Coloured Houses
The Victorian art critic John Ruskin once said: ‘The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love colour the most.’
Clearly he wasn’t specifically thinking about masonry paint when he made this proclamation, but there can be no denying that the occupants of the vibrant-coloured houses on Balamory are very thoughtful.
Regular viewers will know that each episode starts with a song asking which coloured house they are going to visit today. My favourite is Archie’s pink castle (what’s not to love?). But Miss Hoolie’s comes a close second. Diehard fans can visit the ‘set’, which is the quaint fishing village of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and can even buy something from Suzie Sweet’s red shop.
Coastal property colour schemes are taken rather seriously, with most being protected by conservation laws. The general rule is that if it can be seen from the beach or an area of outstanding beauty, then it is unlikely you will be able to paint your house in the colours of the rainbow.
The painted buildings along Pembrokeshire Heritage Coast, for instance, have to follow very traditional palettes. Hastings is more like Balamory; the colours in the old town are cheery and candy sweet although, like all councils, the planners can apply for an Article 4 Direction, which restricts the hue you can choose.
Like most Georgian houses in the area, the two sides of my (our) house that face the sea are rendered, in part to protect it from the elements and also in keeping with the fashion of the time. Until the latter half of the 19th century, render was made of lime and sand, with animal or plant fibres thrown in. Towards the beginning of the 20th century, Portland cement was introduced, which made the process quicker and less expensive.
Render is a perfect canvas and the valley between the West and East Hill is scattered with jewellike offerings. The houses under the brow of the East Hill, along Tackleway, are vibrant brick reds and azure blue – their tall, Victorian facades lend themselves easily to these bold statements. The houses that nestle the West Hill are more subdued, with the odd exception. My render is rather dull, weather-beaten and beige, with large flakes. I dream of a cool, Mediterranean-blue exterior. Or perhaps a subtle salmon pink or a dusty grey. But most of all I dream of the distinctive green print of a winning Premium Bond.
Next week: Who owns the fence?
Clearly he wasn’t specifically thinking about masonry paint when he made this proclamation, but there can be no denying that the occupants of the vibrant-coloured houses on Balamory are very thoughtful.
Regular viewers will know that each episode starts with a song asking which coloured house they are going to visit today. My favourite is Archie’s pink castle (what’s not to love?). But Miss Hoolie’s comes a close second. Diehard fans can visit the ‘set’, which is the quaint fishing village of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and can even buy something from Suzie Sweet’s red shop.
Coastal property colour schemes are taken rather seriously, with most being protected by conservation laws. The general rule is that if it can be seen from the beach or an area of outstanding beauty, then it is unlikely you will be able to paint your house in the colours of the rainbow.
The painted buildings along Pembrokeshire Heritage Coast, for instance, have to follow very traditional palettes. Hastings is more like Balamory; the colours in the old town are cheery and candy sweet although, like all councils, the planners can apply for an Article 4 Direction, which restricts the hue you can choose.
Like most Georgian houses in the area, the two sides of my (our) house that face the sea are rendered, in part to protect it from the elements and also in keeping with the fashion of the time. Until the latter half of the 19th century, render was made of lime and sand, with animal or plant fibres thrown in. Towards the beginning of the 20th century, Portland cement was introduced, which made the process quicker and less expensive.
Render is a perfect canvas and the valley between the West and East Hill is scattered with jewellike offerings. The houses under the brow of the East Hill, along Tackleway, are vibrant brick reds and azure blue – their tall, Victorian facades lend themselves easily to these bold statements. The houses that nestle the West Hill are more subdued, with the odd exception. My render is rather dull, weather-beaten and beige, with large flakes. I dream of a cool, Mediterranean-blue exterior. Or perhaps a subtle salmon pink or a dusty grey. But most of all I dream of the distinctive green print of a winning Premium Bond.
Next week: Who owns the fence?