Little Pembroke: HAY Palissade at a Cornish Coastal Retreat
|
|
Time to read 4 min
Perched between two picturesque fishing villages, Newlyn and Mousehole, with panoramic ocean views across Mounts Bay, Pembroke Lodge and Little Pembroke are two beautiful coastal retreats in the shape of a delightful Georgian country house and a cosy wooden-clad cabin. Located in one of Cornwall’s most picturesque settings, the two properties have been carefully curated to feel luxurious yet deeply relaxing – the perfect destinations to unwind and explore the charming Cornish coastline.
Featuring the Anglepoise Original 1227 Desk Lamp - Brass
A Cornish Country Home
Pembroke Lodge, a striking five-bedroom 18 th-century holiday home, combines period architecture, coastal charm and modern design in equal balance. Originally the home of painter Walter Lamgley, Bianca Fincham and her husband Nick lovingly renovated the property over three years.
The elegant proportions, large sash windows and original detailing of Georgian architecture create a sense of grandeur, which has been softened with layered textures, carefully chosen furniture and an airy colour palette, preventing the interior from feeling overly formal. Natural materials and muted tones reflect the coastal landscape outside, allowing the sea views to remain a constant focal point throughout the home.
One of the main priorities for Bianca was to install a new kitchen. A local cabinet maker collaborated with Bianca to create a bespoke design that complemented the period architecture and made the most of the panoramic ocean view. The result is a beautiful space, with traditional cabinetry and an open, airy feel with double doors that let the idyllic, cottage-style garden become an extension of the home.
The kitchen, as with the rest of the home, has been furnished with a mix of antique and traditionally styled pieces that feel harmonious with the Georgian property. Bianca spent her time hunting in local auction houses to find the perfect pieces. Each detail has been thought about carefully, and instead of looking eclectic or eccentric, the rooms are sophisticated with a dash of English country charm.
A Modern Retreat
Tucked away in the grounds of the main house sits Little Pembroke, a beautifully crafted one-bedroom cabin that offers a more intimate retreat. Clad in dark timber and positioned to embrace the surrounding landscape, the cabin replaces an old garage, built by the former owner. The design was inspired by the boating and fishing heritage of nearby Newlyn and takes influence from coastal New-England style architecture and Nordic fishing lodges.
There is something about wooden cladding that makes a building fit within its landscape, and although Little Pembrook looks distinctly modern beside Pembroke Lodge’s grand Georgian architecture, it doesn’t appear out of place. Instead, the understated feel of the cabin’s exterior makes the interior all the more exciting.
Inside, contemporary furnishings sit alongside softer, more nostalgic touches, creating a space that feels both refined and welcoming. Matching the soft, country aesthetic of Pembroke Lodge, Bianca has styled Little Pembroke with a quiet confidence. Nothing feels excessive or overly designed, and each detail contributes to an atmosphere of comfort and warmth with a hint of luxury.
Muted sage greens, earthy pinks and creamy whites have been chosen to create a calming atmosphere, softened further with tactile textiles. Furniture and accessories don’t match perfectly, but they work together, making the interior feel homely and inviting. A plush vintage-style sofa has been placed adjacent to a wood-burning stove, and a mezzanine floor contains a cosy bedroom. Little Pembroke is built to be enjoyed as one whole space, each feature highlighting and bringing an uplifting effect on another.
An Ocean View Made Unforgettable
Opposite the sofa and seen from the bedroom, double-height windows look out towards the ocean. The doors open onto a small, decked area. Bianca has chosen a HAY Palissade Lounge Set in Iron Red to create the perfect spot for guests to while away the hours, enjoying the breathtaking view across Mounts Bay.
The contemporary design of the HAY Palissade set complements the modern aesthetic of the cabin and introduces a sculptural element to the terrace. With uninterrupted views across the coastline, the outdoor setting needed furniture that felt visually light yet substantial enough to anchor the space. Palissade achieves this balance effortlessly.
The Iron Red finish works particularly well on the decking. Against the soft neutral tones of the cabin’s interior and the muted coastal palette beyond, the earthy red introduces warmth and depth without overwhelming the terrace. The colour subtly echoes the tones often found within the Cornish landscape (rusted earth, wild grasses and the changing hues of the cliffs at sunset), allowing the contemporary design to feel unexpectedly connected to its surroundings.
Bianca and Nick needed outdoor furniture that was fuss-free, easy to maintain and suitable for leaving outside in the changeable weather of the Cornish coast. The HAY Palissade collection was ideal for their requirements. Made from aluminium and coated in a durable finish, the collection stands up to the wear and tear of guests visiting the cabin. But the Palissade furniture was not chosen purely for its functionality; it works to tie the cabin’s modern exterior together with its soft interior, also neatly tying the cabin to its landscape.
At Pembroke Lodge and Little Pembroke, modern design is never used to overshadow the character of the setting. Instead, contemporary pieces are introduced carefully, bringing clarity and contrast to spaces already rich in atmosphere. Bianca and Nick have created a coastal retreat where heritage, landscape and modern living exist in complete harmony.
For more on HAY Palissade, see the contemporary design of HAY Palissade styled within the historic backdrop of Purbeck Cottage, or take a look at HAY Palissade featuring in two Grand Design properties.
To get the look for yourself, explore our complete collection of HAY Palissade garden furniture.
Written by Stephanie Keel:
A lover of good design and recently a new resident to Ludlow life, Stephanie is our in house copywriter, documenting everything from her favourite parts of the product to the beautiful interiors you’d find them in. You’ll often find her in a well-designed coffee shop, with laptop in hand.