This week at Travel Words Jude wonders if we have any quirky red subjects. So I thought it was time to reprise ‘Great Britain’s smallest house’, a piece of opportunistic infill building in a space between a cottage row, and the gatehouse tower of Conwy Castle in North Wales. This squeezed-in dwelling is said to have been created in the 16th century. Inside are two rooms, sitting room with bench cum coal store and fire-place downstairs, single bed up.
The overall height is just over 3 metres (122”) and 3 metres deep; width 1.8 metres (72”). It was lived in until 1900 when the then occupant, fisherman, Robert Jones, at 1.9 metres tall (75”) had to do much bending and folding in order to inhabit the space.
The house was declared Britain’s smallest in the 1920s though these days I think its claim to fame might well have been overtaken by many London dwellings, likewise made from opportunistic infill structures – garages, corridors and the like. The guide in the photos is wearing a version of traditional Welsh dress from around the 18th century when red capes and gowns (as well as the distinctive high-rise hats) were also apparently very popular with Celtic womankind.
Tish Farrell 
That is definitely unusual! You’ve got me wondering about a kitchen and bathroom now. Did you go inside?
Didn’t go in. The cooking must have been done on the fire. No mention of bathroom. It’s beside the harbour! The council condemned it for habitation in 1900.
Worth a reprise!
Would it have been so hard to make it a couple of feet taller?
That’s a good question!
That is living minimally.
Ahh the original tiny house. Sometimes I wonder if I could live in the tiny houses shown today. I always come up with the same answer. Not for long.
I agree. A home that small would truly be a challenge.
I remember when you first posted it! Where has the time gone?
”There’s a Red House over yonder, that’s where my baby stays.”
-Jimi Hendrix-.
Time does keep whizzing by, and no mistake.
Good ol’ Jimi. He knew how to party.
oh my!
Ah! I was stood right there two days before you posted this one, Tish. Curious little place, one for sleeping standing up, I think. But even so, only just! 🤣
Definitely a curious place. I see from your blog you have succumbed. Wishing you a speedy recovery. I took lots of liposomal vit C.
Tish, thank so ever so much. And thanks for the tip! Hope you’re keeping well!
Am fine, thanks. Lots of gardening at the allotment is good for most things 🙂