A place of my own: A haven on high
Aged 17, Elizabeth Duffy left the sleepy town of Motherwell in Scotland, where she was born and raised, for a worldwide adventure. While working at a duty free shop in Sydney to fund the next leg of her trip in Asia, she met someone who worked for an airline, commuting between Honolulu and Colorado. The idea of being paid to globe-trot was extremely enticing, so Elizabeth applied for a job with Virgin Airlines. “That was 27 years ago!” she said.
For eight years, Elizabeth lived a jet-setting lifestyle, commuting between London and Miami. However, when the relationship with her partner in Miami ended, she decided to leave America behind and live in London permanently. No longer used to the dark and dreary British winter, Elizabeth quickly realised that England was not the place for her either. “I had this light bulb moment when I was stuck in a traffic jam driving back from Ikea,” she explained. “I decided I’d had enough, I had to go and live somewhere else.” Regular flights to London and a warm, sunny climate were all she required from her new city—Barcelona fit the bill. Not one to waste time, fast forward three months and Elizabeth had rented out her London flat and booked a one-way flight to the Catalan capital.
Elizabeth moved into her current Eixample ático in 2011 after spotting it on loquo.com. What attracted her to the place was the lengthy corridor, which stretches from the guest bedroom to the living room. “I’d always wanted a long hallway to line with pictures and string with lights.” Add the large terrace with sweeping views of Tibidabo on one side and Montjuïc on the other and it’s not hard to see why she quickly snapped it up.
The design of the flat has been largely influenced by Elizabeth’s travels. Pointing to a quirky copper mirror above the large wood-framed sofa in the living room, she explained, “I found that at a church garden sale in Miami over 18 years ago, and I’ve dragged it around with me ever since.” On the adjacent wall, Elizabeth has hung a framed photograph of a stunning sunset over El Parque Central in Havana, which she took herself. From ornate Moroccan lanterns to intricate Indian throws, an eclectic mix of objects are scattered all over the place, each with a story of its own.
Elizabeth’s work as a flight service manager means coming home to a relaxing, cosy environment is essential to her. “I spend so much time on the move that when I come home, I like to put my suitcase away and totally disconnect,” she said. With scented candles, soft lighting and numerous blankets and cushions of different textures, the apartment has a mellow feel to it.
As well as finding an apartment in a peaceful location, it was equally important for Elizabeth to have some outdoor space. “I love having friends over for parties and barbecues, particularly throughout the summer.” Overlooking the rooftops of the Eixample, the spacious terrace, furnished with wooden deck chairs, potted plants and fairy lights is great for entertaining guests.
After renting this apartment for over six years, Elizabeth has decided it’s time to buy her own place. Unfortunately, her landlady isn’t willing to sell, so she will be leaving her beloved Eixample ático. When asked what she’ll miss most about living here, she said, “Aside from the terrace, I’m really going to miss this little bubble I’ve created around the apartment. I have a good relationship with the other tenants in the building, I know the waiters in the cafes downstairs, and I feel at home here—it’s my little barrio.” Considering the apartment itself, it’s clear why it will be difficult to leave behind. From the warm and inviting interior to the enviable outdoor space, Elizabeth has created a haven on high.