A tiny house in the picturesque medieval town of Conwy, Wales, known as the Quay House is believed to be the smallest house in Britain. The 3.05 meter by 1.8 meter (10 feet by 6 feet) structure was used as a residence from the 16th century until 1900.
The Last Tenant
Looking at the houses in the street it seems that house building started at both ends of the street, and when the workers reached the middle there was a small gap which was filled with a small house.
The last tenant, Mr Robert Jones, who was 6 ft 3 inch tall (1.9 meters), lived in the house for fifteen years. The rooms were too small for him to stand up in fully and since there was no room for a toilet within the walls he was eventually forced to move out when the council declared the house unfit for human habitation in 1900. The house is still owned by his descendants. Some time later the houses numbered 1-9 (to the left of the smallest house) were demolished.
Today the red house nearby the Conwy Castle walls is a popular tourism attraction that deserves its place in the Guinness Book of Records. A very pleasant lady in traditional Welsh costume welcomes the visitors and provides all information about the house. There are also some mementos and very interesting guide books about the house and Conwy for sale.
The upstairs is so minute that there is room only for one bed and a bedside cabinet. Visitors can't walk about on the 2nd floor, but can view it from the step ladder. There is just about enough room for one stove, a water tap, a bedside cabinet and a bed.
Traveling to Conwy
If you are travelling by train, it is important to know that Conwy is a request stop. It is necessary to inform the guard on the train that you want to get off at Conwy station. If you are catching a train at Conwy, you will need to raise your arm to get the drivers attention.
Conwy is situated on the banks of the River Conwy in Conwy County, North Wales. The magnificent Edwardian Castle and town walls of Conwy are a World Heritage Site and after a visit to the town you will understand why they have been chosen for this award.
The castle itself is one of the most impressive examples of mediaeval military architecture and offers spectacular views of both the estuary and the mountains of Snowdonia. Visitors can also walk along the town walls between Uppergate Street and Berry Street. The circuit of walls, over three quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the World.