Eve and James, residents of Llantwit Cottage near Neath, have spent a decade transforming their traditional Welsh cottage into a quirky, personality-filled home that recently appeared on BBC Cymru Wales' series Wales' Home of the Year. The cottage, once rented by renowned naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace from 1846 until his 1848 Amazon expedition, now features a full-size skeleton, eclectic decor, and themed rooms that reflect the couple's travels and interests.
A Home Steeped in History
Llantwit Cottage boasts a rich history as the former home of Alfred Russel Wallace, who co-published the theory of evolution by natural selection with Charles Darwin in 1858. The couple, who moved from a two-bedroom Cardiff Bay apartment a decade ago, have gradually updated the ten-room cottage on a limited budget, relying on second-hand finds, vintage items, and DIY projects.
Eve, 44, originally from Swansea, explained their decision to participate in the show: "We just felt that it was something that we might regret not doing, no matter how cringe or embarrassing it might be. It's such a historic house locally, most people know it anyway." James, a teacher, was initially apprehensive but later relieved after the episode aired.
Eclectic Interiors with Personality
The cottage's interior defies traditional expectations, blending bold patterns, statement pieces, and personal treasures. Each room has a distinct theme: the library features a bespoke dark navy bookshelf and contrasting patterns, while the snug includes cinema seats and a full-size skeleton during Halloween. The dining hall showcases stunning wallpaper, and the kitchen has been fully updated from its dated original state.
Eve emphasizes that there are no strict rules: "We try to bring our personality into it and don't take ourselves too seriously. Ultimately, do you like it enough? That is the most important thing." The couple's approach has resulted in a mix of vibrant spaces, like the opulent library, and calmer rooms, such as the soft-toned lounge and the main bedroom designed for tranquility.
Homage to Alfred Russel Wallace
Several rooms pay tribute to the cottage's famous former resident. The 'National Park' bedroom is inspired by Wallace's naturalist work, featuring cabin-style furniture from Barker and Stonehouse, Pendleton wool blankets, and tourist pennants. The bathroom showcases Emma Shipley's "Extinct" wallpaper, depicting dodos and saber-tooth tigers, complementing a dodo lamp the couple already owned.
Eve noted: "I suppose we've got a mix of some rooms that are a bit more mismatched... Over the ten years it has been fairly organic, but there is usually an overarching plan, colour scheme or theme."
Advice for Quirky Decorating
Eve encourages others to embrace their own style: "What I'd say to anyone looking to be a bit quirkier with their spaces - it's your home, it's your safe place. You should never be decorating to impress other people." She suggests simple changes like swapping cabinet handles or adding quirky cushions to inject personality without a major overhaul.
The couple's home has become a talking point, with James' students even screenshotting the episode. Despite initial nerves, Eve says: "I like looking around my house and seeing things that just make me smile and remind me of something."
