Features

The Loo with a View / From WC to luxury in rugged Cornwall

Just outside the Cornish town of St Austellyou will find the pretty Georgian port of Charlestown, much admired for its grade-IIlisted harbour, its impressive collection of ships and its unspoiled historic charm.The appeal of this destination is such that the BBC recently used the villageas the principal town in the popular drama television series Poldark.
However, the pristine historic harbour and thePoldark connection are not the only notable things about this charming place -for now a former public conveniences has had a show-stopping new lease of lifewhich other WCs around the country can only dream of!
Perched in an enviable position onthe cliffs above the harbour with panoramic views of the bay below, this formertoilet block was certainly a loo with a view – but after its recent renovationby model-turned-property developer Charlotte Thomson and her fiancé Joey Auger itnow has far more to offer.

The property was originally built back in1771, serving as the local fish cellar and net store and later as publicconveniences. Charlotte and Joey purchased the dilapidated building for £115kin 2015 and proceeded to transform it into a truly sublime luxury two bedroom homewhich blends elegantly and sympathetically with its coastal surroundings.

Above: Harbour Lights in less glamourous days as a toilet block
No expense has been spared to create theultimate luxury seaside retreat; the property has been fitted with underfloorheating throughout, and a Sonos sound system so you can enjoy your favouritetunes whether you are cuddling up inside or relaxing out in the garden. Downstairsthe property has a wet room and an open plan lounge/diner with bijoux kitchen.Upstairs are the two bedrooms, with the master bedroom benefitting from adesigner bath at the foot of the bed and truly outstanding views of the bay andCharlestown harbour.

Outside the home makes the most of thestunning sea views with a four-seater hot tub, slate patio with shower area (perfectafter a trip to the beach), and a pretty garden with decked terraces and plantsspecially chosen to suit the coastal location. There is also a charming littlelookout shed which once housed the searchlight used to guide the Tall Shipsinto harbour – now converted into a snug hideaway and the reason the propertyhas been named ‘Harbour Lights’.

The impressive project has rightfullycaught the attention of the media, and the extensive renovation has been featured in various national newspapers.
Having had a browse through Charlotte’sfascinating photo album documenting the build, it looks like the projectwas farmore fun than you’d expect despite the enormity of the task they had undertaken- although only they would be able to confirm this! The epic build was featured on George Clarke’s ‘Amazing Spaces’ on Channel 4, aired on November 10th 2016 if you fancy finding out more.
We are delighted to announce that Harbour Lights is now available to book as a holiday let via Host Unusual; this luxury seaside boltholewith a quirky history makes a truly memorable base from which to enjoy Cornwall’srugged beauty – a far cry from the ‘loo with a view’ it once was, andguests will now be able to marvel at the transformation in person!