A stone's throw away from the beach in Bridlington, East Yorkshire and nestled between post-war villas and traditional semi's, sits a unique and outstanding example of mid-century architecture and design. Its butterfly roof and panelled windows peer over the tall hedges that hide this gem from the roadside.

 

 

Natalie Musgrave and her partner Stephen Banks, the designers behind Wayside Flower which the brand's Selvedge Denim Aprons we stock, bought the house in 2005 by which point it needed quite a bit of TLC to bring it back to its former glory. Natalie and Stephen spent six months sanding the panelled wooden walls, with the full renovation taking two years to complete, though the upkeep is continual.

 

 

 

They have tried to keep the house as original as possible and luckily most of the original features have survived, details such as the original ball coat rack in the entrance, the house numbers on the front door and a glimpse of some wallpapers remain, such as Sanderson’s 1955 Bistro design.

The house was designed in 1954 by the young architect Tim French. He was asked to design the house by a friend and fellow local architect with two simple stipulations from the client: to be modern and exploit the sea view. Tim was an industrial architect specialising in commercial buildings, this house in Bridlington was his first residential building.

 

 

The open staircase, made from steel and wood allows for unrestricted views through the double-height panelled windows across the bay to the lighthouse at Flamborough.

 

 

Having never seen the house he designed Tim knocked on the door one day in 2007 when he was in Bridlington researching a book on T E Lawrence. He was amazed to see the house for the first time, especially having survived reasonably unchained from his original designs. 

 

 

 

After visiting the house, the architect Tim French sent Natalie and Stephen a letter, which gives some fascinating insight and details about the property and how it came to be. My favourite part of Tim's letter states "Please do not allow the plastic double glazing specialist within a mile of the house"

 

 

 

Natalie + Stephen's beautiful house is available to stay at through Airbnb

Shop Wayside Flower items on North here + shop their full collection of items on their website www.waysideflower.co.uk

Words by Daniel Hubbard

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