The Little Black Shack

Beach nearby, sun loungers, beach towels
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Terrace/patio
Property grounds
5.0
Outstanding(34 Reviews)

Cottage in Pittwater Council

4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Internet / Wifi and more
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental

About this cottage rental

This original timber and sandstone fisherman's cottage on the waters edge of beautiful Mackerel Beach in Pittwater, has been lovingly restored into a secluded beach and bush hideaway and couple's retreat.

* 10 percent discount offered to returning guests

Perfectly positioned, the Little Black Shack's north east aspect lets you wake to the sunrise over Palm Beach headland and enjoy the sun all day long. The sea breeze keeps the shack cool during summer whilst the tree-lined ridge of Ku-ring-gai National Park behind, shelters it from the cold southerly winds during winter. With its rustic hand built sandstone open fireplace, comfy leather chairs, soft cowhide rugs and full-length window seat, the Little Black Shack is also a cosy winter cabin. There are 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.

Just metres from the water, every room features windows and French or barn doors opening out to uninterrupted views of Mackerel Beach, Pittwater, Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach and beyond.

The Little Black Shack is completely eco friendly. Windows, barn doors and French doors allow the sea breeze to circulate and cool the house in summer while the open sandstone fireplace warms the house during winter using firewood collected from fallen trees off the property. Rainwater is harvested for bathing and washing which is recycled to irrigate the main garden. The grounds also feature a small kitchen garden to provide you with fresh herbs. When it comes to the interiors, if we couldn't find it second hand, we made it by hand, from recycled, repurposed and found materials. Candles and oil lanterns are provided for alternative lighting.

The Space

The interior features recycled and hand made furniture with an eclectic mix of nautical antiques and collectables gathered from travels around the world and forages along the beach.

The lounge, dining and gourmet chefs kitchen are open plan. The lounge features a hand built sandstone fireplace and a floor to ceiling bookcase with an extensive library. A large flat screen TV for Blue-ray DVDs (no foxtel) and the latest Bose surround sound Wi-Fi stereo are hidden behind the doors of a rustic handmade cupboard with Bose speakers in the outdoor areas and Bose Wi-Fi systems in each bedroom. The window seat spanning the full length of the front of the lounge room is the perfect spot to relax with a good book, chill out with your own playlist, take a nap or gaze out of any one of the 6 windows overlooking the stunning beaches and bay.

Once you are here you will never want to leave - which is why the gourmet chef’s kitchen comes equipped with everything you need and a fully stocked pantry. You are also welcome to help yourself to the fresh herbs in the kitchen garden.

Concrete bench tops, wooden cupboards made from the original floorboards, a large farmhouse sink, commercial grade cookware, microwave, Ilve gas stove and electric oven are perfect for creating your favourite meals. Two French doors open off the kitchen/dining area onto a small covered balcony and bar area overlooking the water.

The original sandstone bathroom features a beautiful stone bath and a large copper shower with amazing water views.

The main bedroom has a generous king bed and access to a private lawn and garden. The rustic hand made bed has loads of comfy down pillows and is elevated to take full advantage of the water views! It is beautifully furnished with cowhide rug, antique cupboard and a chest of drawers. The second bedroom has a cosy queen bed, antique treasures and feature sandstone walls. It has its own private stone terrace overlooking the sea, shaded by a frangipani tree. Both beds have 100% linen sheets.

There is a large north facing sun deck at the front of the shack and a covered terrace and outdoor hand-built sandstone kitchen. Featuring a wood fired oven and charcoal BBQ/fireplace this space is perfect for all day alfresco living, dining, cooking and entertaining.

There is an outdoor shower set amongst the trees half way down the front steps leading to a secluded sandy beach at low tide. Here you can rinse off after swimming or shower under the stars on warm summer evenings. The cottage is surrounded by native coastal gardens and terraced grass level areas overlooking the water and shaded by huge 70 year old frangipani trees.

Activities

For the adventurous there are 2 kayaks, fishing rods and tackle, crab traps and snorkeling gear. There is also a beach umbrella supplied for shade. Relax in deck chairs on the sun decks, or a hammock terrace or shaded grass areas around the cottage. Dine and relax under the outdoor pergola on summer nights with meals prepared in the wood-fired oven or charcoal BBQ.

The surrounding National Park offers some incredible bush walks to secluded beaches, The Basin Lagoon, ancient Aboriginal carving sites and incredible lookouts. Or take a leisurely stroll along Mackerel Beach or through the valley behind it where you will find friendly locals (including wallabies and bush turkeys) and some original fibro beach cottages.

You can also hire your own tinny from Palm Beach to explore Pittwater's many coves and bays by water.

If you feel like heading back to the mainland, the old timber ferry, Myra, leaves on the hour and is just a 10-minute ride to Palm Beach wharf. From here you can make the trek up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, walk to Palm Beach, dine at the local restaurants, bars and cafes or browse the shops, galleries and Palm Beach markets (on set days). You can also head into Avalon village, just 5 minutes down the road by car. Here you can explore the many shops, restaurants and bars, visit the surf beach or take in a movie.

PLEASE NOTE:

* Unfortunately NO PETS allowed due to proximity of the shack to the national park.

* The Little Black Shack is available as a location for shoots - please contact us for a specific day rate for this purpose.

Amenities

Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly

Map of Pittwater Council

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Reviews

5.0
Outstanding(34 Reviews)
Summary of reviews
Guests rave about the stunning views, well-curated property, and thoughtful hosts. The experience is often described as paradise, a perfect escape, and a place like no other.
From real guest reviews summarized by AI
5.0
Jan 2024
We had the best time. Only wished we’d booked longer. Next time!
5.0
Jan 2023
I know Mackerel Beach quite well, and this property is a beautiful place to experience it from. If you want a secluded and homey place, this is for you. Ingrid and Jamie were very helpful and responsive, even over the holiday period. I highly recommend!
5.0
Mar 2022
Another wonderful visit
Another wonderful visit
This is our second visit to the Little Black Shack and once more it lived up to our highest expectations. This property is indeed paradise and an escape from the stresses of everyday life. I'd like to pay particular tribute to Ingrid and Jamie who went out of their way to make our stay happen under very difficult circumstances of flood and high tides. They went the extra mile to make sure we could get there in very challenging weather conditions and enjoy our stay to the max. Thank you once more Ingrid and Jamie.
5.0
Jan 2022
The Perfect Escape
The Perfect Escape
This is the perfect place to go if you want to get away from everything. As it's surrounded by stunning beaches and lots of bush walks, we found relaxing easy. The house is beautifully cared for and there are many thoughtful extras such as a full pantry, Aesop products and a kitchen garden for fresh herbs. The house is also set up to be sustainable so you know you're not only enjoying the area but taking care of it as well.
5.0
Nov 2021
Bliss
Bliss
Just as wonderful the second time. A place like no other,
5.0
Jun 2021
Finding Paradise
Finding Paradise
We stayed for a long weekend to celebrate my husbands birthday . We invited another couple to join us fir one night out of the three and it was absolutely what we had hoped and more . The cottage is divinely positioned , private and beautiful . The curation of art , books and curiosity made it the most intriguing , romantic and memorable experience . Despite torrential rain the covered outside pizza oven was fun and Ingrid provided everything we could’ve needed . Not being able to access Netflix or stream entertainment just made the weekend even more “ unplugged “ . We watched some DVDs and grabbed little walks between showers ! If a peaceful castaway experience is what you’re looking forward then LBS is totally perfect . One piece of advice , the cottage is across the beach and access is steep steps so don’t overpack !!! We ignored Ingrids advice and over packed ! Fearful of not having the right clothes or running out of clothes ! However , there’s no concierge - just a helpful wheelbarrow . One final tip , we bought the cater at home package from The Boathouse Catering pick up at Barranjoey House and for the four of us it was more than enough food and totally delicious ! Perfect for a celebratory dinner .
5.0
May 2021
Fantastic get away
Fantastic get away
Beautifully curated property - with incredible views. The hosts have thought of everything you need to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. I even managed to spot some dolphins and wallabies!
5.0
Apr 2021
Sublime
Sublime
A grounding place that’s good for the soul and where memories are created. Didn’t want to leave.

FAQs

How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Pittwater Council?

The average price for a rental in Pittwater Council is $733 per night. This rental is $112 above the average.

Is parking included with this cottage?

Parking is not specified as an available amenity at The Little Black Shack. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this cottage?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is The Little Black Shack pet friendly?

Unfortunately, this cottage is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

What amenities are available at The Little Black Shack?

We found 8 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, balcony or patio, and dishwasher.

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