HB Edit - Edition 30
Sharing the things on my ebay watch list that I don't have the space or money for, but wish I did.
Another week of trawling through the internet to bring you 8 incredible eBay finds. This week, I would genuinely buy every single piece if I had either the space or the money, so good luck to the bargain hunters out there.
And a longer piece on one of the most beautifully furnished houses for sale on Rightmove right now…
Small but mighty, this chrome and teak wall-light is a great one-off. I love the toggle switch, and the simple art-deco design. I’d personally love this in my kitchen, offering a much lower-level of light of an evening. But anywhere (especially at this price) is a win.
I love this shape. While much more ‘rustic’ than I normally go for, I really like the patina and the textures that come with it. Oftentimes, rooms look too new. I like the way this would offset a sense of overt ‘design’ - and providing practical storage. Perhaps at the end of a bed? Or in a playroom to hide toys?
I love an armchair. But more than that, I love a deep armchair. This pair is very smart, and full disclosure: I want them. They would need to be re-upholstered which is the real kicker. There is no two ways about it: this would cost a fortune. But if you’re rich, these are a winner.
People often ask me about art. Paintings - particularly when there is impasto - adds texture and depth to a room, and goes above and beyond a print. I use a very affordable framer in Lewisham who could transform this into a prized possession for an additional £50.
I love this chunky, modernist design. It would go anywhere - from sitting room, to bedroom, to kitchen - and the pleated shade is a match made in heaven. A no brainer.
These photographs are uniquely bad. But, if you can see beyond that, you will agree with me that these look like a real steal. They are a smart, Italian shape, and would love very chic either side of a bed. If you are at reno-stage and can afford wired in wall lights, remember to have separate switches by the bed. You don’t want to have to get up and turn them at the door every time…
I am increasing drawn to Cotswolds School pieces, and really like this. It’s useful storage, and the door knobs are an attractive added detail. In a hallway or as a console, this would work wonders.
And for those that have everything… I personally think we should bring back the plinth. I am not sure where they ever went (?) but more and more, I find myself searching for them online. A stylish piece of sculpture, a beautiful vase of flowers, even an attractive lamp. The opportunities are endless. Join me, and bring back the plinth.
Feature: for each edition, I will feature a person, object, room or place that inspires me.
This week, I am writing about about Lamb’s House; an astonishing building in Leith, Scotland, dating back to 1610.
This particular rabbit hole is born from another obsession of mine: Rightmove.
For years I have trawled through Rightmove, sketching floor plans of houses well beyond my budget, and imagining the most grandiose of decorative schemes. But my relationship with Rightmove has been somewhat under strain since 2023, when Rightmove became a client at work (spoiler: I’m a strategist at a creative agency). Suddenly I was mixing business with pleasure. But, this also meant I had license to be on the site whenever I want, and it looks like work (it’s UX research, right?). Cue a rapid spike in my addiction.
Lambs House is a house of Scottish national significance, with the listing detailing its history: “[it] was originally designed to accommodate both trade and residence. In its early days, the house included six ground-floor shops and apartments above.” Like so many great houses, it had fallen into decline by the 20th century, and passed from owner to owner, becoming a day centre in the 1960s. Purchased in 2020 by architects Nicholas Groves-Raines and Kristín Hannesdóttir, it has been revived as a home, with adjoining guest house and working studio: a gem in Leith’s crown. And now, it could you be yours for the modest price of £3.75million.
It will be no surprise to you, dear reader, that what fascinates me most about this building is in fact its contents. While the building is a beauty in its own right - and lovingly restored - the way it has been finished is where the real magic lies. The stuff is just great.
Let’s start with the principle bedroom and bathroom. The scrubbed pine floorboards and white washed beams feels more ‘French provincial Chateau’ than cold Scottish castle, but that is maybe why it feels so special. I don’t love absolutely everything in this room, but the mix of pieces feels like a special kind of alchemy. The commanding gothic headboard is perfectly balanced with the pretty set of Queen Anne chairs, complete with serpentine back splats and cabriole legs. All of this, combined with plain oak shutters and a lack of ‘upholstery’ creates an elegant simplicity that I fear I shall never be cool enough to achieve.
In the bathroom, the pale pink walls are the softest of backgrounds for the late 19th century bath with in-built shower (the height of modern technology of its time). Decorated with an elegant pine semainier (a chest of drawers with seven drawers, designed to hold a week's worth of clothing), a delicate blue and white platter and simple porcelain jug, it is true understated luxury.
This stylistic approach is replicated throughout the house, with apparent (and impressive) ease. Room spills onto room, each bursting with charm and interest, and still somehow not fusty or crammed. There is a light and airiness throughout: the perfect backdrop to a lifetime’s collection of furniture, art and textiles.
The kitchen is a particular highlight for me. Elevated to the first floor, this is certainly a departure from historic accuracy. With a vast open fireplace and open shelving, the space manages to be both grand yet homely. The ‘working kitchen’ (as listed on the floorplan) offers an opportunity to contain the mess, and the smaller dining room with a round table and low lighting is the ideal setting for the most intimate of dinners.
With ten bedrooms, and six bathrooms, there is no shortage of accommodation. And slowly, more and more colour creeps into these spaces. There appears to be two separate mustard yellow box-bed rooms, and the barrel vaulted ceiling is to die for. I particularly like the room with the red four poster bed (17th century?), and the way it is paired with a regency bureau, and 20th century art. It’s all about the mix.
All of this to say, I shan’t be making an offer. It’s a remarkable restoration; a best in class example of preserving a historic building with care and sensitivity. And yet - contrary to what some people may think - I’m not ready to live in a castle. Not yet.
But perhaps if the owners are considering a contents sale, I’d be much more willing to part with my pennies.
More anon!
N.B. Having written this whole piece and felt immensely smug that I had un-earthed an ‘original’ thing of beauty online, I found this link to a House&Garden article in 2025… I guess great minds think alike?
Instagram: @hugobeazley
Postal address: 97 Regency Street, London, SW1P 4AL
Quite agree, the interior and its contents are divine. You should feel very smug!
Wow, how have I only just come across this ! Love the finds I’m going to be keeping a beady eye on this - also top tip for indulging your Rightmove addition, get on Airbnb ! Lambs house rent out the gatehouse and it’s just as epic,