Where I Dwell
Did you spot Devon’s multi-talented illustrator and designer Anna Platts brightening up our Journal recently?
Well, now she’s kindly agreed to have a go at brightening up our social lives too, by way of our quickfire Q&A - hurrah!
From one city to another, here in Plymouth we’re always keen to hear what the locals get up to in and around Exeter during downtime and we’ve certainly bookmarked a few of Anna’s ideas shared here. We hope you do too - happy Dwelling!
Favourite place to blow away the cobwebs…
Despite years living elsewhere (& a raging wanderlust!) I'm a Devon girl born and bred, so the moors and the coast of both Devon & Cornwall are in my soul.
I love the wildness (& views) of the high moors - Belstone particularly and the wild rugged coastline of North Cornwall with the coast paths around Boscastle being particular favourites.
The place I like to head for coffee…
I'm a total coffee fiend - life is too short for bad coffee IMHO [we’re nodding vehemently]!
So a couple of places - Lilac Bakery for the best crema, Melo, which has managed to make a patch of a trading estate feel like being somewhere in the Med when the sun is shining on their gorgeously styled outside space, replete with olive trees and long rustling grasses. And if I need an amazing chocolate fix, Chococo for their incredible 100% cacao hot chocolate, which even comes with a hand-made truffle on the side...
My go-to for gifts is…
For many years I worked in indie boutique Toot Garook, which is a fantastic home and lifestyle shop with a brilliantly curated selection of gifts. Owner Jude & I used to have a fabulous time going off to the trade shows together and I am so thrilled for her celebrating an incredible 25 years trading this year!
When I want to treat myself, I…
Go for a massage or book a flight somewhere ha ha! Zamora in Exeter is a fave for massages; flights - anywhere!
For a restorative night away, my favourite place to stay is…
My Mum or Dad’s house! They live the in the countryside and the edge of woods respectively - much as I love the bustle of the city I also love escaping into nature - there’s nothing like a morning run in the woods with only the birds for company.
Favourite beach…
We are so spoiled for choice in Devon so it's tough to choose but I do love the fact that I can bundle my sons into the car after school and the beach is just a half-hour drive away for a paddle, an ice cream and a sunset when all the crowds have gone home...
Coast or moors?
Hmmm also tough - it totally depends on my mood!
A local place on my list to try…
I have been desperate to go the River Exe Cafe to eat some delicious fish on the water watching the sunset with a glass of something chilled - this is the Summer I will make it happen!
Most underrated spot in Devon…
I guess that's relative to one’s opinion?! I don't think it's underrated so much as undiscovered but I took my sons to hidden gem The War Horse Valley Country Park which was brilliant!
I absolutely love discovering new places all over Devon, Dorset and Somerset as I travel around to Artisan markets with my homewares range - it's a definite perk of the job.
Last year I tried something new…
I've just been working on the glass panelling and chalk boards of brilliant new(ish) independent restaurant Crave on Exeter Quay. Working in situ on vertical, very shiny surfaces doing calligraphy and illustrations was definitely a new experience and challenge for me, but a very enjoyable one and a surprisingly good way to network!
I also got to sample some of their delicious food and cocktails (and get a great tan while working which makes a change from beavering away on commissions in my studio!). They have also just won the Muddy Stilettos award for best new restaurant in Devon so definitely check them out...
This year I want to…
Try an ice bath! And keep on travelling...
We can certainly help with the ice bath, Anna, and we now know exactly where to head for our next coffee date in Exeter! Anything caught your eye? Let us know! And meanwhile, you can read more about Anna and her beautiful work by hitting the link below.
