each with an en suite.’

When selecting colours, although Sarah wanted to choose a coastal-inspired palette, she deliberately opted for bolder hues. ‘As this is a big house, I felt it could carry more vibrant tones, such as the deep blue kitchen island,’ she says. ‘I’m always keen to support smaller, independent companies and bought beautiful fabrics from the likes of Peony & Sage and Meg Morton.’

The nine-month project went extremely smoothly, with Sarah travelling from her home in Cambridge for regular site visits. ‘It was brilliant to see my vision coming to fruition,’ she says. ‘When the house was finished, I spent the most wonderful weekend here with close friends, making sure that everything was perfect for future visits with family and guests. My hope is that more generations of my family will treasure making unforgettable memories here for many years to come.’ For more info on Little Fish Escapes, or to book the properties in Anglesey, visit littlefishescapes.com

Exterior The house is set at the end of a tree-lined drive. Doors and windows painted in De Nimes, Farrow & Ball

Beach A tractor is used to launch a fishing boat in Borth Wen Bay

Hallway Sarah sourced a smart stripy runner as a nod to the nautical. Runner, Wool Devonian range, Fibre Flooring. Jute circular rug, Maisons du Monde. Armchair, The Cotswold Company. Boat cushion on chair, Bay Tree Gallery, Valley, Anglesey

Kitchen A trio of lights make a statement above the large island. Tennyson pendants, Neptune. Tall clockhouse bar stools, Garden Trading. Forecast Forth tiles behind range, Fired Earth

Kitchen Every inch of this house has been designed to maximise the views. Chelford kitchen units, Howdens. Mystic Storm worktop, Ruby Granite. Roman blind in Freja Marine, Ada & Ina

Exterior The trio of swinging chairs and hot tub are a huge hit with family and guests alike. Globo swinging chairs, Simply Hammocks. Swinging chair cushions, Maisons du Monde Living room Sarah was keen to retain the fireplace and wood-burning stove; she limewashed the chunky wooden beam to give it a driftwood feel. Runway Petrol Blue rug; Bruges recycled solid elm coffee table, both Maisons du Monde

Basin A porthole mirror injects a marine theme. Luna tiles in Sapphire, Bert & May. Porthole mirror, Maisons du Monde. Brunswick wall lights, Neptune Teal bedroom Sarah has layered patterns and textures to create interest. Bed, The Headboard Workshop. Velvet lobster cushion; throw, both Bay Tree Gallery. Bedding, Orla Kiely