An immaculately restored old lighthouse keeper's cottage, with wildflower gardens and sea views (sleeps 4)
Space & setting.
The stark, desolate beauty of Dungeness, with its shingle landscape, weatherbeaten huts and shipwrecked fishing boats, is an almost surreal sight in Kent. As Britain’s only desert and a migration hotspot for swallows, swifts and martins, it possesses a otherworldly allure and is dotted with architectural gems, including filmmaker Derek Jarman’s black and yellow Prospect Cottage.
Nestled at the foot of the Old Lighthouse, this Grade-II listed cottage (one of a pair) was once home to a lighthouse keeper, and has been beautifully renovated to blend period charm with modern comforts and unbeatable views of the sea and surrounding nature reserve. The palette of whitewashed walls and buttercup-coloured cabinetry ancreates an overarching sense of calm — juxtaposed by exposed brickwork — and simple interiors allow a fresh, organic feel. A sheepskin rug drapes over a chair, while a vintage wooden dining table and fabulous logburners set the stage for cosy evenings cooking delicious meals then playing Scrabble. Rustic ceramic jugs, herbarium prints and well-thumbed Penguin Classics adorn the shelves, and the 2 bedrooms have wrought-iron beds adorned in heavy woollen blankets to envelop you if storms roll up the Channel. Outside, the sunny courtyard surrounded by wildflowers is a glorious spot to perch with a pot of coffee and the Sunday papers, and you’re by the beach for long walks, pebble skimming and seafood lunches at the infamous Fish Shack.
Getting here: train to Rye, then taxi (30 mins)
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Surrounds.
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Dungeness © Zoltan Tasi via Unsplash -
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Mermaid Street, Rye -
Dungeness -
Romney Marsh, Kent -
Dungeness by NShepherdphotography
- Climb to the top of the Old Lighthouse for panoramic views of the vast Dungeness landscape and the RSPB nature reserve.
- Tuck into scallop rolls and crab flatbreads at the Fish Shack, just a 15-minute walk from the cottage.
- Visit Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage, a striking black-and-yellow Victorian fisherman’s hut that has inspired artists and gardeners for decades.
- Twitchers will love it here: the unusual habitats support over 240 species of birds, and in spring and autumn the Dungeness skies are alive with migrating swallows, swifts and martins.
- Take a mini road trip through the marshes, stopping off to visit some of England’s prettiest churches and villages which scatter the landscape.
- Further afield, stroll along the sandy dunes of Greatstone or Camber Beach, perfect for kite flying, swimming, building sandcastles and generally soaking up the sun.
- Head to the historic cobbled streets of Rye, known for its dining scene and eclectic vintage and interior shops, which draw a creative crowd at the weekend.
- Taste biodynamic English wines at Tillingham Vineyard, and have a long lunch in their excellent restaurant.
Specifics.
- Detached cottage
- 2 bedrooms: 1 double + 1 twin/super-king
- Bathroom with shower over tub
- Fully equipped kitchen including dishwasher and washing machine/dryer; basics provided
- Lounge warmed by a woodburner
- Cot and high chair available on request
- Open gardens with table and chairs; path leading to sunny courtyard area with seating
- The owner lives in the adjacent Roundhouse; available by phone
- Walk to local pub and Fish Hut (5-15 mins)
- Hire bikes locally
- Parking for 1 car
- 1 large dog or 2 small dogs welcome (extra cost, see FAQs)
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay. Please note a security deposit of £500 is payable directly to the owner.
- Remember to pack: sun cream, layers for the windy weather, kites, swimmers, beach towels
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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.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
Yes, one large dog or 2 small dogs are welcome for an additional cost of £30 per pet per week (or part of). Please note the garden is not secure.
In: 3pm / Out: 10am.
Yes. Your card will be pre-authorised, but no amount will be charged. This hold will be released 7 days after your stay, assuming no charges are accrued beyond reasonable wear & tear. Please let the owner know asap if anything gets damaged.
It will be emailed to you 7 days prior to stay.
