Despite living in a fast-moving, digital world swamped with information and options, life somehow becomes simpler in the winter. Why? Because, as the days become colder and the nights draw in, we refocus on two of our most basic human needs, to be warm and sheltered from the weather outside. For many of us, the dream is to go out for a blustery coastal walk, return to a warming meal, then sit in front of a stove, toasting our toes as the flames dance across the viewing window and the logs crack and sizzle as they burn. A real fire is an elemental experience that brings warmth and comfort into the sanctuary of the home.
Vincent Thurkettle, woodsman and author of the evocative Wood Fire Handbook – The Complete Guide to the Perfect Fire, (£15.99, Mitchell Beazley), puts it so well in his introduction to the book, now in its second edition. ‘Sitting in soft firelight, I have often wondered why I am so fascinated by fire. And I am not alone in this feeling either – people and cultures worldwide consider fire a strangely singular comfort. It can certainly be a useful and constant companion, but it is so much more. Fire warms, consoles, and touches the very hearts of us, like a loving, worldly wise relative. A fireside chair is a cosy nest in which to while away the time deep in conversation or lost in sleepy-eyed contemplation.’
Denne historien er fra December 2019-utgaven av Coast.
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Denne historien er fra December 2019-utgaven av Coast.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
10 Best... Blue Health Breaks
Make the most of the sea’s restorative powers on a wellbeing break by the coast – from wild-swimming retreats to mindful walking along the cliffs
10 Romantic Stays By The Sea
Escape to our pick of cosy coastal retreats for a bonding break à deux
SOOTHED BY THE SEA
Retreating to a seashore hideaway could be the catalyst for recalibrating your life while truly resting a tired mind and body, says Jacob Little, who made the journey north to discover the simple solace offered by the Highlands island of Eilean Shona
OCEAN ADVOCATE
Filmmaker and explorer Philippe Cousteau Jnr – grandson of one of the world’s first famous marine conservationists, the legendary Jacques Cousteau – is building his own legacy with EarthEcho International, his youth project dedicated to environmental education
TAKING THE SALT PATH
Brighton sea swimmers the Salty Seabirds have encouraged hundreds of novices to experience the glow of wellbeing following a dip in the ocean – and the rewarding sense of community that goes with it
20 HOMES to buy BESIDE the SEA...
From an Irish hideaway to a waterside manse in Scotland, here’s our pick of the latest properties for sale by the sea
EVERYTHING POINTS TO THE SEA
coast editor-in-chief Alex Fisher tries a rejuvenating blue health break at the Scarlet Hotel & Spa in Cornwall
20 Homes To Buy Beside The Sea...
From a cliff-top home in Cornwall to a beach hut on the Isle of Wight, here’s our pick of the latest properties for sale by the sea
10 Best... Life-Enriching Travel Ideas
From building a boat to ballroom dancing – enjoy acquiring new life skills on a learning break by the sea
Inspired By The Coast
From their design studio near Newquay, Kara Wilson and Dave Barker make folk art wooden decorations, and Christmas is one of their busiest times