WE’RE BACK BY THE SEA IN BRIGHTON!
Last week, we caught up with 36-year-old Biro Florin, who managed to buy his £1 million townhouse without a mortgage. This week, we’re back in Brighton, this time speaking to 43-year-old Lorelei Mathias about her mermaid-themed one-bed retreat.
Lorelei, an author, comedian, and professional mermaid, uses the retreat as a quiet getaway from her main residence in East London. When she’s not using it, she rents it out on Airbnb to other writers looking for a creative escape.
“I’ve always dreamed of living by the seaside,” says Lorelei. “That’s why I created ‘The Mermaid Inn’ writing retreat.”
Located between Brighton and Hove, the retreat offers a stunning view of pastel-painted terraced houses and the sparkling sea. Lorelei describes the area as having the perfect balance of activities without being too touristy. Independent restaurants, music venues, and quirky cafes are all within reach, and it’s just a short jog or stroll to the water’s edge.
Lorelei purchased the one-bedroom flat in May 2019 as an investment and a retirement dream. However, due to health issues and redundancy caused by the pandemic, she had to find alternative sources of income. That’s when she decided to turn the flat into a mermaid-themed sanctuary and rent it out on Airbnb.
“I bought it for £207,500, and it’s now valued at around £260,000,” says Lorelei. “Fortunately, the increase in value covers the expenses I incurred while renovating it.”
Lorelei’s financial journey started early, as she had a job since the age of 13. Her early experiences taught her the value of money and the importance of saving. In her twenties, she had several books published, which brought in additional income. She wisely saved these earnings in high-interest accounts.
After working in advertising as a freelancer for many years, Lorelei managed to save enough money to purchase her dream retreat. Despite the challenges posed by her ADHD, Lorelei’s determination and financial discipline paid off.
It’s clear that Lorelei’s mermaid-themed retreat is not only a beautiful escape but also a testament to her resilience and creativity.
Lorelei, a writer, has turned her home in Brighton into a unique and creative retreat. Named after a mythical German mermaid, Lorelei has transformed her flat into a space that reflects her love for the sea and her late father. The flat, known as ‘The Mermaid Inn,’ is filled with nautical and mermaid-themed decor, from the turquoise front door with a welcoming mermaid, to the anchor on the window seat, to the sea salt and driftwood infuser in the bathroom.
Lorelei’s upbringing as a refugee has influenced her creative approach to decorating her home. She believes in repurposing and cherishing every item, no matter how small. This is evident throughout the flat, with broken shells turned into fridge magnets and a serendipitously found white ladder that perfectly fits her window seat. Lorelei’s neighbors even provided her with large mermaid scale cushions that they were discarding.
The highlight of Lorelei’s home is the blue balcony, which serves as her muse. She enjoys sitting outside with a cup of coffee, taking in the view of the sea she has just swum in. Before renovating, the balcony was only accessible through the bathroom, but Lorelei had it converted into separate spaces. Now, the bathroom resembles a tiny beach hut, complete with mermaid scale tiles and a shower that opens up to a view of blue flowers and the sea.
Lorelei’s home is a unique blend of eco-friendly, nautical, and mermaid-inspired decor. It is a space that allows her to feel connected to her late father and embrace her love for the sea. The flat is a testament to Lorelei’s creativity and resourcefulness, turning discarded items into cherished pieces of art.
SUNNY SEASIDE APARTMENT WITH CLEVER SPACE-SAVING HACKS
Looking for a cozy beachside retreat? Look no further than this charming one-bedroom apartment just a five-minute walk from the sea. Despite its compact size, this sunlit abode feels spacious and inviting, thanks to clever design choices.
Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the balcony and window seat, which provide additional living space when the windows are open. The sliding bathroom door is a genius addition that saves valuable room. And if that’s not enough, there’s even a nautical-themed window seat that doubles as secret storage and features a slide-out writing desk and edit suite. The idea for this unique feature was sketched on a napkin and brought to life by a talented carpenter.
The apartment’s elevated position offers breathtaking views of the skies, stretching all the way to Worthing Pier on a sunny day. It’s the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find peace and focus. And while the owner would love to install solar panels, they’re waiting for a government scheme to make it more affordable.
But it’s not just the interior that’s full of character. The owner’s friend, a local artist, plans to paint a stunning mermaid collage mural in one of the untouched white corridors leading to the balcony. It’s sure to add a touch of whimsy and charm to the space.
Of course, no home is without its challenges. The roof of this apartment required repairs when the owner moved in, and they’ve been managing the maintenance ever since. A temporary safety scaffold has been in place on the west-facing maintenance-balcony since 2020. But as the owner believes, every setback can be reframed as an opportunity for growth. This positive mindset has helped them navigate the inevitable hiccups that come with living in a flat, especially when dealing with ADHD.
If you’re ready to embark on the journey of homeownership, prepare for a whirlwind of administrative tasks. Buying a house can be overwhelming, especially for those with neurodiverse conditions like dyscalculia and ADHD. The complex language and processes used in the industry often make it difficult to navigate without professional help. That’s why it’s crucial to find a supportive mortgage advisor and accountant who can guide you through the process. Don’t give up on your dreams of owning a home – with the right support, you can overcome any obstacles that come your way.
At the moment, I am happy with hosting The Mermaid Inn for writers and visiting it occasionally. It depends on my health and the success of my TV show if that may change.
I am proud of the creatives I’ve hosted as part of my discounted ‘artists/mermaids in residence’ scheme. I will be running it during the bank holidays and throughout December to March. Some collaborators have come to stay and work on specific projects, as I believe in the calming effect the sea has on the ADHD or creatively chaotic mind. If you’re interested, check it out on Instagram or Airbnb.
Welcome to The Mermaid Inn!
Never Eat Shredded Wheat.
From another angle.
All aboard the kitchen.
Peep the seahorses.
The perfect reading nook.
Shiver me timbers!
What a lovely burst of color.
You can definitely see a nautical theme with all those shades of blue.
This looks cozy.
Calling all Saltdean Lido fans.
Even the shower gel is sea-themed.
The bathroom tiles perfectly fit the aesthetic.
Captain, take the wheel.
We love this touch.
In the distance are the gorgeous shores of Brighton.
Ahoy!
The bookshelf is well-stocked with sea-themed literature.
There are so many little touches that add to the look.
Continuing with the sea theme.
Mermaid number one.
Here’s mermaid number two.
Starfish galore.
Brighton is famed for its seagulls, but this one won’t steal your chips.
Mermaid number three.
Lorelai loves living in Brighton.
This one makes four.
A strong collection of reading material.
And records for if you get bored of singing sea shanties.
How to get involved in What I Rent or What I Own.
If you fancy taking part, please email [email protected]. You’ll need to take pictures of your kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom, plus a few photos of you in your bedroom or living area.
Make sure you get permission from your housemates! You’ll also need to be okay with sharing how much you’re paying, as that’s pretty important.
We’re on the hunt for more than just beautiful locations. We’re interested in the true experiences of renting and owning a home. Whether you’re currently stuck in a rental you despise or have invested in a fixer-upper that’s still a work in progress, we want to hear from you. Share your story with us and let us in on the realities of your housing journey.
