Every month, we trawl the nation’s coastline to bring you news of the people, places and exciting events that are worth knowing about
FIND OF THE MONTH
Offering a neutral colour palette straight from the beach, Cormar wool carpets are produced in the UK, at two Lancashire mills, and include the recently launched Malabar Two Fold range which has the look of seagrass or coir but the warmth of wool. (£35-£40 per sq/m, cormarcarpets.co.uk)
INSPIRED BY WILDFLOWERS
Exeter-based designer Melanie Orzechowska started up Ivy & Ethel in 2020 to offer wallpapers that are hand-drawn and then screen printed or lino-cut, sometimes to commission.
Much of her inspiration comes from the Devon coast at places like Burgh Island, covered in the pink flowers of sea thrift from spring to summer. Another walk she loves is between Salcombe and North Sands Beach which passes a dry-stone wall packed with wildflowers peeking out from the cracks.
“When I’m out, I don’t usually sketch because I need to envision how the drawing would work as a repeating pattern. But I always carry my SLR camera to capture colours, scale and the natural harmony of different flowers,” says Mel who designs at her kitchen table. (ivyandethel.com)
SCOTTISH TREAT
The renowned Pierhouse Hotel and seafood restaurant at Port Appin, Argyll, is located on the shores of Loch Linnhe. Surrounded by peaceful pebble beaches and enjoying divine views towards the islands of Mull and Lismore, guests often spot sea otters, seals, oyster catchers, guillemots and sea eagles from the hotel.
Book a midweek Wee Winter Break and pay £315 per double room for three nights’ B&B (an upgrade to a Sea View Room costs £480). To book call 01631 730302, offer available from the
