I have always lived very near the seaside and to be honest, I couldn't contemplate buying and living in a home unless it had a sea view, or very close to the sea. I might make an exception for a golf course view. Still, my dream has always been to retire to a home with a picture window overlooking the ocean, preferably a large bay window with a comfy armchair, where I can sit and watch the passing traffic on the sea when I am no longer able to get out.

I have bought, renovated and lived in several old fisherman's cottages over the years, and they are not your typical home. They have some unique perspectives, quaint pleasurable aspects, and some frustrating challenges. I do not think we need to tell you about the pleasures of living in a fisherman's cottage, but we aim to cover the challenges you will face when buying a seaside retreat and what to look out for when purchasing.

Your work is merely beginning once you purchase. Although thoroughly enjoyable to sit and watch the waters' activities, a fisherman's cottage will require constant attention and repair to keep it in perfect condition. We will tell you about the most important tasks you must keep on top of, the best time to do them and the best products to use.

Finally, you will need a few tips on living in a close, tight community. Many of the homes are almost on top of each other, sometimes with shared facilities. There are legal positions to consider. More importantly, there will be local knowledge and established, unspoken and unwritten rules and pecking orders that you would do well to tip-toe your way around until you learn the lie of the land.

If you dream of living in a fisherman's cottage, looking out to sea from the comfort of your armchair at the sizeable picturesque window, then this book is a must for you before you even start looking for your property.

I have always lived very near the seaside and to be honest, I couldn't contemplate buying and living in a home unless it had a sea view, or very close to the sea. I might make an exception for a golf course view. Still, my dream has always been to retire to a home with a picture window overlooking the ocean, preferably a large bay window with a comfy armchair, where I can sit and watch the passing traffic on the sea when I am no longer able to get out.

I have bought, renovated and lived in several old fisherman's cottages over the years, and they are not your typical home. They have some unique perspectives, quaint pleasurable aspects, and some frustrating challenges. I do not think we need to tell you about the pleasures of living in a fisherman's cottage, but we aim to cover the challenges you will face when buying a seaside retreat and what to look out for when purchasing.

Your work is merely beginning once you purchase. Although thoroughly enjoyable to sit and watch the waters' activities, a fisherman's cottage will require constant attention and repair to keep it in perfect condition. We will tell you about the most important tasks you must keep on top of, the best time to do them and the best products to use.

Finally, you will need a few tips on living in a close, tight community. Many of the homes are almost on top of each other, sometimes with shared facilities. There are legal positions to consider. More importantly, there will be local knowledge and established, unspoken and unwritten rules and pecking orders that you would do well to tip-toe your way around until you learn the lie of the land.

If you dream of living in a fisherman's cottage, looking out to sea from the comfort of your armchair at the sizeable picturesque window, then this book is a must for you before you even start looking for your property.