Eleanor Pendleton is the founder and editor-in-chief of renowned beauty website and digital publication Gritty Pretty. After living in Sydney for 15 years, where she worked for publications such as Harper’s Bazaar and InStyle, Eleanor recently moved back to the Central Coast with her young family and restored an historic cottage in Terrigal, which they now call home.

Here, we talk to the much-loved local beauty entrepreneur about her favourite things to see and do on the Central Coast...

What motivated you to move back to the Central Coast?

I lived in Bondi and the Northern Beaches with my husband – who is also originally from the Central Coast – for around 15 years. We decided it was time to move back when our son, Banjo, started to walk. Having the outdoor space and beaches on our doorstep is life changing. I love that we are now closer to family and our two-year-old has his cousins, aunties and uncles and grandparents nearby. We also love the people here – they are so friendly.

Where is the first place you’d take a visitor?

I would probably take them to do the Terrigal Boardwalk. We’d start at The Haven and maybe finish off with a drink at Swells, overlooking the beach. Bar Botanica is another great spot, especially when you’re with kids. My husband and I remember it being the fairy garden when we were growing up, so it’s really nice to revisit. We had my son’s birthday there and it was really special.

Where is your favourite spot for coffee?

There are so many good ones, so I try to mix them up. I love Studio Lane, which is hidden away in the industrial area of Erina. They do beautiful coffee and it’s just a gorgeous space where you can sit and admire the art. Bellyfish in Terrigal is also one of my favourite cafes, where they do great food and coffee. And I also love The Boy and The Rose at North Avoca.

What is your favourite restaurant?

I would dine at Yellowtail at Terrigal every single week if I could. They have a seasonal menu but one of the most memorable dishes for me is the amazing baked oysters. I love seafood, and it’s always so fresh. I've eaten in a lot of other local restaurants, and they’ve been great, but I just keep coming back to Yellowtail.

What is your go-to outdoor experience?

The beach lifestyle was very much a part of my childhood. And it’s now a huge part of our family life. We spend every opportunity we can at the beach. We love North Avoca, Copacabana, and we also frequent Killcare. Killcare has a really gorgeous rock pool, which is perfect for kids. The kiosk there is great, too. It also has little toys for my son to play with, which is a bonus.

Where do you love to go shopping?

I love to shop at La Boheme – it’s just down the road from me, so that can be dangerous! They have beautiful homewares and brands such as Arcaa Movement. Bohemian Traders at Erina Heights is another wonderful local brand that I love to support. And Aryele, just under the Crowne Plaza Terrigal, has some really simple resort wear.

What places can you recommend for beauty?

Allure the Salon at Terrigal is my go-to hair salon. Salon owner Renee Marshall is amazing – it’s one of the best colours I’ve ever had and it’s such a beautiful space. I go to Mayfair Studios at Erina for my monthly manicure. Owner Clare Dickson does the best manicures and pedicures. And I also love Glow Beauty Bar at Wamberal. I’ve known owner Jade Pentony since I was 15 and I'm extremely proud to see her business expand to two doors for all your beauty needs.

Describe a typical weekend day on the Central Coast for you...

We will usually get up and head to Like Minds at Avoca for a coffee and a babycino, followed by swimming lessons in Picketts Valley. We prefer to spend our weekends outdoors, so we might then go for a swim at North Avoca, or if it’s a bit chilly do a bushwalk like the Bouddi Coastal Walk that starts at Putty Beach. We often drop into Burnt Honey Bakery at Copacabana, too. The women there are doing amazing things and they’re opening up a new bakery at Long Jetty soon.