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Posting this as a reminder of those days when the UK experienced the odd glimmer of sunshine and even…blue sky!

I stumbled upon this ‘hidden’ bathroom while interviewing Martyn Colebrook for a Coast feature about his wonderful laid-back eco home in Selsey, West Sussex.

A ‘secret’ panel on the bookshelves accesses this fabulous glazed room. Once you push a certain book, the door opens gently and – hey presto – you’re greeted by the sight of this extremely inviting sunken bath.

The breath-taking sea views from Martyn’s home inspired composer Eric Coates to write the well-known By The Sleepy Lagoon melody that became the signature tune for Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs.

I reckon this beachside pad is one of the coolest homes that I’ve written about to date. It’s an idyllic retreat where you can flee the fast pace of life, wind down and chill, either inside, out – or even in that bathroom which has to be one of the best examples of bringing the outside in!

And, the great news is that Martyn’s coastal home (featured in the March 2013 issue of Coast) is available to let through Holiday Rentals and for film and photographic location shoots through Wilde & Watson.

Photograph Crena Watson

Weekend on the way and all sorts of weather, from snow to torrential downpours, hitting the UK.

If you’re feeling deprived of sunshine and, like me, can hardly remember the last time you felt warm sand between your toes, here’s an idea for a quick seaside fix, courtesy of 25 Beautiful Homes.

On pages 148 to 150 of the April issue, you’ll find Matthew Lawrence’s coastal home feature with fabulous photography by Richard Gadsby. Matthew has made a wonderful job of converting this crumbling Georgian terrace into a truly elegant home complete with a stunning new extension.

Enjoy, and keep your fingers crossed that soon we’ll all be basking in some glorious sunshine.

Have a good one. 🙂

Total departure from writing about beautiful homes yesterday – all in the name of a certain 12-year-old son’s birthday party.

Enchanting interiors were momentarily replaced by the sights and sounds of go-karts whizzing at full tilt around a track, the smell of burning rubber and petrol fumes. Mind you, it was great fun and a total adrenalin rush.

I reckon it’s good to do something completely different now and again and, if you’re a parent, it’s lovely to share these experiences with your children. However, I have to say, I’m quite glad to be immersed in my world again this morning.

Happy Monday. Hope you enjoyed the weekend.

I’d a hectic one but managed to grab a couple of minutes to flick through the paper and a few interiors magazines yesterday where I came across my article about Karen and Antony Cull’s chocolate-box thatched cottage, located in the heart of the Cotswolds.

The friendly pair, who run the decorative antiques shop, Anton & K in North Street, Winchcombe, have impeccable taste and this is reflected in their gorgeous renovated home, currently featured in the April issue of Country Homes & Interiors.

I first met this fun couple a few years ago at their previous house, a restored flour mill in the picturesque village of Fornalutx in Mallorca.

I’m glad to say that I’ve kept in contact with the Culls ever since and thoroughly enjoyed popping up to Gloucestershire to interview Karen in her pretty living room before whizzing over to see their fabulous shop.

Unfortunately when I visited, the new Cotswold stone barn showroom in nearby Rushley Lane hadn’t quite opened so, the next time I am in the Cotswolds, I’ll definitely make a point of stopping by.

Thoroughly enjoyed visiting vivacious artist Lynne Waylen’s colourful home near Chichester this week.

Luckily, Lynne lives a stone’s throw from me, so, even though Sussex was hit by snow (yet again!), I managed to arrive just in time for a slice of delicious carrot cake and coffee served in these gorgeous cups that were made by her own fair hand. Fantastic!

This talented artist gleans inspiration for her diverse work from living close to the coast, the natural world and a love of travel. There’s no denying that Lynne’s unique home reflects her passions, as well as her delightful bubbly personality.

As Lynne says: “I enjoy in equal measure, the hustle and bustle of lively cities and the tranquillity of the countryside. Consequently my work varies from the contemporary ceramic forms created in a white clay to the kaleidoscopic, vibrant sculptures, bespoke tiles and murals made for private and public commission at my studio.”

I’m very glad that our paths crossed recently. For more information about Lynne’s work, check out Lynne’s website by clicking here.

Imagine waking up to this spectacular sea view every day! Well, the good news is, you can.

This wonderful four-bedroom property in St Ouen’s, Jersey, is now on the market and creating quite a stir, thanks to its idyllic coastal location and impressive New England-style interior.

I came across this fabulous granite terraced home while visiting some terrific friends in Jersey a few years ago. Within minutes of dropping in for a memorable barbeque, their lovely next-door neighbours, Ally and Mark Vibert, had extended a warm welcome into their own home.

From the moment I walked into this stylish much-loved house, it was obvious that this property, and its owners’ efforts, deserved recognition in a national interiors magazine.

One of my photographer colleagues, Carl Pendle, flew out to Jersey to take these photographs for the article that appeared in House Beautiful, featuring this super family who all have a passion for surfing.

Although the Viberts adore their home, it’s time for them to move on. The house is for sale with Slomans Estate Agents, priced £895,000.

Having spent time in this lovely part of the world, I reckon whoever snaps up this property will never look back. Breathtaking views, beautiful home and wonderful neighbours – what’s not to like?

Just back from a fab shoot in the Garden of England featuring…sunshine!

Lovely, bubbly homeowner with plenty of good tales to tell about her 1930s house in Kent. This three-bedroom property has been lovingly renovated and extended and now looks super.

It was a wonderful day that culminated in a swift impromptu vintage tea party in her fabulous vaulted kitchen.

This little sign on the mantelpiece in the living room caught my eye.

I’ll keep you posted when the full feature appears.

I took a trip down memory lane last night while watching the BBC1 series Child of Our Time. For me, the interviews with disabled artist Alison Lapper and her son Parys were particularly poignant.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing Alison at her Sussex-based studio and, I can honestly say, this feisty woman is one of the most remarkable and inspirational people I’ve ever met. At the time, it was abundantly clear that Parys was the apple of Alison’s eye and, judging by last night’s tiny snapshot of their lives, it’s obvious that this very special bond is still just as strong.

I’ll never forget Alison’s parting shot as our interview drew to a close. She confided: “Life is good and I’m very happy with the way things are. I really believe that if you believe in yourself you can do whatever you want.” Food for thought…

The second episode is on BBC1 tonight at 9pm.

Professor Robert Winston (above) presenter of Child of Our Time. Photograph: Eirin OH Getveit/BBC