From time to time, an owner and a home just seem to find each other, and for this stone cottage and hairdressing star Phil Smith, it was definitely meant to be. The traditional fisherman's cottage is set on the north coast of Cornwall, on a narrow lane overlooking the sea. Phil hadn't visited the area before and was blown away' when he did. I didn't realise anywhere this beautiful existed in England,' he says. The timing was right, too. It was during the Covid restrictions of 2020 that Phil and his wife Louise sold their family home and Phil fell in love with the cottage, which he found online. Two viewings later and it was theirs, despite the property's ugly pebble-dashed exterior and a strong smell of damp inside. Yet Phil welcomed the idea of a project.
Thave been busy for 35 years, never taking time for myself, and something told me this was the moment,' he says. The cottage needed more than a little TLC. Tackling the damp was a big job, for which Phil employed local builder, Josh Grills. Josh lifted one of the stone slabs on the floor of the living room and it was literally laying in mud,' says Phil.
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Country Homes & Interiors.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Country Homes & Interiors.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A day in the country
The TV presenter and author stays close to home in the Wye Valley, walking at dawn and ending the day making supper for friends
MINIATURE MARVELS
Tiny but mighty mini bulbs bring sparks of colour to springtime garden borders and containers
UP THE GARDEN PATH
Affordable and easy to lay, these DIY path ideas will add form and purpose to your garden, providing a fast track to planting, focal points and outdoor rooms
Bring the family
Rediscover the simple life with these gloriously back to nature staycations that kids and adults will adore
'Handmade glass looks watery and beautiful'
As anyone who surfs will know, despite the crash, chaos and roar of the ocean, there is a strange moment of peacefulness when you ride a wave.
Knock on wood
Transform damaged and dingy wooden flooring with expert techniques to return its structure and shine
COLOUR CONFIDENT
Breathe new life into your kitchen with a colourful design from Magnet
STOCK UP
The best ideas for maximising food storage in the kitchen, from walk in pantries to woven baskets-and everything in between
STORAGE STORIES
Faced with cluttered rooms and overflowing cupboards, four homeowners found smart solutions to help them get more organised
Installing fitted wardrobes
Everything you need to know about integrating built-in storage into your bedroom