Gorgeous Georgian cottage in the heart of quirky Deal, a stone's throw from the sea, shops and indie cafes (sleeps 6)
Space & setting.
Pack your beach towels and rise with the tide in Deal, one of Kent’s cutest towns. Just off Beach Street (yes, really) the Grade II-listed property’s marine-blue door opens to a serene bolthole away from the promenade, and inside you’ll find limewashed walls, bright splashes of colour and an uncluttered space carefully punctuated with contemporary design features including a David Ross dining table and a Pascal Mourgue chair. The art reflects Deal’s dreamiest elements – the sky, the water – with etchings by Lucy Hellberg, prints by Marcus Lee James and photography by Laura Meek.
The elements are best experienced first-hand though, and the cottage’s location is second to none. You can run from door to shore in less than a minute, be seated at one of Deal’s loveliest bars in less than 5, and a morning of shop-hopping between independently-run cafés and boutiques can all be done on foot. At one end of the beach is the pier, where you can get a lobster lunch at Deal Pier Kitchen, and at the other is Deal Castle, a flower-shaped fortress built by Henry VIII. In between, you’ll find the prettiest hand-painted fishing boats dotted along the seafront. Three bedrooms (a king, a double and a twin) make it ideal for families or friends, but off season it’s great value for a couple, too.
Getting here: train to Deal then walk (7 mins)
“We fell in love with Deal on a random lockdown ‘get out of London’ trip to the seaside. Tom is a chef and I am a landscape designer, so the combination of access to great food produce and inspiring landscapes were the draw cards for us. We love the unspoilt nature of the conservation area where our cottage is located. When we are there it feels like we have stepped back in time and that time itself has a different quality; slower, more relaxed and peaceful.” Owners, Miria and Tom
They love
“Dashing out the door for an early morning dip in the sea, then coming back to the cottage and relaxing in the leafy courtyard garden.”
We love
How very quiet it is; you rarely hear cars, just the chimes of the bells of St George’s Church.
You may not love
Only one toilet/bathroom and it’s on the first floor up a narrow spiral staircase. No parking but there are nearby car parks.
Sustainability.
Limewashed walls, low allergenic wool pillows and duvets, organic bed linen and eco cleaning products.
Surrounds.
- Early birds can catch the sunrise on the beach then head to the pier for a fry-up.
- On the corner of St George’s Road beneath a yellow-striped awning, Arno & Co is a deli with a cult-like following: Miria recommends the tins of Spanish crisps and a loaf of bread for a picnic.
- Hut55 has beach yoga, bike hire and maps of the area so you can stretch it out or cycle 15 minutes south to Kingsdown Beach, a quiet shingled stretch with great rock pooling.
- Have at least one dinner at The Rose; fantastic food, interesting cocktails.
- On Saturdays, Deal’s farmers’ market is the place to stock up on fresh, local produce and get a feel for the community.
- Walk along the white cliffs of Dover and visit South Foreland Lighthouse, where there are cream teas and kite-flying.
Specifics.
- Terraced cottage
- 3 bedrooms: 1 king, 1 double, 1 twin
- 1 bathroom with shower on first floor (no bath)
- Well-equipped kitchen including oven, hob and Halo coffee machine; basics provided
- Cosy lounge with Smart TV, books, boardgames and wood-burner (bring your own logs & kindling)
- Travel cot and high chair available on request
- Dog-friendly
- Private patio garden with Kamado Joe BBQ and seating
- Walk to shops, pubs and an award-winning butcher in under 5 mins
- Hire bikes locally
- No on-street parking outside the cottage but plenty of free parking nearby
- A local caretaker is available by phone should you need anything
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay apart from over Christmas/ New Year where a 7-night minimum applies.
- Remember to pack: beach towels
Book your stay.
Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!
30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.