CHRISTMASINKENT
If we wanted to cook we could . Old Chelsea has a kitchen separated only by a single step up from the sitting room , running open-plan against the back wall of the property . It is neatly fitted and includes a china sink , a cooker and all other kinds of amenities and utensils you might need to whip up a feast . On warmer days , you could eat this feast in the little ‘ garden ’ that sits outside the kitchen window . Accessible via the back door , this alfresco spot would also make a great little place for sunny breakfasts or a glass of wine before heading to town .
Opposite the door to the garden is the bathroom – yet another neat , compact attribute to Old Chelsea . I am surprised to see the bathroom conceals a large , gleaming rainfall shower ; a hot necessity after swimming in the sea .
Old Chelsea is stylishly decorated . It is full of a mixture of carefully chosen modern furniture with a few antique pieces – a colour scheme of calming pale blues to match both the front door and the ocean outside . A large sofa is great for snuggling in front of
the fire , as is the squashy armchair with token sheepskin thrown over the back . Built in the 1700s , the cottage is no less than charming when it comes to appearance inside : low doorways , plenty of beams on show and a steep wooden staircase that winds its way upstairs . Two enchanting bedrooms await us at the top , one with a sumptuous double bed and the other with a small double bed under a single bunk bed . Ever the generous host , I allow my friends to take the doubles and I opt for the single bunk . We all sleep well ( even me , having not slept in a bunk bed in forever ), agreeing so with much positivity in the morning , the cosiness of our sleep still embracing us inside this little sanctuary of ours .
I head out for cappuccinos and croissants . A lovely little coffee shop , Hope & Lane , is about three minutes walk away , so the croissants are still warm and the coffee strong . The morning mist unfurls , it conceals the sun and impending heat of the day , an orange glow hanging over the still sea . I feel as though I am aboard . It is a good start to my day . Walking back through Middle Street , coffees and pastries in hand , I catch a conversation : “ Is that another million-pound renovation ?” I hear a man with a morning newspaper tucked under his arm exclaim to a builder . They both laugh .
Middle Street is anything but non-inclusive , however . Instead , its persona has continually evolved into what it is now : the embodiment of sleek , stylish gentrification with a whole heap of sympathy and acknowledgement for an enthralling past carefully conserved through thoughtful restoration . Old Chelsea is the perfect example of this . Today , this cosy cottage is a heartwarming representation of Middle Street ’ s long-forged identity ; a meticulously mixed concoction of original features , history , style , modern comforts and cute cosiness . If , like me , you ’ re looking for your own sweet little slice of Middle Street , Old Chelsea might just be it .
Old Chelsea , Deal ; from £ 638 for seven nights . www . keeperscottages . co . uk / properties / old-chelsea-holiday-cottageto-rent-deal
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