WHERE PAST MEETS PRESENT
If you’re looking for interior design inspiration on how to combine beautiful original features with tasteful and elegant interiors, then look no further than The Old Vicarage on Gower to get your creativity flowing. Nestled on a prime spot on the headland overlooking Langland Bay near Swansea, the first thing that a visitor to the house will be gawping at is the incredible, uninterrupted sea, beach and coastal views.
From the lawn, terrace, garden room and most windows, the sweeping sea views to the horizon are truly mesmerising.
But the interior of the house can definitely compete for attention.
The current owners have successfully blended original features with contemporary, heritage-inspired decor to create a stylish home easily worthy of thousands of followers on Instagram and Pinterest.
Throughout the home the arts and crafts style period features have not only been incorporated into the interior design, they have been allowed to be the centrepiece.
The home oozes character; stained glass doors and windows, original flooring, including wood parquet, sanded floorboards and quarry tiles,
plus a collection of fabulous fireplaces.
The high ceilings, coving, skirtings and occasional archway ensure that each room has charm and has allowed the current owners to choose decor that is tasteful and elegant but also modern in colour choice and accessories.
The hallway is a grand entrance that sets the scene and whets the interiors appetite for any visitor, with marble fireplace, chandelier, ceiling rose and pretty window seat combining to make this an appealing space.
In total the house has three main reception rooms, plus a kitchen / diner, conservatory and some surprise spaces on the ground floor.
In the lounge, standing in the substantial bay window area, the views of Langland Bay are hypnotic.
But once you can pull yourself away from the window, the room is an elegant and vibrant room to relax.
Against the backdrop of the dark plum colour walls the interiors sing, with strong accent colours combining to bring a contemporary feel to the space.
The period fireplace is given centre stage by being framed by an arch and windows either side.
The TV room next door is equally as big and beautiful, again boasting an eye-catching fireplace, period floors and wall-arch detailing.
This space is lit by a wall of windows and French doors leading out onto a garden terrace and those incredible views beyond.
A light and spacious formal dining room can be found along the hallway which also has a fireplace and doors to the garden.
However, this dining space reminds a potential buyer of the period pedigree of the property, with this room being served by a delightful butler’s pantry next door.
In this space the family’s best china would have been displayed on the vast dresser, with ample storage for all dishes and paraphernalia required for even the most well attended dinner parties of the past.
Call Jeeves, on the original servants’ bells that are still in place, to serve your guests as soon as the meal is ready!
And for anyone loving the current interiors trend of a separate pantry, this home will definitely excite.
Opposite the butler’s pantry is a food pantry which also oozes period charm, including the original slate cooling shelf used to keep meat cold long before a fridge was invented.
The kitchen itself is a pretty space populated by country style units in complementary heritage colours, an island and two Agas.
The granite work tops and chandeliers provide a touch of luxury and there are all the integrated appliances a kitchen requires, as well as space for an American-style fridge freezer.
The room also has space for a breakfast dining area but it’s likely a new owner will be drawn to the adjoining open-plan garden room instead to enjoy their cornflakes.
Two walls of floor to ceiling glass, a glass roof and bi-fold doors opening out onto a garden terrace ensure this is a wonderful space to eat, relax and be enveloped by the views.
A walk-in storage room, utility room and a full property security system completes the ground floor accommodation and features.
And if a new owner wants even more space there is planning consent in place to add a two storey rear extension.
Upstairs there are two floors of beautiful bedrooms and bathrooms and, as with downstairs, there are an abundance of period features such as fireplaces and flooring.
From these higher floors the views from the windows of the six bedrooms and three bathrooms are even more captivating.
On the second floor there is a bonus guest bedroom with Juliet balcony, that captures the views from this elevated position, a study space and an ensuite shower room. Lucky guest.
The tasteful and stylish interiors continue upstairs.
Where modern fixtures and fittings have been added they are either age appropriate, such as the roll-top baths, or a stunning statement piece such as a contemporary metallic Tom Dixon light or funky wallpaper.
And that’s where this home has been designed so well.
The new additions, both structural and choice of decor, not only make the most of the prestigious location but beautifully balance the new and modern with the period charm of the Old Vicarage.
The Old Vicarage in Langland is on the market for offers over £2.75m with estate agent Fine & Country Swansea, call them on 01792 925763 to find out more.