Cornwall's metals have been mined since Roman times, and the dramatic landscape owes much to the extraction of tin, copper and Gold. In the 19th Century, local boy Richard Trevithick developed the massive steam Beam Engines that allowed deep mines to be dug without flooding. These had to be housed in tall thin buildings called Engine Houses, the ruins of which punctuate the Cornish countryside.
The Grade II Listed Engine House in Porthtowan is one of only a handful that have been converted to residential use, and of these, the only one actually on a beach! This makes it completely unique, and a fabulous way of enjoying both the heritage and natural wonders of Cornwall together. Conversion and maintenance is always a challenge with these industrial buildings - no cavity walls or double glazing, but we hope you will embrace the quirkiness that makes it so special to us.