Working From Home

Nicola turned derelict seaside flats into a five-star home – and a business – thanks to her keen eye for Scandi simplicity and love of quality coastal living. 

- Mandi Millar

After 10 years living and working in London, Nicola decided it was time to go home. ‘I was at a crossroads in my life, professionally and personally, and I think 10 years in London was long enough to have achieved everything I wanted in terms of my career working for a corporate! Having come from North Antrim I was longing to be back, close to the sea, and the friends and family I missed,’ says Nicola.

So she banked her redundancy package, rented out her London flat so it would still be there if things didn’t work out, and came back to re-group. As a result she decided it was time for something completely different and after researching the market opted to invest in a property she could renovate both as her home and develop as a luxury Bed & Breakfast business. ‘That way I figured I could have both the roof over my head and generate an income that would be secured, and with such beautiful coastline and countryside on my doorstep I already knew the Causeway Coast is a thriving tourism destination. CS Lewis used to visit the area when he was a child – infact Dunluce Castle was his inspiration for Narnia’s Cair Paravel Castle and of course, we have Game of Thrones’ Dark Hedges just up the road, UNESCO World Heritage Site The Giant’s Causeway and Old Bushmills Distillery with amazing coastal drives, scenic clifftop views, world class golf courses and beaches – what’s not to love!’