7 The Bay

Dotted with beach huts and ringed with wildlife-rich dunes and grassland, the horseshoe-shaped Coldingham Bay is one of the most picturesque beaches in southern Scotland. Only a smattering of homes pepper the grassy slopes above the kilometre-long white sand beach, amongst them the pair of strikingly contemporary Bay Villas.

With sweeping views over the bay and ocean beyond it, the Villas are set back far enough from the water’s edge to allow you to take in the dramatic coastline while being near enough to go for an early morning swim and stroll on the sand.

One of the sought-after apartments in the sumptuous Villas, 7 The Bay is a first-floor home with a large, secluded balcony overlooking Coldingham Bay and the sea beyond it. The owners of No.7 were so moved by the beauty and rich colours of a satellite image of the bay, with its rich blues and sandy tones, that it inspired the way they decorated the clean lines of the contemporary apartment, with pops of bright yellow and deep azure found throughout the property.

The rich colours contrast beautifully with the whitewashed walls and minimalist design of the apartment, whose open plan living area features a sea-facing wall essentially comprised of glass: full-height windows and sliding doors lead from the light-filled space to a secluded balcony, ensuring a true sense of indoor/outdoor living. Working in tandem with select pieces of mid-century furniture and a number of contemporary artworks painted by the owner’s brother and commissioned from local artists, the vibe at 7 The Bay is a celebration of colour and nature.

Two double bedrooms are located to the rear of the apartment, both continuing the property’s minimalist, artsy design and adding views across open fields. The master bedroom features a built-in wardrobe and chic monochrome en suite bathroom with a large walk-in shower while the second bedroom benefits from access to a bathroom with a bath and shower over. A utility room keeps washing and drying appliances as well as beach clothing and toys tidied away.

While you’re not soaking up the views of Coldingham Bay from the balcony, you can head down to the sand itself to enjoy excellent surfing, diving and kayaking - professional instruction in all three pursuits is available through the nearby St Vedas Surf Shop. There are also plenty of walking routes in the local vicinity, including a scenic coastal walk that takes in the pretty fishing village of St. Abbs, the perfect spot for a tasty seafood chowder or crab baguette. Should you fancy a day trip, choices include the historic coastal town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and the vibrant City of Edinburgh.