The Little Black Shack

This original timber and sandstone fisherman's cottage on the water's edge of beautiful Mackerel Beach in Pittwater, has been lovingly restored into a secluded beach and bush hideaway and couple's retreat. The space 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 box seat, The Little Black Shack is also a cosy winter cabin. 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 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 chef’s 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, and the latest Bose surround sound Wi-Fi stereo are hidden behind the doors of a rustic handmade cupboard. 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. The kitchen features concrete bench tops, wooden cupboards made from the original floorboards, a large farmhouse sink, commercial grade cookware, microwave, Ilve gas stove and electric oven, perfect for creating your favourite meals. Two French doors open from the kitchen/dining area onto a small covered balcony and bar area overlooking the water. 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 can also help yourself to the fresh herbs in the kitchen garden. The original sandstone bathroom features a beautiful black 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! The room is beautifully furnished with cowhide rug, antique cupboard and a chest of drawers and the bedding is 100% linen. The second bedroom has a comfy queen bed with sandstone feature walls and antique furniture. It has its own private stone terrace overlooking the sea, shaded by a frangipani tree. 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 Frangipani trees. 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. Guest access Guests of the Little Black Shack have access to the entire property. Guests are welcome to use the 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 and terrace or in a hammock under the shade of the old Frangipani trees around the cottage. Dine under the outdoor pergola on summer nights with meals prepared in the wood-fired oven or on the charcoal BBQ. Other things to note There are no shops on Mackerel Beach so we encourage you to bring your own food supplies. We do offer a fully stocked gourmet pantry for all the basics and a herb garden to pick herbs of your choice. Please note due to recent beach erosion, the part of the access at the end of the beach is currently made more difficult by higher tides and on rare occasions large swells. We will coordinate your check in and check out times around the most accessible (low) tides and notify you at the time of booking. Please note you will need to be flexible with this. Thankyou! Registration Details PID-STRA-8939