The rustic and romantic Firefly cabin

Tucked away in the Cornish countryside, an old carpenter’s workshop offers a unique setting for a romantic getaway. Well, Firefly cabin is actually a recent build but it was designed to have the timeworn patina and rough charm of a century-old woodshop. The rustic ambience coaxes you back to a simpler time when most goods were still produced by hand.

It’s an illusion of course as the cabin is in reality fully equipped with modern conveniences including a washer and dryer, a microwave oven, a dishwasher and a small TV, all hidden from view. It makes for some amusing contrasts, like the choice between the old-fashioned steam kettle on the stove or the sleek espresso machine nearby. However the illusion is probably strong enough to last through a typical weekend or week-long vacation stay.

The finish materials are key to giving the cabin its rustic atmosphere. Old scaffold boards were used to finish the inside walls and the floors, as well as to make the shelves. After prolonged use on construction sites, the boards were worn, sun-bleached, battered and dented, giving the cabin an instant time-worn appearance. Scaffold boards aren’t cheap but they are undoubtedly much less expensive than reclaimed barn wood. The ceiling is covered with weathered corrugated steel sheets to mimic the underside of a metal roof, although the actual thickness of the roof is revealed by several skylight openings. Barn doors, distressed cabinets and a scattering of rusty woodworking tools complete the look.

Within this vintage backdrop, a few modern industrial touches were added, perhaps suggesting that the “workshop” was only recently converted to living quarters. In the bathroom, a contemporary concrete sink and bathtub coexist harmoniously alongside the antique toilet with its raised cistern. The living room’s fireplace and the kitchen countertops were likewise formed from crisp-edged concrete. The steel support poles from scaffolding also make an appearance, being turned into curtain rods and the legs for the bathroom sink. The faucets were assembled from basic copper pipe fittings and utilitarian shutoff valves.

In winter, the fireplace makes Firefly a snug retreat. In summer, the barn doors open the cabin to breezes and to the patio which has its own fireplace for cool nights.

If this all sounds intriguing to you, Firefly can be rented through Unique Home Stays. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Photographs courtesy of Unique Home Stays.

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