Sandbanks 1930’s Family Home
by Leivars

The brief centred on creating a serene coastal retreat for an international family seeking respite from the pace of London life. With four children and three dogs, the home needed to balance beauty with practicality while honouring the historic character of the 1930’s property. The original stained‑glass windows, which dominate the main and upper hallways, became a defining influence. Their rich tones informed a contemporary palette carried subtly throughout the interiors, allowing old and new to sit comfortably together.

The design approach focused on texture, reflection and movement, ensuring the home echoed its dramatic coastal setting.

Soft, layered materials were chosen to gently diffuse light and mirror the shifting colours of the sea, giving each room a sense of real‑time connection to the water. Bold accents of mustard, ochre and teal were introduced to complement the stained glass, while a striking angled extension allowed for clean architectural lines that frame uninterrupted ocean views.

This interplay of heritage detail and modern geometry created a harmonious, uplifting atmosphere.

Multiple seating zones were designed to encourage gathering and conversation, ensuring the family could connect while still enjoying the landscape. Discreet joinery, oversized artwork and carefully curated furnishings allowed the interiors to blend seamlessly with the home’s original fabric, creating a retreat that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in its surroundings.