Cob Cottage - Interview with Alexis Borsboom
The First Legal Mud House In British Columbia Canada.
In the enchanting southern Gulf Islands of Canada, nestled on Mayne Island, lies a unique and idyllic retreat that has captured the hearts of travellers far and wide. The Cob Cottage, a masterpiece of sustainable architecture and the first fully legal mud house in British Columbia, has been named Airbnb’s most wished-for property in the country. This earthy abode, lovingly constructed by Alexis Borsboom and her husband Manny with guidance from mentors Pat Henneberry and Tracy Calvert of Cobworks and The Cob Cottage Company, is a testament to the beauty of traditional building techniques and the strong environmental ethos behind its creation.
The cottage itself is a cozy sanctuary designed for two, featuring one bedroom, a comfortable living space, and a quaint bathroom, all crafted with local and sustainable materials. The construction process involved shaping lumps of wet clay, straw, and sand into walls by hand, a method that fosters not only a deep connection with the materials but also encourages meaningful conversations and collaborations among those involved in the building process. Alexis cherishes the communal spirit of constructing the cottage, highlighting the joy of creating a space together with family and friends.
Built in 1999, the Cob Cottage stands as a beacon of sustainable living, boasting traditional manure plaster walls strengthened by undigested cow fibres and a novel rainwater management system inspired by Japanese architecture. The durability of cob construction is evident, with Alexis noting that, given a solid foundation and roof, a cob house can last up to 800 years, embodying a harmonious balance between permanence and the natural cycle of return to the earth.
Inside, the cottage reveals thoughtful design choices that prioritize eco-friendly living and aesthetic harmony. The bathroom features a lime and olive oil plaster shower that has withstood the test of time, while the living room offers a welcoming space for relaxation and socializing. The challenge of maintaining a cob building has taught Alexis and her husband valuable lessons in long-term care and the importance of planning, especially for integrating plumbing, electricity, and storage solutions seamlessly into the cob walls.
The commitment to sustainability extends beyond the construction materials to include a “cold closet” for food storage, minimising the need for conventional refrigeration, and custom-built woodwork that complements the organic curves of the cob structure. The upper loft bedroom, accessible by cantilevered slab stairs, provides a serene sleeping area, warmed in winter by a strategically placed fireplace.
Beyond its physical beauty, the Cob Cottage is a living embodiment of Alexis and her husband’s dedication to low-impact living and their hope to inspire others to explore earthen building techniques. With its popularity soaring, the cottage is booked well in advance, a testament to its appeal as a peaceful retreat and an example of sustainable architecture.
Guests of the Cob Cottage are invited to immerse themselves in the tranquillity of Mayne Island, from its rural charm to its proximity to organic farms and beautiful beaches. The hosts, residing in a neighbouring house, offer insights and assistance to ensure a memorable stay, emphasising the value of car-free travel with options for community bus service and an official hitchhiking system to explore the island’s natural beauty.
The story of the Cob Cottage is one of passion, community, and environmental stewardship, offering a glimpse into the potential of traditional building methods to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply connected to the earth and its sustainability.
So, what lessons can we as hosts draw from this fabulous and unique Airbnb?
- Sustainability Draws Guests: The Cob Cottage has thrived on Airbnb, in part, because of its commitment to sustainability. In an era where travellers are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, offering accommodations that prioritize eco-friendly practices can significantly boost your listing’s appeal.
- Uniqueness Sells: The distinctive nature of a cob house, with its hand-sculpted walls and natural materials, sets it apart from conventional accommodations. Embracing unique architectural styles or themes can make your listing stand out and become a “wish-listed” destination on platforms like Airbnb.
- Community and Collaboration Enhance Value: Alexis highlights the joy of building the cottage with family and friends, emphasizing the community spirit. Creating a space with a story of collaboration and communal effort can resonate deeply with guests, adding intangible value to their stay.
- Plan for Maintenance and Longevity: The importance of planning for maintenance and integrating essential elements like plumbing and electrical systems from the start can’t be underestimated. Hosts should consider the long-term care of their property, choosing durable materials and designs that minimise future hassle.
- Embrace Local and Recycled Materials: The Cob Cottage showcases the beauty of using local and recycled materials not only for sustainability but also for crafting a unique aesthetic. Hosts can explore local resources to add character and reduce costs in their accommodations.
- Innovate Within Your Space: The design solutions in the Cob Cottage, like the “cold closet” and custom woodwork for the uneven walls, show that innovation within your space can solve common problems in eco-friendly ways. Thinking creatively about your space can lead to practical and charming features that guests love.
- Share Your Passion: Alexis and her husband’s passion for natural building and sustainability is a key part of their success. Hosts should share their passions and the story behind their property, as this can inspire guests and create a deeper, more meaningful experience.
- Prepare for Success: The Cob Cottage’s popularity means it’s booked months in advance. Success can come quickly, so it’s important for hosts to be prepared for demand, ensuring they have the systems and support in place to manage bookings, inquiries, and upkeep efficiently.
- Engage with Your Community: Offering advice, engaging in local sustainability efforts, and being open to guest interactions can enrich the hosting experience and contribute positively to your local area.
- Promote Low-Impact Living: Demonstrating how guests can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable stay while minimising their environmental impact can be a unique selling point. Small details, like the Cob Cottage’s water conservation measures, can make a big difference in appealing to eco-conscious travellers.
By focusing on these key areas, hosts can create unforgettable experiences for their guests, potentially leading to a highly desirable and successful listing.
Resources on building an earth house:
https://www.themudhome.com/start-here.html
All images courtesy of Airbnb
