KENTSTAYCATION
Coastal Cottages cont...
Driftwood Cottage, Sandgate; bloomstays. com
A seaside vacation spot in the enchanting village of Sandgate, Driftwood Cottage offers spacious, open-plan living for families and couples wanting to spend a weekend away on Kent’ s coastline. With French doors opening from the sitting room to the terrace, guests can bring the outdoors in and watch the boats sail by without even having to brave the cool sea air. With two bedrooms that sleep up to four guests in total, Driftwood cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, woodburning stove and TV, though guests will certainly want to explore the local area during their stay.
An underrated stretch of the Kent coastline, Sandgate boasts stunning views over the English Channel and a high street that’ s known as a vibrant hub for small businesses and antique shops. Visitors can also explore the town’ s plethora of independent coffee shops and restaurants, and for the literary-minded, there’ s an exhibition at the Sandgate Library dedicated to H. G. Wells, the English writer long considered the‘ father of science fiction’. A picturesque expanse of coastline with its very own Sandgate Castle constructed by Henry VIII, Sandgate is a hidden gem of historical charm that’ s sure to provide a blissful yet educational seaside stay.
Shoreline Beach House, Folkestone; bloomstays. com
A prestigious beachfront house with dramatic views of the Folkestone coast and plenty of unmissable adventures on its doorstep, Shoreline Beach House is an absolute pinnacle of seafront living in Kent. Fit with light and modern furnishings, plush bedding and Aesop beauty products, guests will find everything they could possibly need provided. From the roof-top terrace, colourful sunsets dance over the light of the English Channel, and the private rear terrace overlooks cliff-top scenery leading towards the North Downs. Beyond its beautifully curved balconies, Shoreline Beach House comes equipped with deck chairs for guests to enjoy on the beach itself, and the bottle of local bubbly provided in the welcome hamper is all the excuse you need to relish the coastal landscape on a special occasion.
Designed by award-winning architects ACME, the house is just a short walk from the Boardwalk promenade, Folkestone Harbour and the town’ s renowned Lower Leas Coastal Park. A perfect location for groups of friends or small families, guests can explore the Harbour Arm’ s street food stalls, exclusive seaside restaurants and artisanal marketplace, where a large outdoor screen shows free family films each Friday. Within the Creative Quarter, a plethora of independent shops and galleries await for those who want an artistic memento to remember their stay.
Channel View, Dungeness; bloomstays. com
Resting on the stunning shingle landscape of the Dungeness Nature Reserve, this holiday home boasts one of the most unique coastal views in Kent, with wide and unending skies that make visitors feel as if they are on the very edge of the world. Modern and minimalist in style, Channel View’ s open plan living area is a distinctly calming space, with large sliding picture windows that perfectly frame the beachside views. Featuring a cosy wood burner, fully equipped kitchen and spacious master bedroom, guests can also enjoy their very own private seating area in the shingle garden outside to truly immerse themselves in the mysterious surrounding landscape.
© Chris Davies
Located in an unspoilt area of the bay between Folkestone and Rye, there are plenty of adventures to be had in Dungeness, from wild nature walks to visiting The Old Lighthouse. Passing close by, guests can visit the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch railway for a day out exploring the local sights, then enjoy a delicious meal at The Pilot, a family-run pub and restaurant within the heart of the reserve. Just 10 miles away, the smuggler’ s town of Rye offers even more excitement, with boutique shops, cafes and locally loved restaurants that are well worth a visit.
Beach Sun Retreat, Dymchurch; beachsunretreat. com
For those planning a beachside getaway with friends this summer, Beach Sun Retreat is an excellent choice to celebrate any occasion on the Kent coastline. A truly unique property with access to a private beachfront and space for up to 15 guests across nine uniquely themed bedrooms, Beach Sun Retreat is an absolute must-visit. Across the stylish property, guests can indulge in their very own private cinema, gemstone sauna, firepit and Ibiza-themed lounge with a bar and DJ area. As featured on Channel 4’ s Four in a Bed, Beach Sun Retreat even has an indoor beach complete with real sunlight technology, sand and deckchairs.
In a prime location for group activities, Dymchurch is home to a collection of quaint cafes, lovely restaurants and beachside amusements. With a cosy and laid-back vibe The Coffee Lounge on Mill Road serves a selection of homemade bakes and savoury treats alongside popular coffee and frappes. Further afield along Hythe High Street, the Sunshine Meze, BBQ, Wine and Cocktail Bar serves up flavourful dishes in the open grill kitchen, bringing a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine to Kent.
CHANNEL VIEW
SHORELINE BEACH HOUSE
www. insidekent. co. uk • 91