Many thanks to Horus for commenting on Sunday's post about Shell Cottage from Harry Potter. Horus pointed out that the probable inspiration for the look of the location is a place called
A La Ronde. When I clicked the link, I saw a place so enchanting and unique it deserved its own post!
And of course it's in Devon.
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| via Wikipedia |
The house was built for a pair of single female cousins in the late 1700s, and since that time, only one owner has not been a single woman. The house is described as having "'a magical strangeness that one might dream of only as a child."
The upstairs gallery is an awe-inspiring work of art, covered in shell mosaic. Until recently it was open to the public, but now only accessible through a digital virtual tour to preserve it.
All of the above images after the sculpture are from Joel Bybee on Flickr. So many details of this beautiful and unique building are made of shells and natural items. The tiles on a fireplace feature patterns made by moss, feathers and sand. Flowers made of shells are displayed under a glass dome.
I can hardly think of a more incredible example of real life magic in a domestic location by which the Harry Potter visual artist could be inspired.
It's indeed an amazing place, created by two wonderfully eccentric ladies in the best English tradition. It makes me long for a shell grotto! x
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful!!
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