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House Tour: Elegant Coastal Home in Devon Where Modern Charm Meets Tradition

Explore a family retreat in Devon blending Georgian charm with seaside elegance, designed for comfort and social living

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By House & Garden South Africa | November 28, 2024 | Interiors

Nestled in the serene coastal haven of Devon, England, this recently completed home exemplifies a harmonious blend of elegance and the essence of slow living.

Designed by Pernille Lind of Pernille Lind Studio, this residence seamlessly merges the cosy charm of a Georgian London townhouse with a refreshing seaside aesthetic, creating a tranquil retreat for its sociable and energetic owners.

Classic patterns juxtaposed with modern sensibilities create interest through the interplay of textures and forms, Image: Joachim Wichmann

The home’s contemporary architectural style is gracefully balanced with traditional elements. Lind, whose design philosophy marries Scandinavian aesthetics with Asian influences, was inspired by the family’s Georgian London residence and their deep ties to Devon. This vision was realised through a thoughtful renovation that emphasises both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The soft, warm colour palette is injected with pops of colour in the bathrooms and childrens' bedrooms, adding a playful touch that reflects the family's personalities, Image: Joachim Wichmann

‘The brief was to create a warm, modern seaside retreat where family and friends could gather,’ Lind explains. The design incorporates a range of textures and patterns, from classic tapestries to modern minimalism, ensuring each space is distinct yet unified.

The home's timeless aesthetic is complemented by glass throughways, allowing light to cascade in, Image: Joachim Wichmann

For example, the main living areas feature sandy sepia tones and dusky hued fabrics, while the bathrooms and children’s rooms include playful bursts of colour.

Natural materials in the main bathroom reflect the surrounding nature and seascape, Image: Joachim Wichmann

The home spans 620 square metres across two levels, with seven bedrooms, five bathrooms and various living spaces designed to enhance social interaction and relaxation. The interior’s seamless flow is achieved through the strategic use of glass partitions and carefully chosen materials, which together foster a calm and coherent ambiance.

Touches of green and matte finishes of paint evoke warmth and calmness, as seen in the guest annexe, Image: Joachim Wichmann

One of the standout features is a sleek glass partition that maximises natural light and views of the surrounding scenery, lending an airy and contemporary feel to the home. This design choice ensures that the stunning sea views remain unobstructed while adding an elegant, minimalistic touch to the interior. The partition's metal framing, finished in an off-white powder coat, complements the overall colour palette and adds a refined architectural element.

One of the standout features is a sleek glass partition that maximises natural light and views of the surrounding scenery, Image: Joachim Wichmann

Inside, the home celebrates natural materials with a focus on wood, stone and textured fabric. Warm oak floors in varying tones, natural fibres, rugs, glossy tiles and coloured marble create a cohesive atmosphere that reflects the surrounding coastal landscape.

Bespoke doors and architraves were designed in oak and metal, with transparent partitions, accompanied with oak and natural stone surfaces throughout the home, Image: Joachim Wichmann

Pernille Lind Studio’s careful selection of materials and colours results in a serene sanctuary that harmonises with its environment. The studio’s considered approach underpins a dedication to both the location and the client's needs, resulting in a home that beautifully encapsulates the essence of coastal living and embraces modern elegance.

Text by Catherine Mo

Images by Joachim Wichmann