The Wendy House, Porthcurno
The Wendy House was built in the granite cliff face of Porthcurno in Cornwall during the 1920s.
This incredible piece of architecture was built in the granite cliff face of Porthcurno by Rowena Cade.
Rowena, born in 1893, was a talented artist and builder - and she built herself this unique house for herself and her mother.
It was constructed with locally sourced materials and offers breathtaking views of the beach.
Situated on a hillside overlooking Porthcurno Bay, it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Atlantic Ocean.
The house, which featured two windows to allow natural light to fill the interior spaces, was created using local granite.
Today, the Wendy House is currently boarded up and not open to the public.
It was closed years ago after it became deteriorated through vandalism.
Lewis Davies wrote on Facebook: "I can remember playing in there as a kid.
”Unfortunately it was a very popular space for people to use as a toilet by that time and absolutely stank!"
Visitors to Porthcurno can still admire the house from the outside and appreciate its unique architectural design and scenic location.
Famously, Rowena also built the nearby Minack Theatre with her bare hands (and the occasional stick of dynamite) to shape the theatre we see today.
She described how they cut up the rocks and manhandled them to make the first terraces on the steep cliff-side.
She said “My gardener, Billy Rawlings, and another Cornishman cut up [huge boulders] by hand, much as the English cut butter.
"A few slices fell into the [sea] as they split, followed by some good dialect expressions of regret.
”Most were handled into position inch by inch with bars, on the slippery slope where a careless step would have meant a ninety foot fall into the churning sea.”
Building the Minack took Rowena the rest of her life.
Most of the structures you see today are created from concrete mixed with sand from the beach, which she herself carried up the cliff in sacks.
Rowena continued working on her theatre well into her eighties.
She died in 1983, shortly before her ninetieth birthday.
A granite plaque half way down the theatre marks her achievement, but her true memorial is found in every stone and every vista.
Visitors to Porthcurno can still admire the house from the outside and appreciate its unique architectural design and scenic location.
Someone who recently visited the theatre said on TripAdvisor: “What can you say about this magical place . In the summer months , a must to see a play on a summers evening.
”In winter, just call in explore the theatre and its history. The cafe as had a refurbishment and looks wow!
”Highly recommend the sandwiches which are made of the best ingredients and wonderful bread. The staff and volunteers are so friendly and welcoming.”
Another person said: “Stunning views from an amazing outdoor theatre! Wasn't expecting to be blown away by this architectural wonder.
”Definitely must visit if travelling around the Penzence area.”
Flanked by rugged cliffs, with gorgeous white sands lapped by turquoise waves, Porthcurno makes for an oasis of stunning natural beauty.
With soft white sand, and a stream down one side that is great for children to paddle in, it's no wonder Porthcurno Beach is popular amongst families.
Porthcurno's south-facing direction and flanked by high headlands provides a natural shelter from the wind and weather, which gives the beach its own near-microclimate.
Though the conditions are often flat in the summer, winter's southwest swells can see a quality break for surfers and bodyboarders.
There's a number of breathtaking views to be discovered from the winding coastal paths found around Porthcurno.
Access to the South West Coast Path is provided just behind the beach.
From there, savour the beauty of the aquamarine water and sheer cliffs as you wander westwards to Porthgwarra, a reclusive cove, or head eastward to find yourself at Treryn Dinas, the iconic headland that features a promontory fort that dates back to the Iron Age.
If you enjoyed this blog post, please follow Exploring GB on Facebook for daily travel content and inspiration.
Don't forget to check out our latest blog posts below!
Thank you for visiting Exploring GB.
