Inside the smallest house in great britain

Smallest House In Britain Gets Interior Makeover

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The Smallest House in Britain, located in Conwy, North Wales, has received a new addition to its living space for the first time in 400 years – a sofa.

As a Guinness Book of World Records holder, the property stands at 122 inches tall and just 72 inches wide, with just 1.5m squared of usable floor space.

Originally built as an infill property within a medieval row of cottages, the tiny red-fronted house has been passed down through the same family for more than 130 years. Previous owners included an elderly couple, the Edwards, and its last known occupant was a fisherman called Robert Jones, who, ironically, was 6ft 3 inches tall.

Great Britain's smallest house is currently owned by Jan Tyley and the property has been in her family for five generations. Her great-great-grandfather bought it in 1891 as a letting property. In 1900 the council deemed the property unsuitable for human habitation but luckily it was saved from demolition thanks to a campaign from the town, and was preserved as a tourist attraction.

The house, which welcomes over 55,000 visitors each year, contains just two rooms – one upstairs and one downstairs. There's just enough space for a fireplace, single bed, and a basin (there's no toilet).

Snug/Anthony Devlin

Manor Photography / Alamy Stock Photo

The property has never had a sofa in it – or much else for that matter. But Snug, the sofa-in-a-box company, wanted to back up their claim that their new sofa, The Small Biggie, can fit into the most awkward and smallest of spaces without compromising on comfort.

'The house is over 400 years old and is set up as it was when it was last lived in, in the 1900s, and as far as I know we've never had a sofa in there,' said owner Jan.

Snug/Anthony Devlin

Luckily, the loveseat-style sofa squeezed into the house by less than half an inch. Colourful finishing touches including dried flowers, a round jute rug, candles, cushions and photo frames completed the mini home makeover.

'We have people from all over the world coming to visit, and I'm delighted we can add another chapter to the house's story – the year the house got its first ever sofa,' added Jan.

Given the house's tiny dimensions, the sofa sadly won't be a permanent fixture. 'We have upwards of 50,000 people visiting every year and it's hard enough for them to move around as it is,' Jan told The Mirror.

Snug now plans to take on the rest of the nation's awkward stairwells, tiny hallways, and other small spaces with The Small Biggie sofa. If you have an awkward space in need of a sofa, challenge Snug to come and deliver one. For more info, visit snugsofa.com.

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Olivia Heath Executive Digital Editor, House Beautiful UK Olivia Heath is the Executive Digital Editor at House Beautiful UK, covering tomorrow's biggest interior design trends and revealing all the best tips, tricks and hacks to help you decorate your home like a pro.Week by week Olivia shares the most stylish high street buys to help you get the look for less, as well as writing about room renovations, small space living, decluttering, houseplants, garden ideas, and the hottest and most unique properties on the market.

Look Inside The Smallest House In Britain

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Did you know that the Smallest House in Britain is located in Conwy, North Wales?!

It’s a tiny abode of doll-size proportions that is now a tourist attraction visited by thousands each year. But, it didn’t start out this way.

If you can believe it, this teeny residence was built in the 16th-century and had tenants living inside for hundreds of years!

At just 6 x 10 feet, it’s minuscule but surprisingly practical. Here’s a complete guide with the history, how to visit, and a peek inside Britain’s smallest house!

Table of Contents

Where is the Smallest House in Britain?

The Smallest House in Great Britain is located in Conwy, which is a historic town in North Wales on the fringes of Snowdonia National Park.

This tiny residence is perched on Lower Gate State which overlooks a stunning harbour called Conwy Quay.

Traditionally, the houses in the area were occupied by local fishermen who would live and work on the water.

You will find it nestled in amongst a pretty row of terraced cottages. You can’t miss it as it’s painted in a gorgeous shade of red!

How big is the Smallest House in Great Britain?

“The Smalls” is often described as having dollhouse proportions as it’s just 72 inches wide (6 feet / 1.8 metres) and 122 inches tall (10 feet / 3 metres)!

Despite its size, it’s actually split into two floors. It’s barely big enough to fit one person in but apparently, the residence has had families living here.

Can you imagine trying to fit a whole family inside this teeny house barely big enough for a bed?!

The Smallest House in Britain, Conwy

When was the Smallest House in Britain built?

The tiny abode was built all the way back in the 16th-century. It was a tradition in medieval times to build houses on the city walls.

During the town’s developments, two rows of terraced cottages were built alongside the fortification walls closest to the harbour.

There was a row built from the north end of the quay and a row from the south. Eventually, the two rows met and there was a small gap that needed filling.

So, a dwelling was made inside this tiny space at a relatively low cost. Since then, the property was rented out to residents of Conwy as budget accommodation!

Cottages on Lower Gate Street!

The history of this teeny dwelling

Since its construction, many people have owned and rented this compact house!

The owners included an elderly couple, the Edwards, who lived here during the 1800s. Eventually, they sold the property to a Robert Jones who bought it for just £20 in 1891.

By complete coincidence, he rented this property to a fisherman also called Robert Jones who worked on the harbour. He was a local man that stood a mighty 6 foot 3 inches tall.

Apparently, Mr. Jones’ could barely move around the home and those who visited him would be forced to stand outside.

Eventually, the house became too cramped for him to live in and the council evicted him in the 1900s. They then deemed the property unsuitable for human habitation.

Many other small dwellings in the area were demolished but the town petitioned for this property to remain and funds were raised to protect it.

It was then transformed into a tourist attraction by Robert Jones’ descendants. It has since been confirmed as the Smallest House in Britain by the Guinness World of Records.

Who owns the Smallest House in Britain?

Although no one lives in the property today, it’s owned by Jan Tyley. She is a descendant of Robert Jones who was her great-great-grandfather!

The family has lovingly preserved the house and it’s like it has been frozen in time. It looks just like it would have done all those years ago when the tenant Robert Jones was living here.

Today, thousands of people visit this little house in Conwy each year.

You’ll often find one of the friendly staff outside wearing traditional Welsh costume like the Welsh Hat (Het Gymreig), bedgown dress, and red cape.

Apparently, the women run this business now after the sons in the bloodline lost interest!

How to visit Conwy’s Smallest House

The house is open daily from Easter – October and you can pop inside and take a quick tour for just £1!

As only one small group can head inside at a time, you may have to queue a while to go in. So, if you really wanted to visit, I’d get here earlier rather than later.

Outside the house, they have a lovely little souvenir stall with all sorts of Welsh bric-a-brac! I bought a cute magnet of the house that I paid for with my entrance fee as I went in.

What’s inside the Smallest House in Great Britain?

As soon as you step beyond the curtain, you’ll get to see just how adorably this tiny residence really is!

Inside the Smallest House in Britain, is a small room on the bottom floor. It has just enough space for a seat which also used to act as a coal bunker for the fireplace.

You’ll also see a teeny stove, with a table and some crockery placed on a shelf on the back wall. Back in those days, a tiny oil lantern used to light up the room which hangs over the fireplace.

This is how you get upstairs!

To get upstairs, you’ll have to climb up an extremely narrow staircase that doesn’t have any railings. So, watch your step.

I wasn’t quite tall enough to look over the plastic covering or the railings really but, from what I could see, the bedroom was adorable.

On the upper floor, there is just enough room for a single bed. Around the compact area, you’ll find a table with a washbasin, a small storage space, and some hooks to hang clothes.

This is the tiny bedroom!

I couldn’t believe that Robert Jones was 6 foot 3 and managed to live here. I’m only 5 foot and I felt that this house was claustrophobic!

They have done a really great job showing you what the cottage would have looked like when it was last lived in before the 1900s.

As you walk around, you’ll hear a small commentary of the history and notable features. You’ll also find some old photos of the house and a conveyance deed that is framed.

Your tour will only last around 5-10 minutes but it is SO worth paying for. I was so smitten with this wee house.

Incredible Smallest House in Britain facts

The smallest house in Britain is just 72 inches wide and 122 inches high!

The record for the smallest property has been verified by the Guinness World Book of Records. It happened after the owner of the North Wales Weekly News, Roger Dawson, toured the UK and examined all the self-proclaimed ‘smallest’ properties.

The property was bought in 1891 by Robert Jones from William Edwards for £20. He lived in the Custom House Terrace. By complete coincidence, the last tenant to live here had the same name Robert Jones and he was 6 foot 3!

The house used to be made of traditional stone but it has since had a makeover and stands out in a vibrant Welsh dragon red

The Welsh name for this house in Cymraeg is Y Tŷ Lleiaf ym Mhrydain Fawr

The tiny house was originally made as an infill property within the medieval row of cottages on the harbour. Since then, the cottages to the left of the house have been demolished

The deed to the smallest house!

Conwy’s Smallest House location

The Smallest House in Great Britain can be found along Conwy Quay in the town harbour.

If you’re heading in from the main Berry Street, make a turn down High Street and you’ll end up walking through one of the ancient gates to the town.

When you walk through you’ll find yourself on Conwy Quay and you’ll see the historic Liverpool Arms pub on your left.

Conwy Quay

Make a right and walk down alongside the harbour and you’ll find the Smallest House on Lower Gate Street.

It’s easy to spot as it’s a bright red house sitting underneath a huge fortification tower with ‘Smallest House’ painted above it.

It’s also joined by a fabulous row of white timber frame cottages. Although not as small, these are very tiny dwellings that have residents living in them today!

The address is The Smallest House, c/o 11 Lower Gate Street, Conwy, LL32 8BE

Click the map for a Google pin!

Opening times and prices

You can visit Britain’s smallest house from Easter to October any time from 10 am to 4 pm each day. It’s also open 10 am – 6 pm during the school summer holidays.

If the weather is particularly bad and raining, they may decide to close early as their staff has to stand outside!

Tickets cost £1 per adult and 50p per child. You can pay for this with a contactless card machine.

Looking for more things to do in Conwy?

The Smallest House is just one attraction in the incredible historic town of Conwy in North Wales.

After your visit, you can explore the rest of Conwy Quay with its ancient pubs and buildings surrounded by the old city walls. Take a stroll along the harbour and look out at all the fishing boats!

There’s also a fabulous award-winning Welsh dairy stand Parisella’s here serving up amazing ice cream!

I would highly recommend booking tickets to see the dramatic Conwy Castle that you can see towering over the town built by Edward I in 1283. It’s massive and, from here, you get spectacular views of the town, Conwy Suspension Bridge, and beyond.

You could take a stroll along the Conwy town walls which used to be the ancient fortifications of the city.

There is also Plas Mawr, Aberconwy House, some sandy beaches and plenty of cafés to enjoy a coffee or bite to eat!

Conwy is just a few miles from the spectacular Snowdonia National Park which is full of natural beauty!

Conwy Castle

Save the Smallest House in Britain for later!

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The smallest house in the UK (photo story): solomatin — LiveJournal

1. The smallest house is located on the Conwy embankment. Now it houses a museum. So how is the museum? For a few pounds, you can stand in line and take a look at what's inside for a few minutes. The queue is visible even from the height of the city's fortress wall:

2. This shot clearly shows how it fits into the architecture of the embankment:

3. The house was inhabited from the 16th to the 19th century and has two floors:

4. As already mentioned, its width of 1.8 meters is a little short of the span of my ~~wings~~ hands:

5. His last guest was a fisherman Robert Jones, about 2 meters tall, which was a little cramped there. As a result, Robert moved to another house, and the city council declared this house unfit for habitation:

6. The house has two floors. You saw the first one, here is the transition to the second one:

7. In the mirror you can see how much effort this shot cost me, by the way, Robert and I are about the same height:

8. There is a small bed on the second floor:

9. And a fireplace!!!!

10. It is worth adding that in the 19th century a family of 8 (!) ~~gnomes~~ people lived in it:

11. This is the smallest house in Great Britain, Wales, the town of Conwy:

That's all! In the next part, we will walk along the city fortress wall.

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Smallest house in Great Britain

Address: 10 Lower Gate St, Conwy LL32 8BE, Wales
Phone: +44 01492 573965
Website: www. thesmallesthouse.co.uk
Admission fee: adults - $1.3, children - $0.5
Opening hours: from March to October, daily 10:00-16:00

The town of Conwy on the north coast of Wales has a population of only 100,000 and two main attractions - the majestic medieval castle of Conwy and the smallest house in the UK.

History

Poor inhabitants of the city (then village) needed cheap housing. They did not have the opportunity to build it themselves, so they usually looked for a rented house or room for themselves. Then the owner of the cottages on the embankment came up with a tricky move to earn some extra money by renting out housing - there was a small space between two closely standing houses, to which he attached a roof and an outer wall. This is how the closet house turned out. It would seem - who will rent such a tiny room? Meanwhile, in the house for 200 years, constantly someone lived. And although it is cramped even for one, but history assures that for some time even couples lived there. The last occupant of the house was a fisherman Robert Jones height 1.9m. At first he somehow coped, but over time he realized that he could no longer live in such conditions, and in 1900 he moved out. No new residents were found, and the city council declared the house uninhabitable and subject to demolition. But this was opposed by the townspeople, accustomed for many years to a pretty tiny house on the river bank. Something had to be done about this, and then the landlord persuaded the editor of the local newspaper The North Wales Weekly News, Roger Dawson, to ride around the UK, telling the British about a small house in the town of Conwy, that in the whole country it is so unique, unique and deserves in order to look at it. In parallel, an application was made to register the record, and the house was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest house in the UK. This status had to be “worked out”, so the house became a local landmark.

What does the house look like?

If you've ever hit your head on a lintel or door frame, you know it's no fun. Now imagine poor, nearly 2m Robert Jones living in a 3.05m x 1.8m house. Bumps on his forehead must have become a daily occurrence for him. In fact, he could not even stand up to his full height in his dwelling, only sit or lie down. And if guests came to him, they could not go inside - there was not enough space, and Robert had to communicate with them through the threshold. The door of the house is painted red - such a bright spot that attracts tourists.

The house does not actually have its own walls - on the right it rests on the neighboring house, on the left - on the remnant of the wall from the demolished building. Its back wall is part of the city tower, which, by the way, has a bad effect on the condition of the house, increasing the humidity in it. Despite its tiny size, the building consists of two floors: on the first - a living room with an open fireplace, a cabinet for storing coal, historical paintings on the walls and other utensils, on the second - a bedroom, almost the entire area of which is occupied by a bed.