Boho-Chic Bolthole On The Beach - Mariner's Cottage, Deal

Kent. Sleeps up to 4

Summary:
With panoramic views across a meadow to the White Cliffs and over the Channel to France, this traditional fisherman’s cottage has stood on Kingsdown’s shingle beach since 1848. The sea, cliffs and sky bestow a constantly changing canvas.

As dawn breaks the sunrise colours the White Cliffs powder pink, and on a clear day you can see Cap Gris Nez on the distant coastline of of the Cote d’Opale. At night, the ferries lit up like gin palaces, glide silently across the horizon.

The Space:
Revelling in the glorious seclusion of Kingsdown beach, replete with unique coastal flora and fauna, Mariner’s Cottage sits amidst painterly surroundings, overlooking a verdant meadow with tree-clad clifftops on one side and a breathtaking view over the Channel to France on the other.

The colour palette throughout the cottage is a myriad of ocean pastels. Fizzy sherbet on sunny days thanks to a generous bay window overlooking the sea, floating stairs and large French mirrors which allow light to flood the downstairs with bursts of coastal colour, and two sets of French doors opening onto an evergreen garden.

On stormy days the tones are warm and comforting complemented by plenty of cozy cushions, Persian rugs and the soft glow of a New England wood burner.

The interior has an eclectic allure all its own: with ships-in-bottles, conch shells and fisherman’s floats, masthead lanterns and oil paintings reflected in the gilded mirrors. A slouchy sofa and comfortable armchairs covered in tasteful linens, a storm lantern on the dining table, an imposing brass porthole mirror on the wall and painted wooden floors all add to the Bohemian chic.

Kitchen
The retro galley kitchen with windows running the length of the counter is warm, bright and well equipped, with hob cooker, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine and freezer. Enjoy breakfast for two at the cafe table next to stained glass French doors looking onto the garden.


Bedroom 1
Take the open stairs to the first floor for unrivalled panoramic sea views. The styling is hand printed wooden floors, greens and marine blues. There are two good-sized windows to open as stripy cotton curtains herald the morning’s salty sea breeze. At night the moon-lit view of the sea from the French bed is magical, the soft sound of breaking waves hypnotic.

Bedroom 2
Located on the second floor is the cosy crow’s nest sleeper complete with double bed, marine charts, sea chest and skylights to starry nights and fresh morning sun. Ship-shape and compact - it’s perfect for a chapter before bedtime of Desert Island, Hornblower or The Old Man and the Sea.

Bathrooms
After a refreshing dip in the sea or bracing cliff top walk treat yourself to a soothing soak in a Victorian roll-top bath. There are touches of the not-so distant continent here too as French mirrors and a wrought iron cafe table stylishly frame the space.

Or if you just fancy a quick freshen up, there’s a downstairs shower with washbasin and loo.

The Gardens
Sit by the olive trees on the patio in front of the cottage with a chilled glass of rose and luxuriate in the tranquil and un-spoilt vista of flower-decked meadow, chalk white cliffs and the constant motion of the sea.

Or step through French doors from either the sitting room or the kitchen into the sun-trap rear garden, complete with mature mediterranean yucca and olive trees. Enjoy a woozy afternoon snooze beneath a beach umbrella or wrap up warm and count the stars on crystal clear nights. Immerse yourself in barnacled portholes recovered from the Goodwin Sands, lobster pots washed up by stormy Winter seas, a ship’s wheel and Harry the mannequin half-hidden by the ivy.

On the Doorstep
Golfing at Walmer and Kingsdown’s cliff-top course, swimming, rock pooling, prawning, beachcombing, kite flying, and fishing are all on the doorstep. The village shops are just 400 yards away and the Zetland Arms, offering local ales and a varied menu featuring fresh local produce, is at the end of the road.

Enjoy a bracing walk across the cliffs to St Margaret’s Bay and on to the South Foreland lighthouse, with its choice of teas and homemade cakes. In the opposite direction take a stroll along the Saxon shoreline, past castles and fishing boats to Deal and its award-winning High Street with a mix of shops, cafés, bric-a-bracs, restaurants and a Saturday market.

Further Afield
Go ‘seal spotting’ by riverboat from medieval Sandwich, listen to the world-renowned choir at Canterbury Cathedral, or visit Churchill’s underground war-rooms at Dover Castle. Check out the Spitfire and Hurricane fighters at Manston’s wartime museum on the way to Broadstairs beach, where you can watch Punch & Judy over candy-floss and take a Donkey ride.

You can even sail over to France for the day from Dover (fifteen minutes away) and browse the stalls in Boulogne market, marvel at the choice of delicious patisseries and window-shop on Le Touquet’s fashionable high street before stocking up with excellent wines at reasonable prices. (Always book the day before for a discounted fare).

Please note, though we're happy to welcome children, the central stairs are open on one side and therefore young children must be supervised at all times.

Amenities
- Ruark 4 Integrated Hi-Fi System
- Wi-Fi Fibre broadband
- Satellite TV
- Marine books library
- Popular films DVD library
- Upright Freezer
- Shower-room
- Teak Garden Benches, Table + 4 Chairs, Parasol, and Teak Lounger

Guest Access:
Guest have full use of the house and garden.

Other Things to Note:
Please note: Security deposit amount is £150. Whilst we expect some wear and tear, if there is any serious damage that we cannot easily rectify, it will be necessary to apply charges. Should there be any charges against your security deposit this will be fully explained to you.

Airbnb:
For Airbnb bookings, in line with Airbnb’s terms “guests will only be charged if a Host requests to collect on their security deposit. Depending on what was damaged, the amount the Host requests may or may not be the same as the security deposit.”

Other booking channels:
For bookings not made via Airbnb, a security deposit will be requested before your stay.

Located in Deal, this vacation home is on the beach. Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club and Deal Pier are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Deal Maritime and Local History Museum and Dover Patrol Memorial. The Pines Garden and Pencester Gardens are also worth visiting.