Former public toilet block in Wales transformed into a stunning seaside home

A former public toilet block in a seaside town in Wales that was transformed into a home during a long and costly renovation project is for sale.

The one-bedroom, one-bathroom property started out as a rundown council-owned toilet block in Barmouth, north-west Wales, before it was snapped up by the new owners after they spotted it while on holidays.

They reportedly shelled out just £33,000 (AU$65,500) for the Marine Parade property sight unseen, but any thoughts of a cheap and cheerful renovation soon went out the window. 

Instead, the project snowballed into an almost complete rebuild that reportedly cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Now, they are selling the home, which is directly opposite Barmouth beach and the Irish Sea, and have set an asking price of more than £295,000 (AU$586,000).

An online listing described the property as a “unique coastal retreat” that offers “exquisite views of the ocean.”

“Newly refurbished and built from the ground up with the best materials available,” the listing says. 

“Situated right on the tip of the Barmouth coast, this one-bedroom hideaway would be a perfect holiday home for anyone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.”

The property features a combined main living area and kitchen, and a bedroom with en suite.

A “skylight for stargazing and corner window with granite sills” are among the bedroom’s features.

The home is fitted with double-glazed windows and internal blinds.

The vendors, Elaine and Alan Taylor, told Wales Online they were strolling past the beach while on holiday when they spotted a For Sale sign outside the toilet block a decade ago.

They secured the council-owned property in 2015 after putting in a ‘blind bid’ – similar to an Australian expressions of interest campaign.

Their first memory of entering the building was the smell. 

After getting planning approval to begin the transformation in 2016, they were hit with the first of many delays.

Natural Resources Wales forced them to raise the floor by a metre to prevent flooding, which meant the roof had to be raised.

They threw out their plans and started again after giving up the idea of retaining the style of the original building in favour of something more modern. 

The building had to be dismantled by hand so as not to damage the foundation, which had to be retained.

All new plumbing and electricity was also required before the rebuild finally got under way, with the couple estimating they spent £260,000 (AU$516,000).

They said they would be sad to let the house go but it was time for someone else to enjoy their hard work.