A timber-clad retreat on Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula, Ukiyo combines Japanese-inspired calm, sustainable design and panoramic sea views
Interview Susie Atkinson | PHOTOGRAPHY uniquehomestays.com
High above Coverack Cove on Cornwall’s wild Lizard Peninsula, Ukiyo is a sleek two-storey wooden box of a house that appears to float above the Atlantic. Clad in Siberian larch that silvers in the salt air, it’s a striking reimagining of a once-dilapidated 1960s coastguard’s cottage.
Owner Simon Francis bought the tired property, complete with crazy paving and uPVC windows, after falling in love with its panoramic views over Chynhalls Point. ‘The position was what really attracted me,’ says Simon. ‘You can see both land and sea at once – it’s spectacular.’
A self-confessed design enthusiast, Simon was inspired by Grand Designs, particularly the minimalist Falmouth home built by designer Kathryn Tyler of Linea Studio. ‘She was one of the few to come in under budget,’ he says. ‘I loved her flair and practicality.’
That admiration led to collaboration, with Kathryn helping to transform the dated cottage into something quietly extraordinary. Together, they hired a team to strip away the clunky exterior, replacing it with horizontal cladding that blends seamlessly into the coastal landscape. The new, enlarged windows frame the sea like living paintings and the interior – a palette of linen, timber and concrete – draws the eye outward to the ever-changing ocean.
‘It was one of the most collaborative projects I’ve worked on,’ says Kathryn. ‘We kept the materials simple and honest – things that age gracefully and feel part of the coast rather than imposed on it.’
The result is a home that feels rooted yet contemporary – a Cornish bolthole that combines Japanese serenity with Scandinavian restraint, designed for slow living, salty air and year-round sea views.
Here, Simon tells us more about the build and how his vision and hard work have been rewarded.
How did you discover the site at Coverack?
We’d been looking for a coastal property for years – something that balanced wild natural beauty with architectural potential. When we found this place, perched above the bay, we knew instantly it was special. The previous owners had lived here for 35 years and done very little to it, so it was ripe for reimagining.
What drew you to this part of the coast?
Initially, it was the house and its position above the sea. It’s quieter here than in other parts of Cornwall, with a certain wildness that makes it unique. There is a real sense of community too – people look out for each other. I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Over time, Coverack has really captured our hearts.
How did the sea impact the build?
The sea and the salty air played a huge role. We had to choose materials that would stand up to the elements. The windows had to be fully ‘coastal living ready’. The Siberian larch cladding was perfect because it weathers beautifully; within months it had turned a soft silver that echoes the slate rooftops around us. We even took advice on planting – opting for hardy coastal species that can handle the full force of a south-westerly gale. Everything we chose had to work with the sea, not against it.
What was your vision for Ukiyo?
From the outset, the goal was to create a place that encouraged stillness and connection to the landscape, to each other and to yourself. Somewhere minimal and tactile, with an atmosphere of calm where the sea and sky could take centre stage. Every material, every texture was chosen to enhance that sense of peace.
‘Ukiyo’ is a beautiful name – why did you choose it?
Ukiyo means “the floating world” – a blissful detachment from everyday worries. It captures how you feel when you’re there.
What inspired the interiors?
They sit somewhere between Japanese wabi-sabi and Scandinavian minimalism – what people now call ‘Japandi’. We wanted the inside to feel timeless, with natural materials that age gracefully. The furniture is a mix of Scandinavian classics and Eastern European folk pieces. Kathryn and
I sourced much of it together, often second-hand. Many of the furnishings – from retro lighting to handmade ceramics – were chosen for simplicity.
Was it a challenging build?
A clifftop build brings its share of challenges! The exposure to the elements meant everything had to be thought through – from insulation to finishes. But the rewards outweighed the headaches. Every storm that came through seemed to bind the house more deeply to its surroundings. The larch has already silvered and the concrete floors and timber have softened with use. It feels lived in, weathered in the best way.
Do you have a favourite feature?
One of our favourite elements is the floating staircase. It adds a sculptural, almost meditative quality to the space. I also love the ash-clad bathtub by the window. You can soak in warm water while watching the waves crash below – it’s pure bliss.
What do you love to do by the sea?
Our main hobby is walking – there are so many stunning coastal trails right from the door. I’m a keen trail runner too, so it’s ideal for that. In summer, we kayak and paddleboard in the bay and one day we’d love to buy a little fishing boat. It’s all about being outside, connected to the rhythm of the sea.
How does it feel to stay here?
It’s about simplicity. Staying here strips away the noise of daily life.
You can’t help but slow down – to breathe, to notice. There’s a moment every evening when the sun drops into the sea and everything glows gold; that’s when we remember why we fell in love with this place. We plan to retire here, but right now it’s also a holiday let, so it’s lovely to be able to share this amazing place with others too.
Ukiyo sleeps four people, with a week’s stay costing from £2,495 – to book, visit uniquehomestays.com.
