insideKENT Magazine Issue 118 - February 2022 | Page 147

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THE DUNES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
THE DUNES IS A CONTEMPORARY BEACH HOUSE LOCATED WITHIN A MINUTE ’ S WALK FROM CAMBER SANDS GOLDEN BEACH THAT IS AVAILABLE FOR RENTAL VIA BLOOM STAYS . FOLLOWING AN EXTENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT BY PROJECT-OWNER DAN SMITH , THE BEACH HOUSE ’ S NEW OPEN-PLAN DESIGN IS PERFECT FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS WANTING TO ENJOY SOCIALLY COOKING , EATING AND RELAXING .
Why did you decide to undertake The Dunes project ?
Having undertaken a complete renovation of a Victorian property in Hackney some 12 years ago just ahead of the London Olympics , I ’ ve had the itch to do another project ever since . Initially I was looking for a windsurfing bolthole to store my gear and enable me to sail consecutive days without driving back and forth from London .
I first discovered Camber in two perspectives : as a fashion photographer I had shot there half-a-dozen times where I was able to draw upon the stunning vistas and natural surroundings , and as a windsurfer , Camber was ( and is still ) by far the best beach for waves in driving distance from my east London base . I also have two small children so there was the allure of family getaways by the sea , so naturally Camber was a perfect choice .
How was the location for your rental property chosen ?
We initially began by spending long weekends in and around the area as a family , really getting to know the location . We viewed countless properties in Rye , Icklesham and Camber to find the perfect combination of project and location .
First Avenue really stood out to us . Not only is it so quiet as it ' s off the main road and has no through traffic , it ' s actually a private sandy road so as soon as you pull into it you feel like you ' re on a beach . It ' s literally a minute or two walk to the beach , so at mid and low tide I can walk my windsurfing gear to the best spot on the beach . I can easily head to the Dunes for incredible photography shoots at the beach , and as it has become our family seaside bolthole we knew it would appeal to others looking for the same easy beachside experience .
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