Many people dream of living by the Great British coast. As an island, we are treated to a plethora of stunning coastlines and vast idyllic beaches; who wouldn’t want to live by the coast?
Though our beaches may not have the crystal clear warm water of the Mediterranean or the gold sand of California, our coasts are beautiful in their own right.
So much so that people from all over the globe have come to the UK to build their forever homes on our beaches.
If you dream of owning a coastal property, coastal home construction is most likely something of great interest to you.
Whether you dream of a beach home or already own a coastal property, in this blog, we’ll be sharing with you our guide on coastal home construction and clueing you in on some coastal home improvements to ensure you’re getting the most out of your home.
Demolish & Build
The hard truth is that though there is plenty of coastal space to go around, planning restrictions in the UK do make it difficult to find and build upon an undeveloped coastal area.
Yet, your coastal design and build project isn’t hopeless. One option for you would be to purchase a seaside property, demolish it and rebuild with your own design.
We know what you’re thinking – that sounds expensive, and it is. Especially when you factor in project timescale, access and materials, the price will rise.
Plus, planning permission is a barrier to coastal home building because properties on the coast are often visible by many, and certain materials are required for homes that will come into regular contact with sand, salt and strong winds (we’ll get to that later).
Bespoke Construction Group – who are professional coastal home builders – did exactly that with this new build project in Heacham. We took down the previous house to build our client’s dream coastal property.
Views Galore
Why do we visit the beach? It’s a combination of things, such as the fresh air, fish and chips, the ample space and of course, the stunning views.
So it makes sense for coastal properties to face those breathtaking views of sky and sea. Not only should your beach home face the view, but it should be visible from the most-used rooms in your home, like the living room.
To take advantage of this opportunity for seaside views, glazing is your friend – big sprawling windows facing the action are what take a beach home to a coastal oasis.
Most times, the seaside can be a tranquil dream to marvel at, but where there is sea, there is the occasional storm, so make sure you have windows of the highest quality to ensure they can take the occasional battering from a storm.
Outdoor Living by the Coast
Having a home by the sea would be a dream come true for many, but surely you wouldn’t want to be stuck inside all day.
Trips to the beach mean immersing yourself in everything the coast has to offer – the natural breeze, the smell of seawater, the feeling of sand under your toes, the squawk of seagulls as they dive to help themselves to your ice cream, and the views of crashing waves.
So creating the perfect outdoor living space is a must for your coastal home. This way, you can enjoy the beach all year round.
Think bifold doors to keep your home connected to the outdoors at all times, and why not erect a balcony to view the beach from above?
Salt & Sand Resistance is Important
When it comes to coastal home architecture, there are a few extra factors to consider, as opposed to a normal home.
By the coast, a house is expected to be hit with strong winds, rain and the salty spray of water from the sea, so the materials and components used in your coastal house design need to be of great quality.
This is the stage of your coastal design and build project where you really need to pay attention to what you’re using in your build and make sure the construction company you’re working with keeps this in mind.
The ideal beach house design isn’t a mystery, there is plenty of information, solutions and experts who can help you with your coastal home architecture and weatherproofing to ensure it is well protected against the elements.
Inspired Interior Design
Now for the fun part! Those striving to live in their own coastal property are likely lovers of the seaside, so celebrate that with your coastal home’s interior design.
Here are some ideas for you to consider:
- Go with a nautical theme by using such colours as blue, white and light shades of brown
- Use materials that remind you of the seaside, such as local stone, unfinished/weathered-looking wood and timber that resembles old-fashioned boats
- Source your paintings, accessories and ornaments from local seaside artists
- Make your space light, bright and airy to resemble the easy-going beach vibe
There is no set rule for coastal home interior design. For example, if you want to ditch the weathered sailor vibe and achieve a modern coastal house design, you can still go light, bright and airy, but maybe leave behind the rough materials and opt for smoother surfaces and textures instead.
You may think that the whole seaside interior design thing has been done time and time again, but there are so many ways you can make it your own, like going for the chic and sophisticated beach home design.
Final Thoughts
As we mentioned earlier, as previous coastal home builders, we are experts in creating amazing homes by the seaside, whether that’s by adding some coastal home improvements or starting completely from scratch with a coastal home construction project.
If you think a coastal property is for you, reach out to our team who have the capabilities to turn your dream into reality.