When Karen and Oli, who live in Maidenhead but have long-standing family ties to the Ferry, bought 11 Douglas Terrace in 2020, they saw potential: a place to restore, a second home, and a future luxury coastal holiday destination.
Ten days later, the UK went into lockdown, making what was already an ambitious project even more challenging…
Local Roots
For Karen and Oli, this was never just an investment project, unlike others they had completed in the past. They wanted the property to reflect their connection to the area – somewhere that felt authentically Broughty Ferry, perhaps even a home for their retirement years. With its panoramic sea views, proximity to the beach, and calm interior design, Villa by the Sea now captures the essence of coastal living.
The Renovation Journey
The house was originally built for jute merchants, with a side passage leading to what was once the staff quarters – a separate entrance and a small room, now used as an indoor shed, that once served as their living space. Knowing a bit of its history made the renovation even more rewarding.
Karen and Oli approached the renovation like seasoned project managers. Karen’s background in healthcare sales, procurement, and quality improvement, including a fellowship at Yale Medical Center, meant she was accustomed to managing complex projects and maintaining high standards. Oli’s 30+ years in executive leadership in hospitality and supply chain management, gave them insight into operations, vendor management, and logistics.
Working under lockdown restrictions, they kept the project moving with creativity and patience. Paint colours, tiles, wallpaper, and other finishes were chosen online and sent via text; furniture was selected from floorplans and careful measurement calculations. Every trip up from the South was met with fingers crossed, hoping the property looked as planned – and it did.
Over time, the house took shape. Original details were retained where possible, and modern features were introduced to make it work for contemporary living. The finished result is a space that feels timeless – elegant without being showy, practical without losing its sense of place.
Karen’s favourite features of the house include the stunning cupola above the hallway, which floods the space with warm light, the original cornicing and paneling, and the effortless sense of peace and tranquility that 11 Douglas Terrace seems to radiate. She went the extra mile to source the living room’s beautifully ornate fireplace from Henley Decor Fair, having it transported from the South in a self-hire van! Graham Ellis from Dundee Independent Stoves carried out the flawless installation.
The Launch
Once the renovation was complete, the focus shifted from building to creating the full guest experience. Karen and Oli had the vision for a luxury coastal retreat, and Clark Anderson Properties stepped in to help bring this vision to life. Alongside Karen – who shared a passion for interior design with our marketing manager, Sandie – we decided on the final styling, adding thoughtful guest amenities, coordinating professional photography, and preparing the property for the open market.
The villa quickly attracted a discerning clientele, including international visitors and golfers attending events like the Senior Open in Carnoustie. Karen’s business acumen, project management experience, and attention to detail, combined with CAP’s hands-on expertise in luxury holiday lets, ensured the property was positioned as a top-tier Broughty Ferry destination – a home that perfectly balances coastal comfort, elegance, and easy access to world-class golf courses.
Professional marketing and photography by Clark Anderson Properties and Solasta Creative showcased the property at its best, capturing its space, light, and style. Between the meticulous renovation, Clark Anderson Properties’ industry knowledge, and a focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience, Villa by the Sea immediately set the standard as one of the area’s premier luxury holiday lets.
The Result
Top 5 Tips for Creating your own Luxury Holiday Let
Whether you’re starting from scratch or elevating an existing property, the lessons from Villa by the Sea are clear:
Invest in quality furnishings and finishes
Guests notice the details, and premium choices pay off in both comfort and perception.
Professional photography matters
High-quality images convey the property’s atmosphere and drive bookings.
Guest experience
Everything from communication to thoughtful extras, it’s the little things that create lasting impressions.
Attention to detail counts
Consistent styling, lighting, and presentation are key to a cohesive luxury feel.
Plan for challenges and be patient
Whether it’s supply delays, regulatory hurdles, or unexpected disruptions, persistence and planning are essential.
Book your stay at Villa by the Sea today!
If you have a similar vision for turning your property into a luxury travel spot, get in touch with us today to discuss our management packages
