LIGHT FANTASTIC

Gloria Sheppard instinctively knew that an all-white palette and neutral, textured fabrics would enhance the beauty of her fishing-village bolthole

JANE CRITTENDEN

SITTING ROOM

Gloria whitewashed the walls and beamed ceiling to brighten this previously dark space. Fabrics in subtle shades and vintage pieces combine with a contemporary-style wood burner to create a pared-back, restful mood.

Jøtul F105 wood burner, £3,500, Wendron Stoves. Innovation Dublexo chair, £390, Iroka Interiors. Rocco wool rug in Beige/Black, from £289.95, Benuta, has this look. Dallas wall lights, £108 each, David Hunt Lighting, would work here. Borrby lantern, £7, Ikea. Pudding love seat, £1,095, Loaf. Cushions, from £17.50 each, Cox & Cox. Vintage cabinet, £120; oars, £20; all Re Loved By Me. Fish print, £20, Notonthehighstreet.com. Muriva Encyclopaedia Bookcase wallpaper in Cream, £10 roll, Gowallpaper. To book Gloria’s holiday home, visit Saltpondshouse.com

FESTIVE TIP ‘Silver and white tree decorations suit a neutral, pared-back scheme’

Gloria Sheppard loves bold colours but knew instinctively that she would go for white when she saw the heavy wooden beams and dark floors inside Saltponds House, a Grade II-listed fisherman’s cottage just yards from the sea at Mousehole in Cornwall. ‘The coastal light that spills through the windows is fantastic and nothing like the light in Wales where my husband Jon and I live some of the time with our son, Rory, who’s 19,’ she says.

The couple fell in love with the fishing village Mousehole years ago after regular holidays there. Keeping an eye on the harbourside cottages, Gloria desperately hoped one would come up for sale. After five years of waiting, her fortunes took a turn when she saw a listing online. ‘Jon and I jumped in the car pretty much straightaway and drove the four-and-a-half hours from Wales,’ she says. ‘We stood on the harbourside terrace and knew the cottage would be perfect for holidays and when we can live here full-time.’