Beside the seaside

Laura and James Simpson turned a rundown eyesore into a stylish and welcoming coastal family home

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Laura and James Simpson were on the verge of moving from Buckinghamshire to Scotland when a seaside visit to friends changed everything. Laura had just given birth to her eldest daughter, Isla, and the couple needed a bigger house – but because Laura had just left her job in product design to set up her own business, they couldn’t afford to buy near London.

Laura was brought up in Scotland and suggested that the couple move back up there to purchase a property. ‘We were considering it when we came down to Bournemouth to visit my best friend from primary school,’ says Laura. ‘It was a gorgeous sunny day in March and we were standing on the beach. My friend said, “Why don’t you move here? It’s accessible to London but more affordable.”’

Laura and James loved the idea and started the hunt for a new house. ‘We were looking for a period property because my style is new with old,’ says Laura. ‘I like period features but I like putting a bit of modern in there, too.’ Also on the wish list was a house that needed renovating so that the couple could put their own stamp on it.