A GREAT ESCAPE

Keen to ensure her family's association with a magical coastal area continues for generations to come, Sarah Cross has created a spectacular retreat

- JANET MCMEEKIN

A chance conversation prompted Sarah Cross to seize a golden opportunity to buy the house next door and breathe new life into the coastal property. ‘When my neighbour mentioned that a For Sale sign would be appearing on their home, I was surprised and excited,’ Sarah says.

‘I had just started searching for my second project in Anglesey, never imagining that the perfect house would be a stone’s throw away.’ Back in 2016, Sarah had successfully remodelled Llain y Brenin – a tired property in the coastal village of Rhoscolyn.

‘Captivated by the natural beauty of Rhoscolyn, my grandmother first visited this part of Holy Island during the late 19th century. This started a tradition, which led to generations of my family coming here and falling in love with the area,’ Sarah explains. ‘I spent my childhood summers in this idyllic part of the world and wanted my children to experience similar carefree holidays.’

Having transformed Llain y Brenin and launched her holiday home business, Little Fish Escapes, as her five children grew older, Sarah wanted to create a larger version of her existing holiday house. ‘I realised that if the children wanted to bring partners and friends here we’d need more space,’ Sarah says. ‘It made sense to snap up the adjacent spacious house.’