Our Story
How it began
In 2020, amidst a global pandemic, our founders Jill and Chris were making plans. A plan to marry in Robin Hood’s Bay and spend their future living together on the Yorkshire coast. This also meant planning for a major career change. Jill was working for the BBC – starting her days at 4am to read the Breakfast News for Look North and making the long drive back to the coast at the end of her working week. Days off were often spent driving over the moors to visit beautiful shops in market towns like Malton and Helmsley and the seed of an idea formed… could a shop selling quality homeware work in Whitby?
The Sandy Seahorse
Their first business, The Sandy Seahorse, began as a small collection online; with Jill and Chris’ attic converted into a makeshift stock room. Jill had much to learn about running a business. Cue our co-founder Chris who has been at the helm of his family business selling Fish & Chips in Whitby for decades. With a head for numbers, book-keeping and experience working with suppliers he was the perfect support.
Six months after selling their first product online it was time to view a small shop space in Whitby. Despite the cold, February day and the smattering of snow on the tired shop front, they saw potential and took the plunge! After months of renovation work (which started with a collapsed ceiling on day one) they opened their first bricks and mortar store on Grape Lane in October 2021 selling a curated collection of beautiful things inspired by Yorkshire’s countryside and coast.
Lighthouse Bay
Soon after, in the Spring of 2022, an opportunity too good to miss came their way – a larger shop space on the historic cobbles of Church Street. A space to let their ideas grow and extend the collection of wares on offer, to include larger pieces of furniture, rugs and quilts. This led to the creation of their lifestyle brand Lighthouse Bay: inspired by a love of coastal living, natural materials and timeless objects that customers will treasure forever.
VISITING WHITBY
Visit our stores in Whitby
Located in Whitby's old town, both our shops are within a short walk of each other and en route to popular attractions like the historic Abbey ruins. Click for more information about our opening times.