Having the waterfront right outside with its lovely scenery and wildlife was an inspiration when I was decorating BRYONY, OWNER

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1 READERS HOME 5 June 2011 Qx 15/4/11 14:34 Page 1 REAL HOMES Quayside Hideaway Having the waterfront right outside with its lovely scenery and wildlife was an inspiration when I was decorating BRYONY, OWNER 42 periodideas.com

2 READERS HOME 5 June 2011 Qx 15/4/11 14:34 Page 2 Words by Alice Moro / Chilli Media Photography by David Giles / Chilli Media Push the boat out This converted 18th-century granary cottage has a stunning nautical theme in keeping with its riverside setting periodideas.com 43

3 READERS HOME 5 June 2011 Qx 15/4/11 14:34 Page 3 REAL HOMES Quayside Hideaway There is an easy explanation for this delightfully idyllic and tranquil décor. Owner Bryony is an interior design artist, and someone who loves entertaining. I m definitely a people person, and I enjoy sharing my home with others, she says. I was widowed 10 years ago, and worked full-time until four years ago, and so this was when I decided to open the cottage as a bed and breakfast. I love the house and its location, so I thought it would be great to let others experience it. Bryony and her late husband used to own a hotel so she has plenty of knowledge of the hospitality trade. But it wasn t until an American friend came to stay at Quay Cottage, and suggested the idea, that Bryony put her property on the Unique Home Stays website. Situated next to Suffolk s famous Tide Mill, by the River Deben in Woodbridge is the beautiful Quay Cottage. Boasting a tranquil backdrop of sea birds, boats and the lapping tides of the marina and Ferry Quay, the house is just as stunning inside, being furnished with a fusion of French and English antiques. With its whitepainted wood panelling and nautical theme, the property makes you feel immediately at home on the waterfront. Moving in Bryony originally bought an apartment next door, and had always hoped to buy the cottage if it ever came up for sale. I immediately loved the location, she recalls. It feels like I m permanently on holiday. When she was finally able to purchase the cottage, it did need a bit of paintwork to really show off its full potential. It was magnolia everywhere, and it just looked really bland and unsuitable for this property. I also put in the tongue-and-groove features in the lounge, and exposed the original floors. The result is a charming mix of bright 44 periodideas.com

4 READERS HOME 5 June 2011 Qx 15/4/11 14:34 Page 4 whites and natural woods that are much more befitting of the riverside location. She notes the famous Swedish couple Karl and Karin Larsson as a big influence on the way she decorated the interior. Although Karl is perhaps better known as a painter, the pair were also interior design artists who left a lasting legacy on Swedish style. Historically the property was once a tide mill that was in operation for 200 years. After that, however, it was sadly left to ruin, but then thankfully restored in It s fantastic having the waterfront right outside the house, with its lovely scenery and birdlife, Bryony says. It was certainly an inspiration when I was decorating and furnishing. The colours and textures are perhaps my favourite element, and the exposed floors and beams really add character. Bryony is certainly appreciative of the history of the granary; in fact it may be fully restored and put back into working order over the next few years. Beauty sleep Inside, Bryony has created a relaxed and calming environment, and while the whole ties in together perfectly, there is still enough individual charm in each room to make them stand out on their own. There is one French-themed bedroom, while the other has more of a typically English countryside feel, she explains. The décor throughout the house Style Tip Seafront living is often associated with a more slower pace of life. Bright pale colours, rustic wooden furniture or panelling help create this relaxed feel LLOYD BURGESS Features Editor I put in the tongue-andgroove features in the lounge and exposed the original floors to better fit the riverside setting of the house BRYONY, OWNER periodideas.com 45

5 READERS HOME 5 June 2011 Qx 15/4/11 14:34 Page 5 REAL HOMES Quayside Hideaway Suffolk Punch Archaeological finds in the town of Woodbridge show habitation from as far back as the Neolithic Age ( BC). It also incorporates the nearby Sutton Hoo, an important Anglo Saxon burial site. A centre for boatbuilding, rope-making and sail-making since the Middle Ages, Woodbridge s links to maritime traditions can be enjoyed with a walk or boat trip along the river. There are also a number of other waymarked walks to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area throughout the seasons. Further Information If you re interested in staying at Quay Cottage in Woodbridge, Suffolk it is available from Unique Home Stays. It sleeps up to four people, self catering, and prices start from 45 per person per night based on two people sharing a room. Be sure to check availability and costs by calling or visiting quaycottage.uniquehomestays.com. has a really calming influence. The French bedroom has traditional white and curved furniture, while the bed and chair are both upholstered in a beautiful toile pattern fabric. The other room plays more on a natural charm, with an exposed bare-brick wall and lots of unpainted wooden pieces. Being on the quayside means that there s always something to do, and the surrounding area also provides Bryony with the perfect accompaniment to her charming waterfront cottage. I always enjoy meeting new people, whether its sharing my home with guests or going out, she says. The local area has plenty of activities and events, I particularly love the art club and the cruising and sailing club. I would also recommend the local antique shops, jewellers, homeware stores, book shops and restaurants. There s one Frenchthemed bedroom while the other has more of an English countryside feel BRYONY, OWNER 46 periodideas.com

6 READERS HOME 5 June 2011 Qx 14:34 Page 8 Raise the flag 15/4/11 Beach Life Bunting, 10 from NEXT , next.co.uk get the Look Add some sun, sea and sand to your home this summer with these nautical-themed items Shiver me timbers Galleria Premium European Solid White Fumed Oak UK FLOORING DIRECT , ukflooringdirect.co.uk Deep blue sea Merino Wool Plaid Cushion, 40 from PEBBLES TO SAND , pebblestosand.co.uk Set sail Gisella Graham painted wooden boat, 9.99 from HOME TO ROOST , hometoroostonline.com Earn your stripes per m2 from flooring priced at Rest your sea legs in style with this Southwold Chair. It costs 399 from NEXT , next.co.uk periodideas.com 49