Living by the sea is a dream come true for Sarah from the blog sardoe.com. Together with her husband, their two children and their dog Diego, she moved from Hamburg in Germany to Scharbeutz on the Baltic coast, where the family has been enjoying its own personal slice of seaside happiness ever since. In her new home, Sarah told us what it's like to live where other people go on holiday – and shared her tips and tricks for a cosy maritime look.
Hello Sarah, tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, I'm Sarah, and together with my husband Marcel and our two children Hannah and Maximilian, I've recently made my home on the Baltic coast. We moved in at the end of July. I'd be lying if I said the last few weeks had been easy.
Did you buy or build your new home?
The plan was to buy and renovate it ourselves. But after a long, unsuccessful search, we decided on a new build after all. We'd definitely do it again any time.
Why did you choose Scharbeutz, and where did you live before?
We moved from Hamburg to Scharbeutz. I used to lie on the beach there as a little girl. I've spent many holidays on the Baltic coast over the years, and every single one left memories. It feels like home!
Has your house made a dream come true?
Absolutely! Although we hadn't actually planned on a house by the sea until retirement [laughs]. We were happy in our flat in Hamburg. The idea of something bigger only came as our kids grew up. So why not take the plunge straight away and move to the sea?
What does it feel like to live where other people go on holiday? Do you feel settled yet?
It's still pretty crazy. I still have that tourist feeling – though I don't think that's a bad thing. It's the feeling that turns everyday life into a holiday, and I hope it lasts forever.
Do you spend a lot of time on the beach? Doesn't it get too quiet by the sea sometimes, especially in winter?
My daily routine includes at least one walk on the beach with our dog in the morning – no matter how many appointments I have. It's a five-minute walk from our front door to the beach. This short break is simply part of my day. And I'm already looking forward to the slower days in winter.
Describe the interior style of your house in three words.
Relaxed, airy, light. I love modern understatement – no unnecessary frills, but with personal accessories.
Do you have a favourite spot in your new home?
Of course I love all the rooms, but at night, when everything's quiet, I can hear the waves from my bed – so definitely our bedroom.
How do you make your home feel homely, especially in autumn and winter?
Cosiness is especially important to me. Snuggly cushions, whose colours I like to change with the seasons, plus high-quality throws. I like to combine them with wood and plants, because small accents make every room cosy – and no home should be without that.
A new house often looks quite clean and sterile at first and only becomes really cosy with textiles. What do you look for when choosing textiles – and is less more here too?
I like natural materials, especially textiles in linen or cotton. These natural fibres run through the whole house, mainly in calm tones, and simply turn any cool room into a feel-good space.
What other designs have moved into your new house recently?
My highlights are definitely the Frame wall-mounted drying rack from Northern and the ceramic baskets from Ferm Living. They're a really stylish way to store small items.
Where did you find inspiration for furnishing your new home?
A bit of inspiration from Pinterest, and our room concepts were soon finished. I found my interior style a long time ago, and I brought lots of pieces with me from Hamburg.
What home projects are coming up next?
This week we're starting to convert the loft. It's going to be a playroom for all our youngest's Lego. I'm really looking forward to this project.
What would you advise anyone planning to build their own home?
Be patient! With all the excitement, it's easy to get nervous quickly – whether it's because the electrician put the sockets in the wrong place or because the gardener can't stick to the promised schedule. It is what it is, and a good dose of composure definitely helps.
What's your motto in life?
Life's too short for later!
Thank you so much for this inspiring interview, Sarah – we wish you all the best in your new house.
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