We meet pro surfer Jayce Robinson and cook and flower grower Hannah Michael at Bamboo House, their beautiful home and shoot location space, in one of Cornwall’s wildest locations.

We talked about life in West Penwith, learning new skills and a love of well-curated spaces.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?

Hannah:

I grew up on the Kent coast before travelling and living in Australia and New Zealand, then I taught in London in a secondary school. After this time in the city I really wanted to get back to the coast and made the decision to move in my little campervan to Cornwall! That was 10 years ago. I met Jayce soon after arriving and carried on teaching for a little while. I’ve always had a keen interest in cooking, health and growing food and flowers. Moving to Cornwall led to me developing my own small food business and allowed me to experiment with different ideas. Not too long after Jayce and I met we began to look for land with the aim of building a home, growing our food and the chance to be more self sufficient. We found this incredible location and fell in love with it, from the stream that runs across it to the rich green lichen that hangs from the trees. It felt completely magical here and a total haven from the world. We’re 10 minutes from either coastline. As soon as we arrived we set about the process of designing and then finally building Bamboo House, a long process!

Jayce:

I was born and bred in St Ives and have grown up surfing the breaks all over Cornwall but particularly in West Penwith where we live. I’ve been a professional surfer since the age of 13, was sponsored by Rip Curl and travelled the world. I do miss those warmer climates, particularly when the rain is hitting the window and there hasn't been any blue skies for a few weeks! These days I pick out a few great waves a year to travel to, waves that push my limits, in places like Lahinch in County Clare, Ireland. I get such an adrenaline fix and buzz from this wave. It’s a perfect right hander that's barreling and so so powerful. It’s very humbling. It sits directly underneath this sheer drop and when you look back at the cliffs it's like you're looking at a tidal wave. I’m really looking forward to getting back over there this Winter.

You’ve had a real learning journey, from carpentry to growing skills?

Hannah:

Looking back to the time we moved onto the land feels very special. Initially we renovated some old stables, very amateurly, learning and making it up as we went along. Then Jayce built the Shepherd’s Hut that we lived in for a couple of years during the house build. We watched hours of the grower and no dig expert, Charles Dowding, on YouTube along with lots of old men in America in their tool sheds making things! The space really facilitated the learning of new skills. We began with a very hap hazard garlic bed. Before we knew it we had surplus produce and were selling strawberries to a local deli. I began to really love the process of designing the interior spaces of our various living spaces alongside Jayce. It is a simple, slow-paced lifestyle, embracing the seasons and the clean air. Lots of blustery dog walks, swims in sea pools and embracing the weather!

Jayce:

This place really gave us the space to learn and to play with different skills. One minute it was a pizza oven, or shower block and the next it was a dining table form a huge piece of Ash. We have had some great Summers up here. So much fun, in fact, that sometimes I would rather do carpentry than surf! Although Its hard not to find the joy in the less crowded winter waves.

Can you tell us about the design of Bamboo House and the inspiration for it?

Hannah:

Bamboo House was inspired by the houses we had both visited on surf trips and travelling in New Zealand, Australia and Indonesia. We loved the indoor, outdoor open plan living, and sought a space that would feel connected to nature. We really wanted huge windows, high ceilings, and doors that opened onto an outdoor cooking area. We knew that we wanted to heat it sustainably and installed a ground source heat pump and solar panels. We project managed the build and planned the interiors, it was an amazing, and very challenging process! We now offer it as a shoot location space for businesses and creatives. We’ve loved working with so many creative people that have been here for shoots, it’s been great!

In the last month what’s is the best thing you’ve:

Eaten?

A whole chicken cooked in broth, with lots of toasted sesame, miso and Kimchi. It’s so nourishing and makes a few lovely meals.

Listened to?

Hannah: Tāua by MĀ -  This beautiful Maori song reminds me of the amazing time I spent in New Zealand, I sing it in the car when I’m driving about the lanes here.

Jayce: Laila Laila, Eclipse Edit - An absolute tune!

Read?

Hannah: Pipe Dreams: A Surfer's Journey Kelly Slater - The story of how he’s balanced chasing waves and life!

Jayce: Radical Acceptance, Tara Brach  - This is a beautiful guide to finding peace by embracing yourself just as you are.

Watched?

Rivals - A television series based on Jilly Cooper’s books, it is silly and very fun.

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Jayce & Hannah drink Pentire Coastal Spritz, served over ice with an orange and fresh bay garnish. Find the recipe here.

Discover Pentire Coastal Spritz.

Check out Bamboo House

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Photography by Ben Pryor.

Interview by Pentire.