It's all about the SEA VIEWS

Holly Keeling used a palette of soft colours, weathered finishes and relaxed coastal details to bring this old barn conversion back to life

- DEBBIE JEFFERY, LISA FAZZANI, MICHELA COLLING

When my husband Philip and I first saw the place, it was dark and drab, with an unappealing interior and rotting window frames, but we weren’t put off. We knew we could change the look and feel of it. The location – in a quaint Cornish village less than half-a mile from the beach – was ideal. We’d enjoyed many family holidays in Cornwall over the years, so finding a spacious, reverse-level property with sea views in such a convenient location seemed like it was meant to be.

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE

Most of the homes we’d seen before were tiny cottages, but the barn had been arranged with a large open-plan living room and kitchen upstairs, which we liked the idea of. Having the bedrooms downstairs makes sense because we spend most of our time up in the living area, where we get to enjoy the views. Structurally, the roof and walls of the stone building were in good condition, but the seaside location meant that the existing timber windows had deteriorated beyond repair. I managed to source replacement matt uPVC windows and patio doors that have the appearance of painted timber, it was a good compromise.

MAKING OUR MARK