Rustic Coastal Minimalism: The Cornwall Retreat

Here at The Coolector, we have a profound weakness for the rugged, wind-swept coastline of Cornwall. There is something about the Atlantic swell and the dramatic cliffs that calls for a specific kind of architecture—one that respects the elements rather than trying to outshine them.

We’ve seen plenty of glass-box super-homes perched on these cliffs, but the latest project from the London and Lisbon-based studio De Rosee Sa has caught our eye for doing something entirely different.

Named The Cornwall Retreat, this sensational family home eschews the trend for sleek, sterile coastal modernism in favour of something far more tactile, earthy, and arguably, much cooler.

Designed for a family of avid surfers, the property is situated right on a cliff edge on the county’s north coast, offering front-row seats to the rolling ocean.

However, rather than dominating the skyline, the architects have masterfully broken the mass of the building into two gabled volumes that mimic the humble agricultural barns native to the area. It is a masterclass in camouflage and context.

The material palette is the star of the show here; a rich, textural mix of timber, clay render, stone, and tiles creates a home that feels like it has grown out of the landscape rather than landing upon it.

The design intention was explicitly to avoid anything “sleek or harsh,” and the result is a warm, inviting sanctuary that feels robust enough to handle a winter storm.

The cleverness of the design extends to how it interacts with the topography. Taking advantage of the site’s natural slope, the home features a partially subterranean base that is only visible from the sea-facing side.

This ensures that, from the street and neighbouring properties, the house maintains a modest, low profile, only revealing its full grandeur to the waves. For the serious wave-chaser, the lower ground floor is nothing short of a logistical dream. It houses three bedrooms and a dedicated wet room area designed specifically for changing out of wetsuits and storing surfboards.

The floor and walls here are clad in rugged terrazzo tiles made from recycled stone, capable of handling sand and saltwater. A paved pathway leads from an outdoor shower directly into this wet room, creating a seamless transition from the beach to the warmth of the home.

Move up to the ground floor, and you find the social heart of The Cornwall Retreat. A large living, dining, and kitchen space is loosely divided by a substantial shelving unit located where the two barn-like volumes intersect. The walls here are finished in unpainted clay render, emphasizing an uneven, natural appearance that catches the light beautifully.

This earthy backdrop is complemented by a stunning Portland stone fireplace, providing a focal point for cosy evenings when the weather turns. Large openings frame the sea views, including sliding windows with bench-like sills—perfect for a morning coffee checking the surf report—and glass doors that open onto a garden terrace.

The upper reaches of the house offer a lighter, airier atmosphere. A smaller first floor tucks two bedrooms into the roof void of the eastern volume.

Here, the walls are finished in white painted timber planks, and the timber ceilings throughout are left exposed and painted white, incorporating skylights that flood the space with natural coastal light.

It is a home that perfectly balances the heavy, grounding nature of stone and clay with the uplifting qualities of light and timber. De Rosee Sa has created not just a house, but a tactile, functional, and incredibly stylish base for a life spent by the sea.

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