A unique piece of Cornish property with literary history is set to change hands.
The one-room shed and accompanying land, once home to author Catrina Davies, will be auctioned on 25 March.
Commonly called “The Shop”, it carries a guide price between £80,000 and £100,000 and is attracting attention from collectors, fans, and anyone looking for a quirky coastal retreat.
A Shed with a Story
Davies’ 2019 memoir, Homesick, chronicled her life in this tiny space and highlighted the challenges of Cornwall’s housing market.
In 2013, when renting a cramped flat in Bristol with her family became unmanageable, Davies moved into the shed near Land’s End, a structure formerly owned by her father, who had used it as an architect’s office before his business collapsed during Black Wednesday in 1992.
Davies described her experience living there as magical: “I fell in love with living half outside, close to the rain and the moon and the stars,” she wrote on social media.
The shed features a mezzanine sleeping area, a multi-fuel burner, and open-plan living, with water and electricity connected.
Outside, there’s off-road parking, a garden, and a separate shower and toilet.
Moving On for Family
Life changes brought about a new chapter for Davies.
Having recently had a baby, she said the shed was too small for three people.
She relocated with her partner to a larger shed, planting her son’s placenta under an apple tree — a symbolic gesture marking a fresh start.
“I have to let my old shed go,” she shared, hoping it finds a new owner who will enjoy nature, running, swimming, and watching the swallows twist in the sky.
Auction Details and Potential Uses
The property is being sold freehold through Auction House, Cornwall.
Contracts will be exchanged immediately after the sale.
Katie Roberts, area manager at Auction House South West, noted that it would suit someone looking for a coastal retreat, holiday let, or creative hideaway.
Surfing enthusiasts, writers, or fans of Davies’ book might find it especially appealing.
Buying at Auction: What to Know
Purchasing property at auction can be cheaper than the open market, but it comes with complexities. Buyers should:
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Visit the property in person
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Research renovation costs and legal documents
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Consider overgrown gardens or required work
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Confirm whether a mortgage is possible for unusual properties
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Understand special conditions, such as potential additional fees
Auction properties often require a quick 28-day completion, so preparation is key.
Mortgages and Financing
For buyers needing a mortgage, acting early is essential.
Homeowners, first-time buyers, and buy-to-let landlords should explore options through brokers or online tools like L&C’s Mortgage Finder, which compares thousands of deals across 90+ lenders.
Fees, interest rates, and mortgage terms should be carefully considered to avoid surprises.
What’s Next
Interested buyers should attend the auction on 25 March, armed with research and financing plans.
Meanwhile, Catrina Davies has moved on to a larger home with her family, leaving behind a shed that encapsulates a personal story, literary history, and a unique slice of Cornwall’s charm.
Summary
Catrina Davies’ Cornish shed, immortalized in her memoir Homesick, is going under the hammer on 25 March with a guide price of £80,000–£100,000.
The property offers open-plan living, a mezzanine, utilities, garden, and off-road parking.
Now too small for her growing family, Davies hopes it will find a new owner who appreciates its coastal charm and literary history.
Buyers are advised to research auction properties carefully and consider financing options before bidding.
