The James Suite by Tiffy Belle

Throughout the three year renovation of the villa house, located at 30 St Chads Road, Blackpool, many workmen got involved. It was during lockdown, together with some unreliability. That’s the thing with any restoration project, finding solvent, steadfast trades people. Though eventually, I got there!

My son ‘James’ was a consistent strength and undertook the joinery works to the highest and best specifications. He has a degree in surveying. Is keen on the property field of duty and an accomplished tradesmen.

He himself owning properties in Leeds and maintaining them himself. Also doing work for Estate Agencies and Landlords. James has a sparkling reputation. I was very lucky to have his help for a while. He assisted me greatly in getting the place open. This suite fondly named after my son. And in addition to these images, there’s also an en-suite shower room within the space.

Also my dear friend ‘Colin Almond’ who stepped in at the later stages. He still works with me now and is a trustworthy craftsman. But the James Suite was primarily down to James.

The top floor to the left you will find the attic space of the house. It was formerly two small bedrooms and a shared bathroom. The bathroom became a spa suite whilst the bedrooms were knocked into one, creating this vibrant space. Because of the low eaves, I decided it must be a young area with low level furniture. Writing a room description is challenging with the booking sites. There are only boxes to check what the room has available. Being low level gives that ‘chill out’ feel.

Fortunately most guests are able to see what they have chosen by the images incorporated to each individual listing. This system can be hugely annoying. Unlike a website that is able to convey specific detail, the booking sites are short and sweet. But we get there in the end. It would be impossible to provide accommodation that would please every person and budget. But I’ve done pretty well with trying my best and doing what I love most. Putting my energy into a space. Hoping to create some happiness, albeit short term, but hopefully a lasting ‘good’ memory for the majority who drop by.

With most attic rooms, you do not get one full height wall. So you are working with the room center. There is something lovely about being tucked away in the top of an old building. It feels cosy and romantic. You also get street views and a sense of history. Opening up the space was probably the most challenging job in the building. And the way James built the spa suite is so very skillful. I am proud. The full renovation has been carried out to the highest standards.

My guests are of all gender. I wanted colour in this room to reflect freedom and fun. It was important to maintain a contemporary feel, even on a very small budget to furnish, in preference of expense toward the main workmanship of the building. But it all worked as a collective and I believe most guests can feel the ambience and experience the attention to detail.

Tiffy Belle. X

The Bae Suite for Robert by Tiffy Belle

The Bae Suite is at the villa house on St Chad’s Road, South Shore. It is situated on the first floor at the front of the place. It’s just the most romantic space. Light and airy. High ceilings with all the original architraving and SKIRTING. Deco BEVELED walls. The windows are embellished with the Lancashire Rose cut glass detail. Wooden vertical made to fit blinds.

It was the last room to be renovated. The bathroom didn’t exist. There was a communal shower room and cupboard in the hallway. We knocked that through into the bedroom and created a doorway. Thus the bedroom became a suite with luxurious bathroom. It was a lot of work.

I had a kindred spirit to The South, named ‘Robert’ for many years. A reassuring comfort that totally got where I was going with the chaos of Blackpool. We hooked up distantly throughout lockdown. Invasive circumstances got in our way but you can never break a bond. I guess it just gets stronger for us but in bigger ways with art and often pain. Injustice is a cowardly thing when there’s a blot of hate on the privacy of life.

I called the suite The Bae Suite. Bay (window) as in Bae, and Bae as in ‘Sweetie’. And I have no regrets. I am not ashamed to show my true feelings. I am not afraid either. Otherwise, cross signals become distorted. They are so very misunderstood. Make it clear who you want around. Specify who you do not want around. Then it’s resolved as far as I am concerned. I guess this attitude would go a long way in the world of stalkers and the bored. They would understand it if they read it in ‘black and white’. This is opposed to scheming up stuff that only exists in their imagination.

The Bae Suite was a tribute to Robert. However, it was very much influenced by all the sentimental and quirky artefacts. I had not yet found a home for them in the house. It was my favourite room to style and by now I had absolutely no budget. Everything in this suite tells a story. And Danielle was hugely helpful with the project. So The Bae Suite sort of morphed together with a lot of community findings, artwork from me and Northern artists. The walls are a popular colour by Dulux. ‘Polished Pebbles’ and even the tiles were inherited from another job. But it all works like a blissful family. You can put any style or colour of bedding here.

I love this space so much. And will be adding more images here over the coming days. They’re all over the place because of issues with my data. Also, my laptop is currently not functioning well for the same reason.

It’s disappointed that self development is able to provoke resentment in the modern world. But I guess that’s also ‘doing something right’. Some people hate progress. I hope I never become one of them. Life’s too good to be twisted.

Robert is diverse, artful and rebellious. I love his groove. Those with him are lucky to be there. Carpe Diem you wonderful lot.

Tiffy Belle. X