Take a tour around a quirky beach house

Petra's work includes making distinctively quirky greetings cards, notebooks and photograph albums, plus baby clothes and tea towels, all of which she sells through gift shops and over the internet.

The cottage, on the edge of Thetford Forest, was originally intended as a weekend bolt hole, but within months of buying it the couple decided to relocate there permanently. Here, the family relax on decking overlooking the beach.

The main bedroom is a summery pure white, perfectly accented with coastal-style accessories and treasured finds.

The owners have filled the cottage with vibrant furnishings, such as this sofa covered in Heal's fabric and a Paul Smith tapestry above.

Tongue-and-groove panelling, white sanitaryware and chunky fittings create a country-style bathroom. The brick walls above the dado add a warming touch.

“This is my own personal cottage-industry sweat shop,” the designer owner laughs, looking up from her transfer press on which she is making textile designs. “If we still lived in London, I honestly think I would be burnt out by now. But, here, I can balance work with bringing up a family yet still have the space and freedom to design.”

Looking for more stunning readers' homes to look around? Take a look at our House Tours section for everything from a modern London penthouse and beautiful mews house, to an Edwardian country manor and Simon Lycett's home.