With salvaged historical features, stunning sea views and the coolest bathroom in St Ives, The Balcony Studio has been a labour of love for owners David Baxendale and Kirsty Macleod
One of the oldest listed buildings in St Ives, The Balcony Studio is a complete restoration project by husband-and-wife team David Baxendale and Kirsty Macleod and offers a front row seat to epic sea views. Designed to bring the outside in, it’s a seaside bolthole with a spa bathroom; a place to hunker down and reboot for a couple of days.
Thoughtfully transformed, David and Kirsty worked hard to salvage many of its original features including large beams, timber lintels and exposed stone walls.
‘I have been visiting St Ives for fifty years, with a home in the town and was saddened to see such a famous property in need of a full restoration. After much thought, Kirsty and I made the decision to salvage the building and preserve its history. It proved harder, longer and more challenging than expected, but we are thrilled with the end result,’ says David.
The transformation was extensive with the property stripped back to bare brick, all damp proof courses, electrics, plumbing and roofing renewed, with great care taken to salvage as many of the heritage features as possible.
‘If you look closely, you will even see an original ship’s mast still forming part of the spa ceiling, and timber in the sink supports, with carved notches, that was salvaged from the sea captain’s bedroom,’ explains David.
On one side of the property, you can step out onto the narrow winding streets that form part of the Warren – the traditional artists quarter of St Ives – and on the opposite side is the sea, St Ives Bay, the Harbour and Godrevy Lighthouse, made famous by the much-celebrated 1927 novel by Virginia Woolf, To the Lighthouse.
‘The listed balcony used to overhang the rocks before the St Ives sea defence wall was built with the pathway, named locally ‘Lambeth Walk’. The sea defence wall was essential, and today, during a north-easterly storm, waves will crash into the wall sending spray up over the roof of the Studio and into the street behind.’
Flooded with light, the space instantly connects you with its unique location by the sea, without compromising on luxuries that set the tone for a memorable escape.
‘It’s modern and oozes luxury features, whilst retaining original character in keeping with its location, right at the edge of the wild and dramatic north Cornish coast,’ David enthuses.
If it’s possible to tire of the sea views, head to the basement, home to a show-stopping spa bathroom with an impressive handmade William Holland tin spa bath and double tin basins - honouring Cornwall’s tin heritage. There’s also a double rainfall shower and wetsuit drying room with a bespoke copper shower and drying rails.
A famous landmark property in St Ives, the studio space has been used as an artist’s studio for many years, as well as home to Sea Captain and author, Captain Phil Moran.
‘The vision was to create a luxury retreat for couples, offering an unforgettable escape by the sea. We wanted to create a space that retained the character of some of the former owners as well as the distinctive features that emphasise the property’s unique history,’ says David.
Built across three-floors and painted in a neutral palette of Farrow & Ball hues, reminiscent of the coast, there’s a kitchen on the ground floor home to breakfast bar seating, SMEG appliances and a wine-fridge with wooden stairs that lead up to an open-plan bedroom/living space with an imposing four-poster bed positioned in front of windows that run the length of the balcony, overlooking St Ives harbour.
A unique part of the revamp includes two large glass floor panels built into the ceiling of the spa, allowing the St. Ives light to flood into the bathroom. A further set of stairs takes you up to a snug with Sonos sound system and HD TV.
Whilst emphasising the luxury elements of the space, it was also important to David and Kirsty that the Studio respected the rich history of St Ives.
‘Great care was taken to salvage as many heritage features as possible during the restoration which was carried out entirely by local craftsmen and trades. We also worked with Marazion local salvage and restoration specialists ‘Shiver Me Timbers’ to source old Cornish furniture and pieces that you can see throughout. We wanted the two-year project to help the local community as much as possible and we added modern elements that pay tribute to Cornwall and the Studio’s history. We also commissioned a painting by renowned local artist Eric Ward, who painted the original scene found in the bedroom, from the balcony – many of Eric’s works can be found in the local galleries lining the narrow streets and lanes, just opposite.
‘As well as being a famous artist, Eric was a friend and colleague to Captain Phil Moran who lived at the Studio. Both men have played major roles in St Ives RNLI for many years, and we decided to donate a percentage of our revenue each year to the charity in the memory of Captain Phil Moran,’ David explains.
Beyond the studio, St Ives is a dream to explore with its charming seaside character and candy-coloured cottages, brilliant arts scene, insider foodie-finds, playful pop-ups and some renowned independent wine bars and bottle shops.
After making the most of the unique St Ives light, head back to The Balcony Studio to watch the waves from the balcony.
As David says: ‘The Studio speaks for itself, it’s a truly unique spot that will remain as it is, full of rich history and character for guests to enjoy.’ thebalconystudio.co.uk
