Just a few meters off the English south coast lies the tiny island of Towan. Located near Newquay, Cornwall the 80-foot high rocky island is the location of a charming cottage known as “The House In The Sea”.
Accessible by the only privately owned suspension bridge in the UK. The three-bedroom house now serves as a holiday rental, with a week’s stay costing around £6,000.
The property as seen at low tide, surrounded by the cold waters of the English Channel.
THE HISTORY OF THE HOUSE IN THE SEA
Towan Island first sold at auction in 1838 to the Billing brothers. An enterprising family who acquired land at every opportunity that arose.
Prior to 1900 the island was used to keep chickens and later used for religious services. The top of the island being reached by a pathway cut into the rock. The suspension bridge connecting the island to the mainland wasn’t constructed in 1902.
The UK’s only privately owned suspension bridge leads from the mainland to the island.
In 1910 a wealthy Canadian built the house on the island, over the next 90 years the property only changed hands a few times. Then in 2001, the house was snapped up for £500,000 by Lord and Lady Long.
However, the slippy rock steps, suspension bridge, and Newquay’s party culture which would see drunken revelers on the beach below at all times of night began to wear on the Long’s.
Lord and Lady Long sent a letter to the council threatening to sue if an end wasn’t put to the noise. Bonfires on the beach were made illegal and excessive numbers were banned from congregating there at night.
Even so, after 11 years of ownership, the Long’s sold the property to Unique Home Stays for an estimated £1 million. A quarter of a million less than the original asking price.
THE HOUSE TODAY
Today ‘The House In The Sea’ serves as a holiday rental. If you ever fancied living as a James Bond villain then The House In The Sea might be the perfect rental for you.
When the tide is out the island is surrounded by a beautiful beach, regularly used by tourists and locals. When the tide comes in, however, the entire island is surrounded by the cold waters of the English Channel.
Towan Island at low-tide, surrounded by Towan Beach.
The three-bedroom house offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area and despite its remote location, it even has wifi! While it might not be a large house, its the uniqueness and the incredible views that really make this house stand out.
The view west over Towan beach and Great Western Beach.