To inspire you with more ideas for what to do during a visit to Malmo in Cornwall, we have chatted with some creative Cornish residents and regular visitors to the County and asked them to share their favourite Cornish things to eat, see and do with us. Our first interviewee is co-owner of Malmo in Cornwall, Heather Lawson.
Introducing Heather
I’m Heather and away from Malmo in Cornwall I run a vintage interiors business called Hellish Designs (Instagram @hellish44). I am never happier than when sourcing and selling furniture, textiles and ceramics. I also make cushions and lampshades from vintage textiles which I have loved incorporating into the interiors at Malmo in Cornwall.
How long have you been coming to Cornwall?
We first visited Cornwall as a young couple in the legendary hot summer of 1976. Over the years we have explored most parts of the county but always returned either to the Lizard or to the Roseland peninsula.
What was your inspiration for the interiors at Malmo in Cornwall?
My home in Nottingham is decorated with lots of treasured vintage pieces, but I do also love the simplicity of Scandinavian style. I think it’s especially important in a holiday home to provide a serene uncluttered environment; not bland by any means but with enough negative space to give the sensibilities a chance to de stress and kick back. In decorating Malmo in Cornwall I drew inspiration from my favourite lifestyle store Baileys which expertly mixes vintage and contemporary finds in an inspirational barn setting in Monmouthshire. It is well worth a detour to visit on your way to Malmo in Cornwall if you are located on that side of the Country!
What Hellish Designs items will guests find in the house?
Textiles are one of my greatest passions, I am never happier than when shopping for fabrics and it was a real pleasure to source vintage linens and grainsacks to make cushions for the house. We had three generous window seats to fill so it was a busy few days producing the cushions for them!
One of my other specialities is lamps and lampshades and there are three really special Hellish Designs lamps at the house. Perhaps my favourite is the large terracotta olive jar one that sits on the bench in the living room as it looks so striking against the scaffold plank wall.
What are your favourite things about the house?
I think most of all I love being on the first floor, almost as if among the trees outside, looking out on the peaceful lane with the creek in the distance. Down at ground level I love our brass and marble shower room, the light in there is perfect. As a guest I always value a decent bed and our lovely king size is just so comfy.
Describe your perfect day in Cornwall?
There are so many approaches to a perfect day in Cornwall depending on the season or the weather but if we are going for a classic summer’s day I would start by taking the King Harry ferry to the Roseland and enjoying a coffee and a pastel de nata at Tatums in Porthscatho. Afterwards I would walk off the results with a mixture of coastal and creekside scenery to enjoy.
Perhaps having worked up an appetite again I would have lunch at Hotel Tresanton in St Mawes or maybe just grab a crab sandwich on the seafront. An afternoon mooch around the galleries and shops in Falmouth is always a favourite before heading home in time to enjoy some sunshine in the sheltered garden at Malmo in Cornwall where we would no doubt play scrabble. The perfect day would have to finish with a drive across to Porthtowan to watch the sun go down with you guessed, a sundowner. And then that comfy bed and stylish bath await….
It may be hard to narrow down but where would you recommend going for a memorable meal in Cornwall?
We love to eat at Verdant Seafood Bar in Falmouth where there is always a warm welcome and delicious small plates of fishy delights – the lobster roll in particular is always fabulous.
At the other end of the High Street we also had a fantastic meal at Restaurant Mine. There is also a bus service that runs to Falmouth from close to the house so you can enjoy the selection of wonderful wines they offer.
With so much coastline to explore, are there any favourite walks you would recommend?
I always love walking on the Roseland pennisula. The King Harry Ferry speeds up the journey there and is just five minutes from the house. A favourite walk is from Veryan to Pendower beach, passing through St Mawes and Portloe on the return to Veryan. The route offers the perfect mix of coastal, meadow and Cornish village walking with several lovely cafes and pubs to stop in along the way.
Closer to the house there is so much great walking along the creeks. Start by trying the walk from Mylor Bridge to Flushing and back. Near Flushing look out for a sign to Kiln Quay beach and enjoy coffee and a flapjack from Coastal Rose on the Beach.
With so many great local businesses springing up, what has been your favourite new Cornish discovery ?
My favourite new haunt this Summer is the Food Barn at Tregrew. Held every Saturday morning, it’s a market that brings together a group of local growers and makers. You can buy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and supper all in one go – well at least we did anyway! On a nice day buy coffee from their mobile van and enjoy eating your purchases at one of the outdoor tables. They also hold a Makers Market every first Sunday of the month and, during the Summer holidays, a weekly Wednesday evening market with live music.
We also enjoyed a very hearty breakfast at Slice of Cornwall. Located via (some slightly hairy back lanes) near Gweek in a Scandi style black clad building they have indoor and outdoor seating and also sell a small curated mix of homeware. For kids – the hot chocolates are a must order – featuring rather sizeable marshmallows!
If you would like to find out more about Hellish Designs click links for browsing the website Hellish Designs instagram @hellish44