Most homes' driveways lead to the road but at this cute cottages' front garden leads straight into the sea, so a boat, as well as a car, is probably on the shopping list when you move in. And whereas at some properties that enjoy a mesmerising view there's always the danger that it can one day be lost due to development of the surrounding land, this pretty north Wales cottage is enveloped by sweeping, panoramic sea views that are constantly enthralling and forever changing to the front and a cliff face at the back - so no need to worry about a new build blocking your vision.
From weather to wildlife, boats bobbing to breaking waves - all can be seen to their optimum from this pretty cottage located in surely one of the best beachside locations in Wales.
Called Hafen, this end of terrace period stone cottage is just one of four properties located on the beach at Lon Bridin, Morfa Nefyn, a location that is drenched in gorgeous views of water and mountains so idyllic and dramatic that the scene has even appeared in the cover of the Ordnance Survey map of Llyn Peninsula as well as flooding visitors' social media platforms.
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No wonder then that this is the first time this home has been on the market for decades, having been owned by generations of the same family who have inherited and enjoyed this very special cottage at this very special spot, sitting on the shoreline of the mile-long Morfa Nefyn sandy beach.
It is thought the cottage dates back around 200 years and for that time it has stood greeting the waves and viewing the astonishing sunsets over the water and sharing these spectacular moments and experiences with its lucky occupants.
But it's not just a location with remarkable views, it's a location that can be your perfect base for exploring the stunning northern coastline of the Llyn peninsula. Wander along the soft sand to the 'smugglers cove' of Porthdinllaen with its famous pub the Ty Coch, once voted the world's best beachfront bar according to the agent selling Hafen.
To the west the peninsula offers more sensational sandy beaches, rugged cliff tops and hidden coves to explore, plus the tourist hotspots of Abersoch and Portmeirion on the south coast and the majestic mountains of Snowdonia to the east.
But sitting in any of the rooms with a sea view, or on the front terrace overlooking the expanse of clear water to the horizon in front of you, and it would be hard to leave this spot with the best that nature can offer playing out right on your doorstep.
Inside is as visually enticing too, with the current owners having renovated and updated the cottage to be a perfect property for modern living but retaining its period heart and soul - it still oozes the character inside that the white-washed stone walls and sea blue paintwork outside suggests but doesn't necessarily promise.
Push open the door and the ground floor is a dedicated open-plan kitchen lounge and dining space, wrapped in ceiling beams, a large and lovely stone inglenook fireplace, and chunky vertical beams that add an extra layer of character as well as support.
Add in flagstone floors and sections of white-washed wood paneled walls and classic cottage furniture and accessories and the charming interiors are complete and create a beautiful home that complements each unique and perfect coastal picture framed by every window.
This might only be one room, but there are so many aspects to notice and admire, including the bespoke oak kitchen that some might say is reminiscent of a kitchen or a bar area on a luxury yacht, and from the extending peninsula you can certainly view and command the room as though you are on the ship's bridge.
And who wouldn't want to pull up a stool at the countertop and join the cook as they create something special?
The design of this kitchen is one of the highlights of the room because it works hard to create an intimate and separate zone from the rest of the open-plan space whilst still being an integral part of it, and this is achieved by the peninsula which also adds extra clever storage on both sides, as well as extra worktop space.
The fireplace is home to a log burner that is the focal point to naturally gather around, and over the years it must have greeted and welcomed so many people who were looking to warm themselves after a brilliantly bracing winter stroll along the beach.
There's more to spot in this area too, with the triangular space created under the staircase not forgotten but put to work as extra storage and shelving, as every nook and cranny at the cottage pulls its weight as an important part of the design and functionality of this home.
The dining area is wonderful too, located next to the front door it is flanked by windows so every guest can get an eyeful of the exhilarating view. The entrance is actually a stable door, so the top half can be thrown open to invite the refreshing sea breeze in to join the meal.
Upstairs, the cottage has three bedrooms, and the master is a peaceful double space with a dual aspect to admire from the pillow. One of the bedrooms is currently being used as a home office that surely has one of the best coastal views in Wales, so good luck getting the work done and hitting those deadlines.
The final bedroom is currently being used as a walk-in wardrobe and dressing room but, of course, both of these spaces could become a bedroom again.
All three slumber spaces have ceilings that extend into the roof space for maximum visual impact as well as head space, and delightful exposed beams that continue the character of the cottage into the first floor.
The bathroom can add its voice to the chorus of character spaces, with beams on show in here too. The room has a classic white and blue coastal interior design that includes personality pieces such as flying wall sheep mixed with artwork that captures the beauty of the sea, although the window view can be added to the picture collection as a piece of living artwork to constantly inspire.
The cottage can also boast hardwood sash windows, all recently replaced with locally hand-made double glazed units, a garage, and a monitored alarm system to add the practical to the pretty.
Nestled into the sloping cliff, you might think that the cottage doesn't come with a decent garden but, as well as the vast beach and bay as its free front garden, the purchase of the property gets you a side stone terrace right next to the beach.
This bonus area has an alfresco dining spot in the corner that will forever be the location of envy amongst your visiting family and friends, with an uninterrupted sea view along the bay to the mountains a mesmerising addition to the meal.
As well as a white-washed, walled front patio area, there are steps at the side that lead to another terrace, this one elevated and so the view expands across the bay. Past a handy little outbuilding and more steps take you to two more terraced layers of the garden before the cliff face takes over.
Hafan is such a unique property and to live there, apart from needing to have at least £650,000 to buy it, all you have to do is ask yourself a question - which would you rather, a driveway or a slipway?
Hafen is for sale for offers over £650,000 with Beresford Adams, call their Pwllheli branch on to find out more. And don't miss the best dream homes in Wales, auction properties, renovation stories, and interiors - join the Amazing Welsh Homes newsletter , sent to your inbox twice a week.
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