Bijou Welsh cottage is full of style and ease

Two miles of pristine empty sand stretch before a shimmering sunset sea.
The pristine sands of Fairbourne beachThe pristine sands of Fairbourne beach
The pristine sands of Fairbourne beach

Only a handful of people are dotted along the quiet beach, just the soughing of the waves and the occasional cry of a seagull breaking the peace.

It is our last night at Number 57 by the Sea, a newly refurbished holiday home in the village of Fairbourne on the Welsh coast.

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Built in 1974 and owned by the same family since, the cottage is a delight, with a fresh and quirky style centred around comfort and ease.

The rolling valleys of the Snowdonia National ParkThe rolling valleys of the Snowdonia National Park
The rolling valleys of the Snowdonia National Park

A bijou jewel, it is well appointed with a personal touch that is tangible in every room.

A clever blend of elegance and off-beat, the cottage is a trove of carefully considered comforts from the tasty treats on arrival to the easily navigable kitchen.

Inspired touches such as the bespoke wordsearch in the bathroom are combined with home comforts including furniture that has decades-long family history here.

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The two bedrooms are spacious and our teens give their seal of approval to the 'aesthetic' appeal.

The exterior of No 57The exterior of No 57
The exterior of No 57

A quick walk from the shop, chippy and train station, Number 57 by the Sea is also less than five minus from the beach.

Bustling Barmouth is visible just across the Mawddach Estuary and is accessible by road, ferry or on foot across the fabulous Barmouth bridge.

Set in the majestic Snowdonia National Park with the nearest hills just minutes away by car, there is a host of activities available for the adventurous.

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Fairbourne may not be here forever. Rising sea levels pose an ever-greater threat to a place designed as a holiday resort for English visitors over a century ago.

The stylish interior of No 57The stylish interior of No 57
The stylish interior of No 57

And while that is a melancholy thought, the overall atmosphere here is one of gentle village life. A quiet fortitude and, perhaps, a hope that this idyllic spot will retain its quiet charm come what may.

That hope is also present at Number 57, where the recent renovations have succeeded in creating a sanctuary that is both uplifting and soothing.

And as I stand on this empty, pristine beach, the waves washing over my feet as the sun sinks below the horizon, I am refreshed thanks to this much-needed dose of 'vitamin sea.'

For more information visit: www.pillowpartners.com/listings/number-57-by-the-sea or @number57bythesea on Instagram.

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