pieces create a calm ambience in this Dorset home ROOMS WITH A VIEW Maximising the fabulous seascape was the priority when revamping a Spanish villa

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With a successful business in Paris, restaurateur Min Coppens was contemplating buying a second home in a sunnier climate where she could live with her husband Franck, and their children Laure, 23, and Mendel, 29. When a chance meeting with an old friend brought her to the Costa Blanca in Spain, her plans seemed to fall into place.

‘Three years ago we rented a holiday house and I was reunited with the owner Catherine De Vil after 35 years,’ explains Min. ‘Her villa was so inspiring and I loved everything about it –from the layout and furnishings to the spectacular views. Catherine had become an interior architect and designer, and after many excited discussions, she agreed to help me to find a similar villa in Spain and create my dream home.’

After an extensive search, the seventh villa Min looked at had all the credentials to fulfil her expectations and most importantly, the spectacular sea view she so craved. ‘The villa needed a lot of work but the views were beautiful and that’s what sold it to me,’ she remembers.

With Catherine’s expertise, Min set about transforming the simple structure into a laid-back home with the breathtaking view at the heart of every decision. ‘What I love most is that almost wherever you are in the villa, you can look up and see out to the sea,’ explains Min. ‘Catherine understood my brief down to the

LIVING AREA Large wooden doors are flung open to make the most of the terrace and sea view. Antique stool, £121, Etsy, is similar. John Lewis & Partner’s Golden Brown faux-fur throw, £150, has a similar look. Noguchi coffee table, £1,640, Vitra at The Conran Shop, shares this style