By Caroline Thorpe
In the northern hemisphere, summer is coming into view. And so, for anyone seated on the herringbone tiled porch of this 28-acre Massachusetts retreat, is the promise of languid afternoons and warm salty air. The eight-bedroom property was built in 1904 close to Manchester-by-the-Sea, a small town 30 miles north of Boston by road.
Full enjoyment of the space requires stylish, comfortable furnishings that encourage the art of doing nothing much. Here are two styling schemes with this in mind: one with a nod to the nautical, the other offering a more natural look.
Nautical notes
- Curtis Jeré porthole mirror, $3,800
Evoking the great steam ocean liners, this 1970s piece by New York design duo Curtis Jeré, available from 1stdibs, adds a glint to proceedings with its brass surround.
- Giobagnara drinks trolley, £2,865
The Arcade trolley table in navy leather and brass is versatile. Handmade in Italy, use it to serve sundowners or display plants.
- Seal sculpture, $11,500
This companionable seal, sculpted by 20th-century Finnish ceramicist Taisto Kaasinen, is finished in a red-brown glaze.
- Braid Outdoor sofa, £5,815
The striped fabrics and trapezoid frame of this three-seater Tecla sofa, by Italian maker Braid Outdoor, are a gentle take on the nautical theme. The upholstery is waterproof and UV resistant.
- Sans Tabù table linen, €659
Take tea with this linen cloth and napkin set. Its playful prints are inspired by underwater scenes from Europe’s Renaissance palaces.
Natural feel
- Rattan chair, £715
This geometric design by Japanese rattan specialist Yuzuru Yamakawa invites the reader to curl up and gaze out to sea.
- Atelier 2+ mini greenhouse, £567
Atelier 2+’s diminutive glasshouse is made of lacquered solid ash timber and toughened glass. Inside, a galvanised metal tray awaits some greenery.
- Designers Guild outdoor rug, from £330
This Pompano neutral-toned rug is hand-woven from a specialist polyester yarn that stands up to the elements. It is also available in striped blue.
- Sergey Makhno Architects ceiling light, from €3,300
Ukrainian designers Sergey Makhno Architects hand-make this poppy-head inspired Makivka ceiling light to order using copper or ceramics.
- Silka Design weatherproof ottoman, €495
Made from natural rattan, Franco Albini’s stylish piece is weatherproofed using powder coated aluminium and polyethylene fibres that allow it to be kept outdoors all year round.
