insideKENT Magazine Issue 101 - September 2020 | Page 47

IN ASSOCIATION WITH
KENTSTAYCATION
A Stylish Staycation Retreat:
BOSUN COTTAGE, DEAL
BY SAMANTHA READY / PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY O’LEARY, DEAL HOLIDAY LETS
SITUATED MERE MINUTES FROM THE COBBLESTONE HISTORIC STREETS OF DEAL, AND
TUCKED AWAY AT THE FOOT OF THE CLIFFS ON KINGSDOWN BEACH, BOSUN COTTAGE
IS EVERYTHING YOU COULD WISH FOR IN A LITTLE SEASIDE RETREAT - AND MORE!
Typical of my luck, I was scheduled to check into Bosun Cottage on probably
the most miserable day of the summer, yet this little gem is enough to brighten
the most greyest of skies and bring utter joy to your day.
Whilst my expectations were high, knowing the painstaking attention to detail,
blood, sweat, and tears that owners Sarah & Mark Crichton (of Neptune
Canterbury fame) had put into their lockdown project (you can read more about
this over the page!), even the beautiful pictures do not do justice to this unpretentious
slice of luxury by the sea.
With pebbles crunching underfoot from the beachside coastal path, we arrived
at the bijou front garden situated in the middle of a clutch of fishermen's cottages.
There, twin benches are positioned to truly take in the wonder of uninterrupted
sea views, stunning sunsets and starlit Kentish nights. Quirky Dutch half
doors open to reveal a cosy, almost tardis-like, home-from-home that you’ll never
want to leave.
The cottage is the definition of sophisticated, laid back charm; a neutral palette
of soft pebble, pale blue and natural wood harness the colours on the doorstep;
whilst splashes of deep mustard and rich nautical stripes add a sense of on-trend,
luxe-comfort.
As expected there are some classic Neptune additions; beautiful sinks and vanity
units, cosy lambswool throws and simple yet stylish furniture; but then there are
the other touches... The welcome box of freshly baked cakes from local baker
Eat & Mess, the bright yellow hammock for lazy al-fresco evenings, the cupboard
bursting with books and games for nights whiled away in front of the wood
burner, the Sonos speaker and Nespresso machine for the gadget nerds, the cute
jute beach bag with fresh beach towels ready for a bracing sea dip, and in true
mi casa es su casa style, there is even an honesty bar. Bursting with awardwinning
Kentish tipples and more, simply pop the cork, sit back and relax glass
in hand, and watch the rolling waves;
just replace the bottle with one of your
own faves before you leave - genius!
Depending on your staycation goals
there is a practical kitchen; with gas
hob, stove, microwave, fridge, and
dishwasher (there’s even a washing
machine in the adjacent utility room!),
or you can take full advantage of the
local dining haunts; from the tastebud
zing of Soul Chef’s incredible
Jamaican jerk chicken, to the refined
French bistro plates at Frog and Scot;
or keep it closer to home with the
literally 30-second jaunt to the renown
Zetland Arms - staying here just keeps
getting better and better!
And then there is upstairs…
The second bedroom looks out onto
the quiet back garden and is ingenious
in its versatility; the oak grain bed can
be handily transformed from single,
to twin, to king size - depending on
your slumber needs; there is a perfectly
situated mini washroom, again in the
cottage's signature style; and then there
is the luxurious master bedroom.
Sumptuous king-size bed, gorgeous
bedside tables and original fireplace
aside, the pièce de résistance is framed
by the original sash windows -
gorgeous, uninterrupted views across
the beach, with the white cliffs on one
side and, on a clear day, the coastline
of France across the water - just
heaven.
What more perfect end to a staycation
day than being lulled to sleep by the
gentle sea breeze and sound of waves
lapping the pebble shore.
The only downside of Bosun Cottage?
Having to leave…
Bosun Cottage
South Road
Kingsdown
Deal
www.bosuncottage.com
bosun_cottage
bosuncottage
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