Found myself standing in this stylish living room yesterday, while catching up with delightful homeowner Clare Willison.
A few months ago, charming artist Clare, who owns café, Billy’s on the Beach, welcomed me into her stunning New England-style home. The memorable shoot ended up with an early evening paddle in the sea, complete with a spectacular sunset!
During our interview for Country Homes & Interiors, Clare revealed that she’ll often pop on her wetsuit in the morning, walk through her garden, straight down the beach and dive into the surf for the half-mile swim to her bustling café on the seafront at Bracklesham Bay. Well, I’ve never come across anyone who swims to work so, clearly, this had to be a great line for my feature.
I do love Clare’s coastal-inspired living room, which is peppered with her eye-catching driftwood artwork and handmade cushions. The coffee table, made from reclaimed floorboards, adds to the laid-back homely feel that Clare and her husband, Murray Johnstone, yearned for.
Thankfully, I chose the right afternoon for my impromptu visit. For a late October day, the weather was absolutely fantastic…perfect for a quick stroll along the beach to Billy’s and a cuppa while soaking up the last rays of summer and enjoying the views out to the Isle of Wight.
For more information about Clare’s work, view www.driftwoodboats.co.uk or call 01243 673560.
To read the previous blog about Clare’s new-build home, click here.
Photograph above courtesy of Richard Gadsby
