Many artisans and designers open stores in charming coastal locations for the laid-back way of life…Here are our favourite seaside shops.
We do love to be beside the seaside. Little hubs of refined creative craft tend to pop up in coastal villages, towns and cities, paving the way for compelling treasure hunts for travelling shopaholics. Perhaps it’s the sound and vibration of the rolling waves, the varied collection of well-travelled characters breezing through town, or the laid-back lifestyle – something about going coastal makes for sharp aesthetic decisions in design.
Pinpointing stores across Europe, the UK and the States, Paula Flynn of theshopkeepers.com shares her guide for the hunter of truly lovely seaside shops…
United Kingdom
No. 56
14 Chapel St, Penzance TR18 4AW, United Kingdom
On the Cornish coast No. 56, named for its original address on Chapel Street, is a shop filled with a mix of beautiful, functional homeware, timeless designs for everyday use and handcrafted pieces by local artisans. Visit clothing sister store, Handworked, around the corner.
Photo courtesy No.56 @no.56penzance
Edith & Bertha
33c Higher Market St, Penryn TR10 8EQ, UK
Also in Cornwall is clothing brand Edith & Bertha creating a collection of garments in comfortable, easy-to-wear shapes in cotton and linen fabrics. Small batch and made to order.
Photo courtesy Edith & Bertha @edithandbertha
Farm Soap Co.
30A West Street, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JT
Located on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, Farm Soap Co. features botanical soaps and natural skincare products, handmade in small batches in their workshop across the road from the shop.
Photo courtesy @farmsoapco
Workshop
15c Prince Albert Street, Brighton, BN1 1HF
Coffee and homewares mix beautifully in this shop at this popular seaside town on England’s south coast. A selection of home goods and apothecary items, in a pretty, neutral palette are carefully displayed creating a calm and serene environment.
Photo courtesy Workshop @workshopliving
Molesworth & Bird
Trebyan, Forge, Bodmin, PL30 5AE, United Kingdom
A blue rustic shop obsessed with seaweed. The shopkeepers, Melanie Molesworth and Julia Bird, collect it, press it, and create beautiful things. Pressed seaweed designs decorate art, pillows, aprons, enamelware, and stationery.
Photo courtesy @thelifestyleeditor
USA
Mate Gallery
1024 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, United States
New England lands in Montecito courtesy of two friends, real estate broker Ron Brand and fashion photographer Matt Albiani. The pair share a love for coastal living and recognised the gap in the market for a shop selling cool nautical vintage wares.
Photo courtesy @mategallery
PATRIÆ
400 Main St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, United States
This lovely shop on the Jersey Shore is filled with products made in-house from antique textiles, new and antique home goods, contemporary and vintage clothing, and handmade objects.
Photo courtesy Patriæ @patriaestudio
Seacraft
2 Morning Walk Ln Cottage 4, Kennebunk, ME 04043, United States
Seacraft proves that two is better than one. Two colourful cottages in Kennebunk Maine packed with wonderful vintage coastal curiosities from New England and beyond as well as plenty of attire to complete the look.
Photo courtesy of @seacraftvintage
Australia
Newrybar Merchants
16 Old Pacific Hwy, Newrybar NSW 2479, Australia
Housed in a charming 1980s dwelling in Byron Bay, Newrybar Merchants is a collective of creative local artisans and curators of global treasures.
Photo courtesy @newrybarmerchants
Italy
Tulsishop
Puglia, Italy
Laid back luxe clothing, perfect for the warm climes of Southern Italy. Tulsi Shop is the vision of Deborah Nolan, world traveller and textile collector. Tulsishop started when Deborah converted the front of her house into a small shop. Today Tulsishop has expanded to four shops in the Puglia region.
Main photo and this photo courtesy @tulsishop
