This original timber and sandstone fisherman's cottage on the waters edge of beautiful Mackerel Beach in Pittwater, has been lovingly restored into a secluded beach and bush hideaway and couple's retreat.

* 10 percent discount offered to returning guests

Perfectly positioned, the Little Black Shack's north east aspect lets you wake to the sunrise over Palm Beach headland and enjoy the sun all day long. The sea breeze keeps the shack cool during summer whilst the tree-lined ridge of Ku-ring-gai National Park behind, shelters it from the cold southerly winds during winter. With its rustic hand built sandstone open fireplace, comfy leather chairs, soft cowhide rugs and full-length window seat, the Little Black Shack is also a cosy winter cabin. There are 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.

Just metres from the water, every room features windows and French or barn doors opening out to uninterrupted views of Mackerel Beach, Pittwater, Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach and beyond.

The Little Black Shack is completely eco friendly. Windows, barn doors and French doors allow the sea breeze to circulate and cool the house in summer while the open sandstone fireplace warms the house during winter using firewood collected from fallen trees off the property. Rainwater is harvested for bathing and washing which is recycled to irrigate the main garden. The grounds also feature a small kitchen garden to provide you with fresh herbs. When it comes to the interiors, if we couldn't find it second hand, we made it by hand, from recycled, repurposed and found materials. Candles and oil lanterns are provided for alternative lighting.

The Space

The interior features recycled and hand made furniture with an eclectic mix of nautical antiques and collectables gathered from travels around the world and forages along the beach.

The lounge, dining and gourmet chefs kitchen are open plan. The lounge features a hand built sandstone fireplace and a floor to ceiling bookcase with an extensive library. A large flat screen TV for Blue-ray DVDs (no foxtel) and the latest Bose surround sound Wi-Fi stereo are hidden behind the doors of a rustic handmade cupboard with Bose speakers in the outdoor areas and Bose Wi-Fi systems in each bedroom. The window seat spanning the full length of the front of the lounge room is the perfect spot to relax with a good book, chill out with your own playlist, take a nap or gaze out of any one of the 6 windows overlooking the stunning beaches and bay.

Once you are here you will never want to leave - which is why the gourmet chef’s kitchen comes equipped with everything you need and a fully stocked pantry. You are also welcome to help yourself to the fresh herbs in the kitchen garden.

Concrete bench tops, wooden cupboards made from the original floorboards, a large farmhouse sink, commercial grade cookware, microwave, Ilve gas stove and electric oven are perfect for creating your favourite meals. Two French doors open off the kitchen/dining area onto a small covered balcony and bar area overlooking the water.

The original sandstone bathroom features a beautiful stone bath and a large copper shower with amazing water views.

The main bedroom has a generous king bed and access to a private lawn and garden. The rustic hand made bed has loads of comfy down pillows and is elevated to take full advantage of the water views! It is beautifully furnished with cowhide rug, antique cupboard and a chest of drawers. The second bedroom has a cosy queen bed, antique treasures and feature sandstone walls. It has its own private stone terrace overlooking the sea, shaded by a frangipani tree. Both beds have 100% linen sheets.

There is a large north facing sun deck at the front of the shack and a covered terrace and outdoor hand-built sandstone kitchen. Featuring a wood fired oven and charcoal BBQ/fireplace this space is perfect for all day alfresco living, dining, cooking and entertaining.

There is an outdoor shower set amongst the trees half way down the front steps leading to a secluded sandy beach at low tide. Here you can rinse off after swimming or shower under the stars on warm summer evenings. The cottage is surrounded by native coastal gardens and terraced grass level areas overlooking the water and shaded by huge 70 year old frangipani trees.

Activities

For the adventurous there are 2 kayaks, fishing rods and tackle, crab traps and snorkeling gear. There is also a beach umbrella supplied for shade. Relax in deck chairs on the sun decks, or a hammock terrace or shaded grass areas around the cottage. Dine and relax under the outdoor pergola on summer nights with meals prepared in the wood-fired oven or charcoal BBQ.

The surrounding National Park offers some incredible bush walks to secluded beaches, The Basin Lagoon, ancient Aboriginal carving sites and incredible lookouts. Or take a leisurely stroll along Mackerel Beach or through the valley behind it where you will find friendly locals (including wallabies and bush turkeys) and some original fibro beach cottages.

You can also hire your own tinny from Palm Beach to explore Pittwater's many coves and bays by water.

If you feel like heading back to the mainland, the old timber ferry, Myra, leaves on the hour and is just a 10-minute ride to Palm Beach wharf. From here you can make the trek up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, walk to Palm Beach, dine at the local restaurants, bars and cafes or browse the shops, galleries and Palm Beach markets (on set days). You can also head into Avalon village, just 5 minutes down the road by car. Here you can explore the many shops, restaurants and bars, visit the surf beach or take in a movie.

PLEASE NOTE:

* Unfortunately NO PETS allowed due to proximity of the shack to the national park.

* The Little Black Shack is available as a location for shoots - please contact us for a specific day rate for this purpose.