From Commode to Abode: A Decade of Renovation Turns Public Bathroom into Dream Beach House

A Couple’s Unique Journey

A creative couple turned a putrid public bathroom into their private beachfront sanctuary — and now they’re sniffing around for a new owner.

After a stinker of a renovation described by the adventurous pair as “a decade of stress,” they’ve listed the tarted-up toilets for $372,000.

The Renovation Process

Elaine and Alan Taylor snapped up the ramshackle restroom in Barmouth, Wales in 2015 via a blind bidding process, WalesOnline reported.

For their future retreat, they paid just $38,000 — not knowing they’d have to flush an estimated $328,000 down the drain to realize their dream of oceanfront living.

The Challenges

The Taylors were vacationing in Barmouth when they first saw the “for sale” sign on the disused piece of public property, they said.

“We thought that it would be amazing because of its proximity to the sand dunes and the sea, and what an opportunity to renovate something and improve the area, take something that’s unloved, unused and make it into something really nice,” Elaine Taylor told WalesOnline.

However, their labor of love for the lost loos began in earnest in 2016, after the couple got planning approval. Due to their proximity to a school, however, construction was paused until the following summer. From there, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong.

The Kitchen and Sitting Room

The kitchen offers a view of the seaside.

The sitting room.

The Bedroom and Bathroom

A cozy bedroom for a weekend getaway.

The property was turned from a derelict public restroom into a one-bathroom home.

The Unique Features

The property features granite countertops, underfloor heating, and a skylight for stargazing.

The Outcome

After a decade of stress, the Taylors’ hard work paid off, and the property was transformed into a well-appointed one-bedroom, one-bathroom home with views of the sea, sand, and sky.

Conclusion

Now, due to changing life circumstances, the Taylors have made the “tough decision” to sell the one-of-a-kind property. But they are eager to see it occupied and loved by new owners, they said.

FAQs

Q: How much did the couple pay for the property?
A: $38,000

Q: How much did the renovation cost?
A: Estimated $328,000

Q: What is the current asking price for the property?
A: $372,000

Q: Why are the Taylors selling the property?
A: Due to changing life circumstances