La dernière avant la mer

Meadowland Romance: A Coastal Retreat in Brittany

This seaside shack’s Nordic-barn-inspired interior hides within its weathered wood exterior, a nod to Nantucket on Brittany’s wild, craggy coast. An attached home, with occasional duplex neighbors, the house has no vis à vis. With white and ebony paneling and a wood-burning stove at its center, the neat Breton getaway’s furnishings are upright and cheerful—a look combining clean-lined, contemporary pieces and vintage treasures sourced in the region. A mud room that would make Martha proud keeps the outdoors out, and picture windows mean the coastlands are always in view, even from bed. The galley kitchen is set with a simple farm table that opens onto stairstep decks all around. And though it's ideal for a couple, overflow sleeping is available in a steep mezzanine loft (not suitable for small children).

In lieu of a landscaped garden, the cottage stands in a grassy meadow, verdant and flowering, and crossed by a hidden creek cloaked in wild irises and rush.

Note: The home is attached, duplex style, to a neighboring property that is occasionally inhabited by discreet and respectful residents.

Around

This cottage is located in Cap Sizun, some eight kilometers from the classified site at Pointe du Raz. This is windswept, wild Finistère, land of secret beaches and tiny ports clinging to the craggy, cliff-backed coastline. South facing, the house overlooks the sea, and stands a quick stroll above a tiny harbor with a dike ideal for diving into the crisp Atlantic. The beautiful beach of St-Tugen is a pretty, 10-minute walk from the house, and the southern tip of Finistère is known for its quiet coves, secret sands and small ports. The port of Audierne is a quick drive or doable hike Aaway (7 km) as is the small medieval town of Pont-Croix (13 km). A small, scenic road leads from Pont-Croix through the Goyen Valley. A village of cobbled streets and stony steps,it is known for its terraced homes and flowering gardens at the head of the Goyen Estuary.

At high tide, the area becomes a coastal wetland alive with bird life and crossed by a coastal footpath for birdwatchers. The port of Douarnenez is 20 kilometers from the house, and offers multiple harbors and bustling quay sides as well as its namesake bay, known for fine sands, sardine fishing, and canning tradition. The marked Route of Sardines encircles the estuary and coast here, offering a glimpse into local history and folklore. The Isle Tristan is off the coast of Douarnenez and is believed to be the origin of the operatic story of Tristan and Isolde. Boats make the trip to the isle, and there are walks, gardens and beaches to explore there. Guided sailing outings are available from the town, and several beaches extend in either direction.

Location

Nearest airport: Brest (26 miles)

Best time to visit

April to September