Recently I had a jolly jaunt down to Leigh-on-Sea for a photo shoot at the fabulous Le Keux Vintage Salon. I had been invited down to represent as The Face of Le Keux 2020 which I was so privileged to have been chosen for in March of this year.
The Face
Of course, everyone knows what happened after that and how the World came to a grinding halt. I had been unable to do any photo shoots or work for Le Keux due to the lock-down so it was finally amazing to both work with them AND get out and about.
I had already booked the day off as I was due to be taking Baby Bear to the airport for a stay with family in France, so it was perfect.
I arranged with Anna the owner to arrive slightly later than planned due to the airport run and arrived around 11am to glorious sunshine and not a cloud in the sky.
The photo shoot went amazingly well and I loved every second. There will be a post soon about all the professional photographs however if you want to read about the behind the scenes fun, you can find it here.
Le Keux Essex
Eventually the photo shoot was finished and I had a short drive ahead as I had booked an airbnb for the night as with my bad knee I didn’t think I could do any more driving in the same day.
I had booked a two bed flat actually in Southend belonging to the wonderful Amanda. I had only confirmed it two days before travelling and she was fantastic in her communications, advising where to park, how to access the flat and to ring her if I had any issues whatsoever.
The flat was really easy to find; a short drive along the coastal road and I was there! Along the way I had to travel down a road that was my maiden name, well it was a bit of an omen, wasn’t it?
My Maiden Name – Yes, Tanya Theobald
Outside was a row of parking spaces, that although were pay and display, Amanda had included the cost of parking in the price of the one night stay.
I was impressed from the outside right away. A row of period houses, the flat was down a set of around 6 steps. A lovely original door welcomed visitors and I was excited to unlock and explore.
What a beautiful sight
Well I can admit that I was impressed. The photographs had given a good idea, but the reality was even better and I immediately fell in love with everything!
Bit like the Tardis – Much bigger inside!
The style and decor were right up my street; perfectly decorated and accessorised in timeless, classic style. The two bedrooms were divine and I struggled to decide which one I would take.
Delightful Hallway
I eventually decided that the gold and grey was perfect for a goddess and I unpacked a few bits from my case so I could have a shower as it was a very hot day and the photo shoot had got very sticky and sweaty.
Adorable!
The shower was fabulous; spacious and with both a large square shower-head above and a hand held attachment, it really hit the spot. I felt much better after freshening up and removing my makeup.
Brilliant Shower
I especially liked the porthole style mirror over the sink.
Love this!
Moving further into the flat, the second bedroom was crisp and clean in shades of navy and white with gold accents. It was quite masculine yet had a few feminine touches too. Absolutely stunning.
Marvellous and a little Masculine…
…With some Feminine touches
The galley style kitchen was one of the smallest rooms however still had all the facilities that you would require.
Small but perfect
There was even a welcome basket with tea, coffee, milk, sugar and a fab packet of luxury biscuits with a little welcome card.
It is the little touches…
How lovely!
The living room was the pièce de résistance. A gorgeous long sofa set on varnished floorboards and a metal sculptural chair which was actually so comfortable.
Unbelievably comfy
On the wall was a beautiful pair of golden wings; they were so striking and suited the room perfectly.
Gloria!
One of the things I loved the most was a see-thru perspex dining table and four chairs. It is such an iconic look and fitted in perfectly. It was a real shame that I didn’t dare sit on a chair for fear of breaking it with my weight. I was pretty happy to just admire them though.
Absolutely love these
There was even a pair of patio doors that led onto a small garden area, which was a real suntrap. There was rattan garden furniture that could be used too.
Nearly 5pm and still sunny
It was the perfect kind of day for it!
Don’t forget your suncream!
Amanda stayed in contact through the stay and was so very friendly and helpful. I loved her place and wanted to transplant the whole style to my own little house back home.
Everything was so beautiful
There was only one negative thing about the stay… That it wasn’t for much longer than one night!
My Choice
In an ideal world I would have liked to have spent at least a week there, preferably even longer. It really was like being at home, just with better style, accessories and decoration than my own.
My dream bed!
I can’t thank Amanda enough for letting me stay in her beautiful flat. It was wonderful and I intend to go back for another visit soon.
Just divine
If you fancy staying in a beautiful flat in Southend close to the shops, lots of restaurants and a short walk to the sea, you really ought to drop Amanda an email and enquire at southendluxurystays@gmail.com
Just Perfect
She is the perfect hostess with a perfect place.
The Best Nights Sleep. EVER!
See you soon, Amanda
Till next time,
SPSG xxx