A tiny Gig Harbor cottage sits by the shore

Outside, shaded views of Hale Passage. Inside, a bright cozy cottage that makes great use of its tiny 528 square feet of space.

This one-bedroom, one-bathroom house in Gig Harbor could be just right for a minimalist with style. It may be small, but a bright paint scheme and white cabinets makes the space seem much larger.

The storage isn’t some trick of the light. There seem to be more kitchen cupboards than in much larger homes. A four-burner range is longer than usual, with enough room between the ranks of burners to fit in a cutting board. Seven knobs suggest a lot of options.

The pair of sliding barn-style doors in the bedroom is a fun and likely more recent touch. Check to see if they can both be open at the same time.

The traditional wood-burning fireplace seems appropriate for the 1965 build date of the house. No concession to size there.

From inside the living room, the most obvious draw is probably the view through the large window. This is a waterfront cottage, which helps drive the $429,500 price—that and the 0.42 acres that sit behind those 111 feet of shoreline.

Size, updates, and a cottage’s casual nature mean more time to spend enjoying private access to a beach and the water. Bigger boats may have to make a trip to the local launch, but kayaks can slip right into the water from the sand.

Or go back to basics and enjoy the tire swing that’s hanging from a mature madrona. (Some adjustment may be required.)

• 4206 4th St NW, Gig Harbor [JLS]