Kokkolit

Surrounded by waving dune grass, hedge roses, wooden houses and fresh salty air, this H-shaped, single-storey concrete building is located in the Danish surfer’s paradise Klitmøller. The name Kokkolit, which might evoke images of a newly-discovered cosmic star or a trendy cocktail for anyone with little knowledge of stone, is actually the Danish word for coccoliths—tiny calcium carbonate platelets that single-celled algae produce and encase themselves in. And they’re what’s used to make the white concrete that this cleverly-designed vacation home is built of. Magnified 1000x, they also appear in the patterns on decorative elements throughout the house. Though its architecture may not be typical of the North Jutland region, it still blends in beautifully with its surroundings. The concrete and the soft green window frames and outdoor furniture reflect the colors of the rugged coastal landscape of the Danish North Sea. When they built the house, the hosts paid attention to every last detail from the ceiling lamp modeled on a Greenlandic kayak to the ceramic lamps with a jellyfish look (designed by an art-loving family member). There are plenty of creative ideas both inside and out,but the best thing about this vacation home is that a special spot was created for every special vacation moment. On the four terraces, there are sheltered corners everywhere for a cappuccino or gin and tonic in the sun. There is a mini-alcove in the house for reading or playing hide-and-seek. The four-meter-long, carved oak table, the centerpiece of the house, not only provides the perfect setting for convivial dining, but also for game nights and long conversations. But the feel-good Oscar goes to the XL leather couch, built into what the hosts call their “cigar box”. It’s great for a movie night with popcorn, but the crowning glory is the spectacle of nature viewed through the panoramic window.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• Natural materials such as oak, glass, and leather invite you to snuggle up inside; sheepskins on the seating provide additional coziness.
• Showers are truly an experience here. All three bathrooms have almost three-meter-high showers with colored walls that create a pleasantly warm light.
• The four double rooms have beds that look as if they are floating above the floor.
• Some of the sills on the round windows and skylights are filled with amber that the guests have collected themselves. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also motivates you to go treasure hunting yourself—tips for your search can be found on the house's website!
• The many windows (40 to be exact, we counted!), some circular, some floor-to-ceiling, which provide natural light and a lovely outdoor feeling. Cooking is also done under a large round skylight.
• Witness the fitness: the terrace offers the perhaps unique opportunity to lift self-made concrete weights—impress your friends, but don’t tell thim that they are much lighter than they look!
• The many native plants such as sea buckthorn and dune grass that grow around the terraces create a lively contrast to the cool concrete and also attract rare lizards that feel at right at home.
• Fancy a game of backgammon? There’s a board embedded directly into the floor in the outdoor area.
• The casual vibe that prevails in the fishing village with its 822 inhabitants. Good tips for fresh fish, home-baked bread, or the best coffee in the area are compiled on the in-house website.
• That you can march straight to the surfers' paradise “Cold Hawaii” with your board under your arm and plunge into the waves. The sea is just 300 meters away!
• Not in the surfing mood? Never mind. You can also explore the area by bike, pick berries and mushrooms, hike through Thy National Park, go horse riding, play golf, or go fishing.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The house sleeps 6 people, but can be extended with an extra room for up to 8 guests. It can be rented by the week, always from Saturday to Saturday.
• There’s a fireplace in the open kitchen, which is glazed on three sides and exudes cozy warmth on cool days.
• The house has a heat pump; rainwater is collected for flushing the toilets, the washing machine, and cleaning the windows.
• Kokkolit is a great spot for anyone seeking peace and quiet, but there is wifi throughout the house.
• Free parking spaces are available, please ask about campers or large vans before booking.
• As this is an allergy-friendly house, pets are unfortunately not allowed.
• The similarity between Hawaii and the North Sea coast may not be immediately apparent. But the wind conditions on the stretch of coast in Thy, which runs between Agger in the south and Hanstholm in the north, are indeed comparable, which is why it is ideal for surfing—it has 29 registered surf spots for different levels
• As everything here revolves around the perfect wave, the house can also be entered via the Surfer's Bathroom—in a wetsuit, of course—where you can remove sand and salt water before making yourself comfortable inside.
• Arrival by train and bus possible.