Find Out How This Cornish Retreat Was Lovingly Restored
The Property
I’ve always enjoyed rejuvenating old buildings, so I felt incredibly fortunate that HÁM Interiors agreed to work with me on The Net Loft back in 2021 and again on a tiny Grade II-listed chocolate box cottage in the middle of Padstow.
For Plum Cottage, we really wanted to create something that didn’t have smooth edges or clean lines – hence everything is slightly wonky, authentic, rugged and raw, just like the Cornish coastline. The house originally belonged to the old doctor in Padstow. In 1920, there were two doctors in the Padstow area – one was Dr Shirvell and the other was my grandfather, Dr Alken. I couldn't believe it when I saw the old deeds as we were exchanging contracts.
I cannot begin to explain just how rundown it was before we got the keys. The bathroom consisted of a tiny shower in the corner, just off from the kitchen – there wasn't any heating at all. I looked at my husband, who clearly thought I was mad, and said, “This is the one, we have to have it.” We aimed to embrace the cottage's past, gently restoring it from its bones. The kitchen and living room were both reimagined by HÁM Interiors, with the spaces opened up to create a seamless design-led connection. Some of my favourite details included strengthening the floors before relaying the old boards and ragging the walls with layers of toned paint.
Sleeping four guests across two bedrooms, we wanted the cottage to celebrate its Cornish heritage,. The feedback from guests has been incredible, and we have had a lot of people coming to stay just to be inspired by the colours, textures and art for their own homes, renovations and house projects.
The Brief
The aim was to bring the cottage back to life and ignite the imagination of guests. There are hidden details everywhere and the cottage itself feels like a real secret – it’s completely understated in that you could walk right past it and never know it's there. But the beauty of what's inside is unexpected because of the layers of personality and design that HÁM Interiors and I have quietly curated. The interiors aim to capture the essence of an English country home, with warm colours, patterned wallpaper and earthy natural materials with soft lighting and panelled walls. Open fires, antique-filled rooms and book-lined walls have also helped to create an inviting atmosphere, with unique pieces selected to add character and a welcoming feel.
TAKE THE TOUR
The Kitchen/Pantry
We were excited to find a 200-year-old flagstone floor underneath the old carpet. Despite a few flagstones being broken and damaged, the team repaired them and filled in the gaps for the bespoke kitchen island.
One of my favourite aspects of the kitchen are the tiles, sourced locally from Decorum, a team of incredibly talented artists and painters who work out of a stone-built studio in the middle of nowhere.
Tiles: Decorum
Light: The Bothy Lantern by Studio HÁM
The Living Room
The real, open fireplace was a key fixture in the living area – I wanted to make sure that families, couples and friends could snuggle up by the fireplace after a long day exploring the local area. Handcrafted upholstery and book-lined shelves create a cosy and warm atmosphere
A big design risk the team took was using a painting to conceal the TV above the fireplace. As a design choice, it could have gone wrong, leaving us with a screen dominating one of the most beautiful rooms. To make it work, the painting had to seamlessly glide to one side in front of the joinery, and we also needed to hide the tracks. It was a challenge to execute, but in the end it paid off beautifully. Another standout piece is the hand-carved mounted salmon, along with the artwork, ‘The Captain Always Goes Down with the Ship’ — a playful tribute to Cornwall’s rich seafaring history.
Stool: Studio HÁM
Chair Fabric: Schumacher
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Main Bedroom
An ode to man’s best friends, the bedroom is filled with antique dog memorabilia and vibrant burnt orange walls. Not many people would think of painting their bedroom top to toe in burnt orange, but we wanted people to see that it's okay to be bold and brave with colour and art.
Brass Wall Light: Besselink & Jones
Bedside Table: Rufus Table S tudio HÁM
Paint: The Long Room by Paint & Paper Library
Headboard: Jasper Fabrics
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Bathroom
Even though it’s a small cottage, we wanted to install a bathroom that delivered on luxury – after all who doesn’t want a long soak in a deep tub after a day exploring our stunning coastline? The bath is a modern twist on an antique design and the full curtain gives you the perfect excuse to hide away for hours…
Bath: The Water Monopoly
Wallpaper: Lizzie Floral Wallpaper by Fabrics & Papers
Vanity: The Spool Vanity by Studio HÁM
Second Bedroom
Tucked up in the eaves, this twin bedroom in a cheering yellow is a warm and cocooning space – lovely for children when they come to stay. The gingham bedspreads, upholstered headboards and gathered lampshade add lots of nostalgia and a welcome hit of pattern, creating a narrative that feels very organic.
Paint: Sunlight by Little Greene
Lampshade: Broderie Trellis Cotton Scrunchie Lampshade by Alice Palmer & Co
Tray: Large Wicker Tray by Studio HÁM
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Photography: Will Slater
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