Rainbow is undergoing a metamorphosis into a stunning 2 bedroomed, (sleeps 4), family and dog-friendly wonderful little gem in the dunes.
Rainbow has been lovingly rebuilt over the course of the last 12 months. So far we have completed the outside… turning our attention this winter to creating something equally special on the inside.
Outside Rainbow there is a small enclosed patio area, leading on to a lovely grassy bank with picnic bench. This whole area has been designed to provide a secluded, sheltered spot to enjoy a quiet evening, after a hard day adventuring and having fun together.
There is a picnic bench on the grassy area and there will be additional seats in the enclosed patio, to enjoy relaxing in the sun.
This winter, we will be completing the final part of the rebuild process, turning our intention to the inside. Nick is a meticulous craftsman and is looking forward to creating something a little bit special.
Internally, Rainbow is going to have two bedrooms. The Master bedroom will have a king-size bed and two lovely floor-to-ceiling windows looking South over the back grassy area. The second bedroom will have two single beds.
The main living area is going to have a comfortable sofa looking out through the sliding doors across the patio area. There will be a fully equipped kitchen area, complete with a dishwasher and washing machine. A separate small dining area will overlook the rear patio, for sharing special time together.
The main bathroom is going to have a large walk-in shower. We know how important it can be to have access to more than one toilet, so we are also including a separate cloakroom / 2nd toilet.
We will provide all bed linen and towels for all guests (although you may want to pack your own beach towels to take outside). You will also find other essentials such as an iron, ironing board, a hairdryer etc.
Of course, we will make sure we include the essential extra bits of kit such as the all-important “wetsuit washing trug” – essential for rinsing off wetsuits, muddy boots, dogs or children!
For those cooler months, there will be full underfloor heating and incredible quantities of insulation. Little Rainbow meets all new residential building regulations, and as such, will be warm, toasty and extremely environmentally friendly. With a roof full of solar panels and the very latest in heating technology, you will be assured of a warm cosy haven to return to after a wild winter walk.
Around Rainbow there is plenty of space for parking, or just for getting away from it all.
Wifi – Following feedback from our first guests we have now installed a Full Fibre Broadband connection.
The Story of the Rainbow Rebuild….
For those who might be interested in the story of the rebuild of Rainbow, we thought you might like to see a small selection of photos from winter 2023/24.
During what was one of the wettest and wildest winters on record, Nick managed the almost impossible. The conditions, the hours and the sheer grit and determination to keep going throughout some of the wildest weather astounded everyone who witnessed it. Myself and the boys visited Nick as often as we could, celebrating Christmas holidays with 2 weeks of digging sand, lifting, carrying, holding and generally and helping where we could. Horizontal rain, freezing storms and sand-blasted skin for weeks on end. 12-13 hour days, 7 days a week for 6 months, which just Christmas day off. It has been a period of insane challenge.
We are indebted to the help of some wonderful family, friends and neighbours along the way. With the support of so many, Nick has created something we are all phenomenally proud of. We have put so much thought into almost every aspect to make it a wonderful, cosy and comfortable base for you to enjoy a special break.
Here is a little photo gallery of the “Story of Rainbow”
Saying goodbye to the original Rainbow….
Working hard not to waste anything, we freecycled as much as we could. We estimated that Rainbow kept 5 or 6 local families warm through the winter. Guttering, roof tiles, cladding and windows were all freecycled.
Many hours of digging a very big sand pit!
Teens lending a hand through Christmas…
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…. enjoying a different type of family Christmas!
Lots of long and very windy nights…. turn on the volume for this one…
From a pile of wood, with a saw and a nail gun, something amazing started to grow.
Supporting Nick from the dry! Watching him work from the comfort of a cosy neighbouring chalet (our home from home for Christmas).
Unbelievably stressful weekend getting the steels into place. Each of the 5 steels had to be fixed within 1mm of accuracy in 3-dimensional directions. What looks to be so simple was literally two days of solid work.
Onwards and upwards…
So far it has been an incredible adventure. Utterly exhausting. Unifying and challenging as a family all at the same time. Nick is fulfilling a lifelong dream to create something beautiful from scratch. The boys have chipped in where they could. They have learnt so many life lessons along the way … about digging in, supporting the family unit through times of real challenge, and not moaning at having to give up normal family life for a couple of years. While I have juggled 2, sometimes 3 jobs at home, they have continued to pitch in – learning to cook, help with family household tasks, not moaning that holidays and pocket money have gone by the wayside, and generally helping out. Of course, alongside all that – they are fairly typical teenage boys (perhaps best to leave that one there)!
Nick has been back home over the summer, earning more pennies before heading back down in November to start the internal work.
Watch this space for more exciting photos of his progress.
We have put many hours of thought into every aspect of Rainbow. Overall, we really hope you love our little Rainbow as much as we do.
