Every creative mind needs a sanctuary, a haven where body and brain can debrief, unwind and recharge. THE LUSH MAROOCHYDORE PAD of local artist, designer, restaurateur and cafe owner extraordinaire Claire de Lune, tucked innocuously behind the hustle and bustle of Maroochydore’s town centre, is her little slice of heaven. Steeped in old style charm, the two-storey abode’s warm nautical features immediately draw the eye. Weathered wood panel walls slope inward and exposed timber support beams conjure vivid images of life out on the open ocean. Claire says she and her husband fell in love with the house – which they affectionately call the beach shack – and its quirky features the moment they walked inside about three years ago. “The house was built by a boat builder and a lot of the fittings and fixtures are from boats,” she says. “We think it’s about 30 years old. Each person that’s taken it on has developed it further and injected their little piece of personality into it. “We walked in and I couldn’t believe the energy in the place. I really fell in love with it. We’re quite high here and we get lovely northern sunshine and beautiful breezes coming through. It’s very open.” The first steps inside the house convey Claire’s love of sincere, rustic tones. A potbelly fireplace and cosy family room setting sit close by a quaint four-seat dining table. Walls are lined with books and paintings, whilst surfaces are filled with antique knick-knacks of all shapes and sizes – the most eye catching of which is a small, black typewriter in a suitcase close by the front door. >
saltmagazine . com . au
109