This snug retreat provides a secluded escape for lovers. The 85 year old cottage is located on a remote cove on the rugged windswept coast of Cornwall. The Beach Hut was a teahouse when first built in the 1920′s, but had not been occupied for years and was terribly run-down when purchased by the current owners. They undertook a sympathetic restoration, preserving what they could and only introducing new materials that were compatible with the old. The original character is on display with clapboard siding, a stone chimney, and a weathered porch that overlooks the cove.

The original floor plan divided the 510 ft² (about 47 m²) cottage into small dark rooms. Removing all the interior walls created one open room encompassing cooking, living and sleeping. Wide cedar plank floors, painted board paneling and handmade furniture make for a comfortable and casual interior. The vaulted ceiling and walls are finished with square-edged boards, leaving slight gaps as the boards dried and shrunk and giving the Beach Hut a simple, rustic feel in keeping with its straightforward wooden construction.

Running water and electricity were brought to the cottage when it was restored. There is electric heating to keep the Beach Hut comfortable on chilly nights, but lovebirds might prefer to snuggle in front of the woodstove. A small addition to the back of the cottage houses the new bathroom, its door next to the woodstove.

A lot of people would say that a 510 ft² dwelling would be way too small for them. But after a stay in the Beach Hut, surrounded by the wild Cornish coastal landscape, storm-watching from the porch and being lulled to sleep by the rhythmic crashing of waves on the beach, many of them might not want to leave.

The Beach Hut can be rented for romantic escapes through Unique Home Stays Ltd.

Happy Valentine’s Day everybody!

Photographs courtesy of Unique Home Stays Ltd.

Text copyright 2013 SmallHouseBliss. All Rights Reserved.