Back in the day, when travelling back and forth between beautiful destinations was less fraught with restrictions, I’d often find myself jet setting between one location and another. Whether it was for a personal trip or designing a client’s second home, what I love most about a change of scenery is the dose of inspiration and excitement that naturally comes with travelling. It’s easy to see why many opt into investing into a second home. Whether you crave an escape from the city life or are looking for a place to spend your weekends with friends and family, the second home not only serves as a holiday experience, but it can also offer the potential for investment income.
Many of our clients take advantage of this feeling and lifestyle, opting into buying a second home at some of the world’s most beautiful locations. For instance, if you’re accustomed to waking up in a city or town, put yourself in the mindset of a second home owner waking up in Tuscany, Lago Di Como, Azores or somewhere along the French Riviera; where the water glistens under the sun’s marvelous rays, and a blissfully crisp glass of chilled rosé is just within reach. With so many beautiful places abroad to choose from, the wonder of the second home becomes a pleasure, not just a someday dream, to embark on.
One of my favourite past projects abroad was working on a second home in Palma. This was a home set against a heavenly landscape. I was thrilled by the prospect of replacing the entirety of the two upper floors. The home then went into complete makeover mode with the design and installation of a luxurious bespoke joinery, a kitchen worthy of envy, outfitted with Miele and Gaggenau appliances. Local granite was enlisted to complement the Little Greene paint. Both the client and their personal chef were elated by the outcome. Elsewhere in this Palma second home, I furnished the rooms with bespoke rugs and furniture designed right here at April Hamilton. To bring it all together, I tapped into my favourite suppliers, Andrew Martin, Designers Guild, Julian Chichester, Victoria Bain, Porta Romana and Trowbridge Gallery.
While locations abroad can be tempting, there’s no doubt the UK boasts glorious coastal areas that serve as a backdrop to a second home here in the UK. With the arrival of warmer weather, it’s tempting to yearn for a second home, perhaps located somewhere near the edge of the cliffs on the coast of Devon, Cornwall or Suffolk. Many UK coastal towns offer up a mix of expansive shorelines, charming character and countryside feel. Depending on your personal preferences, a large, private residence overlooking the seas, complete with sandy beach, is within reach here in England.
If you’re thinking about a second home, feel free to contact April Hamilton to discuss your architectural and interior design goals.
