luxury houses for sale Canterbury, United Kingdom (page 2)

Built in 2020, ‘Loft House’ was designed by Carl Turner of Turner.Works.Its sleek black powder coated steel exterior echoes the iconic fishing huts of the Kent coastline, whilst inside it embodies contemporary elegance. Nestled in a tranquil private estate a short distance from the sea front, the house features a shingle front garden augmented with raised beds full of sea grasses and palms. The driveway can hold approximately four cars and a pathway curves around the property to the entrance on the West side. The hallway is full of natural light and leads to four large bedrooms, a shower room, bathroom and utility room with ample storage. There are polished concrete floors with underfloor heating throughout. These are fed by an air source heat pump which ensures year-round comfort whilst being environmentally sustainable. The first floor is an impressive open plan living space with vaulted ceilings running the width and length of the house with large industrial sliding doors at each end. On the South side there is a vast sitting room with a Morsø Panther wood-burner. Adjacent to this is a spacious study flooded with natural light from a skylight window. To the North End there is an expansive kitchen with a polished stone island facing a dining area with fitted seating. Off this kitchen there is a terrace with a spiral cast iron staircase taking you down to the garden which exudes tranquility - a relaxing and secluded private oasis.Whitstable's high street is full of independent restaurants, cafés and boutiques which are bustling and vibrant all year round. The Sportsman, widely regarded as one of the UK's finest gastropubs having held a Michelin star since 2008 is a 5 minute drive. The area boasts excellent schooling options and convenient access to rail links to London St Pancras (High Speed) and London Victoria.https://youtu.be/daa4FJ5zFiw?si=JbJYLQMOQNerqQ6Y

'Seasong' is a contemporary and stylish executive beach house. There are 7 bedrooms 5 bathrooms and a grand double height open plan reception room spanning the width of the house overlooking the sea. 'Seasong' boasts a unique secluded position on the beach front on the popular Tankerton Beach with direct access from the back gate onto a short pathway down to the beach. 'Seasong' is spread over three floors. On entering through the front door you can see right through to the sea passed the double height kitchen area that leads out onto the gardens. With a snug to the right hand side with fireplace and wood burner and double Crittall style doors that lead through to the seating area in the kitchen. The open plan kitchen leads you through to a vast utility room with bespoke cabinetry for storage. There is also a further storage room, a useful separate study and guest WC. The first floor has four double bedrooms with sea views one with an ensuite. There is a smaller room with a view over the Castle and a good size family bathroom. The third floor boasts a central terrace with far reaching sea views over 'The Street' and out to the windmills and beyond. The double doors leading out to the terrace let in light and a delightful sea breeze. Both bedrooms over the third floor have ensuite bathrooms and sea views. Access to the beach is via the garden onto a short pathway taking you straight to the sea. The front of Seasong overlooks Whitstable Castle and is also yards from Tankerton Slopes which are cliff-top lawns that roll gently towards the sea and provide excellent views of ‘The Street ‘-a naturally formed spit of land that extends into the sea and can be walked on at low tide.The landscaped garden is terraced over three levels with multiple seating areas patios, and parts laid to lawn. Whitstable is a vibrant and desirable seaside town frequented by visitors form London with many deciding to reside full time. Tankerton high street is set back from the beach is a small high street filled with shops, cafes, and Ossie’s, a reliably delicious fish and chip shop. The popular Jo Jo’s meze bar is a short stroll from the house. The cliff-top lawns of Tankerton Slopes roll gently towards the sea and provide excellent views of ‘The Street’, a naturally formed spit of land that extends into the sea and can be walked on at low tide. These shingle slopes support a population of the rare Fisher’s estuarine moth, Gortyna borelii lunata, and as such have been designated a Special Area of Conservation. Colourful and highly covetable beach huts nestle at the base of the slopes, one of which was transported and transformed in Tracy Emin’s 2000 work ‘The Last Thing I Said to You was Don’t leave me here’. Tankerton’s Blue Flag beach is deservedly popular in summer but happily avoids the crowds of this stretch of coast. Whitstable high street is a short walk along the promenade and offers an impressive mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, wonderful historic architecture and a thriving cultural scene. With its own Biennale, a wealth of independent businesses, and easy access to London, the area supports a diverse community enjoying a vibrant life on the coast. Whitstable is historically famed for its oysters. The epicurean tradition has continued locally with the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival and at Wheelers Oyster Bar, Oyster Co., and Stephen Harris’ Michelin-starred The Sportsman. Other dining options within a half-hour drive include The Fordwich Arms, The Pig at Bridge Place, and The Goods Shed in Canterbury, all driven by local produce. Local train lines provide excellent transport connections; Whitstable Station is a 15 minute walk away with direct trains to London St Pancras and London Victoria in under 90 minutes. To the south, Canterbury is accessible by bus or a 20-minute drive, whilst Margate is 30 minutes and Dover is 45 minutes by car. The M2 and the M20 connect to central London in 60 miles and take around 1 hour 40 minutes.https://youtu.be/VIBYVomfO4s

If a beautifully updated and elegant Victorian residence is your idea of a delightful family home, then look no further than this delightful detached property on the outskirts of Herne Bay. While it has been sensitively refurbished by the current owner in the last few years, it still retains wonderful period features that give it a special character. Externally these include chimneystacks and roof finials, sash windows, bay windows with pitched roofs and barge boards, inset rose decorations, a front and rear veranda with Kent peg tiles, ornate edging and tiled flooring and a pitched roof access to the original front door. All these features create real kerb appeal, even before you cross the threshold and are enhanced even further by the impressive entrance with its wrought iron gates flanked by a pair of imposing pillars and a brick wall that surrounds two sides of the entire frontage and rear garden. The large area of hard standing provides plenty of space for parking numerous vehicles and leads to the integral garage and the front door. This opens into a porch and the charming inner front door with stained glass inserts and side panels and the spacious hall with engineered oak flooring that flows throughout the ground floor. It is at this stage that you can begin to appreciate all the wonderful internal period features this property has to offer including picture and dado rails, coved ceilings, pine doors and high skirtings, the original Victorian staircase with shallow treads, Pugin style floor tiles on the rear veranda and through to the garden room and fireplaces in many of the rooms. There is  a large and elegant open plan lounge/sitting area with a bay window, a charming stone surround fireplace with a log burner that makes an excellent focal point and a delightful stained glass door to the light and bright garden room. This is triple aspect with additional skylights and features the original mellow brick external wall, a woodburner and high stained glass windows, bi-fold doors to the rear terrace and Pugin style floor tiles as well as direct access to the rear veranda. The gorgeous kitchen/diner provides a wonderful mix of contemporary and period features with a beautifully sculptured coved ceiling, a modern range cooker, two attractive period dressers with matching shaker style kitchen units housing an integrated dishwasher and a vast central island/breakfast bar with trendy lights above and three bi-fold doors to the veranda. There is also an original marble surround fireplace with a log effect gas fire, a porthole style stained glass window and plenty of space for a dining table and chairs adjacent to the bay window. A door leads to a rear vestibule with attractive half height panelling and a door to the garden, a contemporary vanity wash basin and a separate toilet. There is also a large walk-in pantry with space for an American style fridge freezer and a utility room providing space and plumbing for laundry facilities and door access to the garage. This includes useful shelving and the original oak herringbone flooring so could be converted into additional living accommodation, subject to the necessary planning permissions. There is a large, partially boarded attic and off the galleried landing you will find a shower room, a family bathroom with original tiling, a stand-alone claw foot cast iron bath and an airing cupboard as well as a separate toilet and  five bedrooms including four doubles and a single. A large double has a box bay window and a cast iron fireplace with inset tiles while the main bedroom has a box bay window and an original fireplace.  It is adjacent to the partially vaulted single bedroom that makes an excellent dressing room but could be converted into ensuite facilities. One of the other bedrooms includes a fitted cupboard and views over the garden while the fourth double has an original fireplace. The large and delightful rear garden features a spacious block paved terrace with a shrub border and a paved patio dining area. Here you can listen to the tinkling of the water as it flows into the superb koi carp pond with its ‘beach hut’ style pump room. Most of the rest of the rear garden is laid to a large level lawn with a central stone feature and makes a great play area for kids. It leads to a bar/summerhouse at the end of the garden with backlit stained glass windows and a charming seating area. There is also a very large garden storage shed and a bark playground with space for a trampoline.

What the owner says: From the moment we first arrived at the private Oxenden Square, we knew this was a home that offered something truly special. Set within one of Herne Bay’s most desirable residential pockets, the property combines peaceful living with the unmistakable charm of the Kentish coastline, just moments from the seafront. The gentle sound of the waves, the fresh sea air and the ability to stroll to the beach within minutes have made everyday life here feel like a retreat. Spending time in this location has given us the perfect balance of tranquillity and convenience. The beach is within 250 metres, and short walk brings you to Herne Bay’s vibrant promenade, independent cafés, stylish eateries and the welcoming local shops that give the town its warm, community‑driven character. Whether it’s picking up fresh pastries in the morning, enjoying a relaxed lunch overlooking the water, or browsing the boutiques, everything feels wonderfully close at hand. For essentials, the area offers excellent local amenities, including supermarkets, pharmacies, leisure facilities and well‑regarded schools — all contributing to the ease and comfort of daily life. Travel connections have also been a major advantage. The nearby Herne Bay railway station provides direct links to Canterbury, Whitstable, and London, making commuting or weekend city trips effortless. Road connections via the A299 ensure smooth access across Kent and beyond, whether heading to the coast, countryside or major transport routes. What we have loved most about Oxenden Square is the lifestyle it offers — a peaceful, elegant home environment paired with the joy of seaside living and the practicality of excellent local services. It’s a place where mornings can begin with a walk along the shore, afternoons can be spent enjoying the town’s amenities, and evenings can be savoured in the comfort and privacy of a truly beautiful home.

What the owner says: From the moment we discovered Westcourt Lane, we knew it was somewhere special—a place where countryside tranquillity meets everyday convenience. Set within the charming village of Shepherdswell, our home enjoys a wonderfully peaceful position, surrounded by greenery and character, yet remains beautifully connected to the wider region. It’s the kind of location that offers the best of both worlds: a serene rural setting with all essential amenities just moments away. Shepherdswell itself has a warm, welcoming community, with a well‑stocked village shop, a friendly local pub, and a mainline railway station that has been invaluable for both commuting and leisure. From here, direct trains to London make travel effortless, while Dover, Canterbury, and the wider Kent coast are all within easy reach by road. For international travel, the proximity to Dover’s ferry port and the Eurotunnel at Folkestone has made European getaways remarkably simple. Families are particularly well served in this area. Shepherdswell benefits from a highly regarded primary school, and the surrounding villages and towns offer an excellent choice of secondary schools, grammar schools, and independent options. The abundance of countryside walks, cycle routes, and open spaces has made it a wonderful environment for children to grow up in, and for adults to unwind in after a busy day.

This has been a wonderful family home for the past 10 years and we have taken great pride in refurbishing the place to provide everything needed for modern day living, while still retaining the period ambience of the property. However we are starting a new  chapter in our lives and hope new owners will enjoy everything we have done to create this unique home in a very special village location The historic village of Eastry lies on the Roman Road between Dover and Richborough. It is a friendly place with the Five Bells country pub, a convenience store, two hairdressers and a beauty therapy centre as well as a pharmacy and post office. The village hall is regularly used by many local organisations, including the local theatre company, the Horticultural Society and health and fitness classes. The Eastry primary school is very good and nearby is the renowned Northbourne prep school while, for older children there is the well-respected Sir Roger Manwood grammar school in Sandwich with Canterbury, Thanet and Dover offering top class public schools as well as additional excellent grammar schools. If any family members are interested in equine activities there is the local Castle Stud providing training and livery services plus there are off road bridle paths and a riding shop in the village. While the White  Mill veterinary practice is only about three miles away. Although it has all the advantages of country living the property is not far from the medieval Cinque Port town of Sandwich with its mainline high speed train that can whisk you to St Pancras in under an hour and a half. Sandwich also includes a vast array of fascinating medieval properties, individual shops, restaurants and bars. Golfing enthusiasts can indulge their passion as Sandwich is the 'Mecca' for golf with the championship courses at Royal St Georges and Princes Golf Club, while water sport aficionados can join the Sandwich Bay Sailing and Motorboat Club or the Sandwich Bay Sailing and Water Ski club.

The Old Rectory offers over 2000 sq.ft of characterful and beautifully preserved accommodation which holds a wealth of history and is flourishing with period features; such as inglenook fireplaces, latch keys doors and exposed beams throughout.Alongside the main house, there is a charming self-contained guest annexe, as well as a spacious barn style first-floor apartment, which sits above the triple garage. Both these forms of ancillary accommodation produce a useful rental yield for the seller.The Old Rectory has been with one family for over 22 years and has been lovingly restored and sympathetically enhanced to an exceptional standard, affording a large family a modern lifestyle with excellent living space and communal areas. The reconfiguration of the main bedroom and recent addition of the stunning conservatory allows the layout to flow beautifully and complements the rest of the well-appointed accommodation.The front door opens into an entrance lobby which in turn opens into a boot room with a stylish cloakroom. This leads into an extensive kitchen/breakfast room, with high quality Amtico flooring and bespoke units which integrate modern appliances and a Rangemaster stove.An Aga is nestled within the chimney breast underneath a detailed and decorative bressummer, whilst the counter tops and breakfast bar have been finished with rich Brazilian marbled granite.To the left of the kitchen/breakfast room there is a useful utility and TV room, whilst to the right (and connected to the kitchen) there is a magnificent, double-glazed conservatory currently used as a dining room, with French doors to the garden.From here, the conservatory leads one to a cosy sitting room, with original quarry tiled flooring and an exposed brick inglenook fireplace which encompasses a wood burning stove.To the first floor, the galleried landing leads to a well-appointed family bathroom, with panelling and exposed beams; and four beautiful bedrooms, each with their own personality, defined by rich Farrow & Ball decor. The dual aspect principal bedroom has been tailored to offer a luxury bathroom and a highly practical personal dressing room, with floor to ceiling open wardrobes, shelves and drawers.OUTSIDE:The Old Rectory sits within a particularly secluded plot of 1.86 acres of magnificent, beautifully maintained gardens and grounds.The property is approached via a set of twin electronic gates, which open onto a sweeping driveway, providing extensive parking for numerous cars. This leads to a detached two storey triple garage/workshop which has been built in the style of a Kentish barn, with attractive weatherboarded elevations.Above the triple garage, there is a superb, first floor guest apartment. This comprises of one bedroom, with bathroom and open plan living area, whilst beneath this there is a triple garage, with an extensive amount of storage.There is another annexe to the far side of the garden, a self-contained one storey cottage with a double bedroom, bathroom, living area and separate kitchen.The grounds have been thoughtfully landscaped, with beautifully planted formal gardens, a small fruit orchard, a vegetable garden, a wild meadow and enchanting woodland. A gentle stream runs through the grounds and leads to a beautiful pond which sits central to the garden and attracts an abundance of wildlife including rare birds, hedgehogs, frogs, fishes, moorhens and ducks.There is a lovely seating area here which affords the most spectacular views. Adjacent to the house is a secluded sandstone patio, with ample space for outside entertaining, with a quirky outside toilet with thatched roof and shell walls.At the rear of the garden there is some enchanting woodland, which is the perfect spot for adventurous children to explore, there is still a tree top zip wire that could be reinstated for use.SITUATION:The Old Rectory is situated in a peaceful setting surrounded by beautiful farmland and some outstanding countryside. The peaceful and widespread hamlet of Luddenham is situated about two miles north of the bustling market town of Faversham. The hamlet is served by a good local primary school, and the Grade l Listed Church of St. Mary.The surrounding area has numerous footpaths and is ideal for those who enjoy rambling and the great outdoors. The creek side hamlet of Conyer (approx. three miles) has a good public house which serves hot food and there are an abundance of walks around the marina. Oare is within walking distance and also has a marina and two public houses, The Three Mariners and The Castle. Oare Marshes are an internationally important nature reserve and ideal for those who enjoy birdwatching as they play host to a variety of species of migrating birds.The nearby market town of Faversham has a wide range of high street shops and independent retailers which adorn its attractive high street and its bustling market square. The town also offers excellent leisure facilities with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a cinema, a large park and recreation ground, a museum and numerous pubs and restaurants. It has a good selection of primary schools and two secondary schools, one of which being the renowned Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School.Faversham has a mainline railway station with a regular service to London Victoria, Cannon Street and Charing Cross and a high speed rail link to London St. Pancras. The nearby M2 motorway gives excellent and fast access to London and the Cathedral City of Canterbury.AGENT'S NOTE:The property is Grade ll Listed and served by oil fired central heating and private drainage.Quote Reference: 578237

We were initially drawn to the location of this house, set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wolverton Hill in Alkham, Dover is one of East Kent’s most coveted rural addresses — a serene ribbon of countryside where rolling hills, ancient woodland, and sweeping valley views create an atmosphere of complete tranquillity. Properties here enjoy a rare blend of privacy, prestige, and proximity to the coast, making it a sanctuary for those seeking refined country living without sacrificing convenience. It is a stunning spot living at the bottom of the valley and there are beautiful secluded walks accessible directly opposite the house. It is also very good if you enjoy cycling and riding as there are bridle paths and an equestrian centre nearby We feel we have the best of both worlds here.  Enjoying peace and quiet in the wonderful countryside surrounded by a friendly village community, while 13 minutes down the road we can be on the beautiful beaches of Folkestone.  If we want a meal out we can stroll round to the Marquis of Granby while if you enjoy golf there is a number of club including Etchinghill Golf Club or the Walmer and Kingdown Club near Deal and for water sports and sailing there is the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club in Dover. The location is extremely convenient as it is only a short distance to the M20. If we needed to commute to London, we could be at Folkestone West station in five or six minutes for the high speed train to St Pancras, while it is simple to get to the Eurotunnel for the Continent. There are excellent private and grammar schools in Folkestone, Dover and Canterbury and the primary school in River has been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted. Shopping facilities are easily accessible in Whitfield as well as Folkestone and Dover.

This has been a wonderful holiday home for us for the past 10 years. There is nothing better than arriving here on a Friday evening after a busy week and being able to relax and enjoy the views. We are just across the road from steps down to the fantastic Blue Flag West Bay and in the summer months we spend as much time enjoying the beach as possible. During our time here we have update and extended the property to create the amazing home you see today, which is just ready for new owners to walk into and not have to do anything except install their furniture. We also designed it to be very low maintenance and is very much a ‘lock up and go’ house if you want it as a holiday home, but it can equally well be a very special permanent home for a large family revelling in the location. Westgate is a lovely seaside town and the station is within easy walking distance with the fast train to London taking just over an hour and a half. Westgate is also a very friendly community with a village like atmosphere. It has some charming and individual shops including a unique parade of individual canopied shops and cafes as well as an excellent and inexpensive cinema, a golf course and  some very good restaurants in the vicinity including the Michelin recommended Quince. The Blue Flag beaches at West Bay and St Mildreds are wonderful for walking the dogs in the winter and swimming in the summer and, if you enjoy cycling, there are a number of excellent routes including part or all of the 32 mile stretch of coastline from Ramsgate to Reculver via the Viking Coastal Trail. There are also two very good secondary schools in the area as well as a number of well-respected primary schools with grammar and private schools available in Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Canterbury. Road links are very good with access to the Thanet Way for Canterbury and London while, for more in depth retail therapy and entertainment, there is the Westwood Cross shopping centre with its plethora of high street stores and restaurants, casino and bingo hall.

A magnificent and imposing Georgian-style detached residence, designed and built in 2017 combining the finest materials and craftsmanship with meticulous attention to detail to create a masterpiece of modern architecture. The end result is almost 7,000 sq. ft. of elegant and luxuriously appointed accommodation, set over three floors and situated in one of Kents most prestigious coastal locations.Oriel House is set within the highly exclusive Sandwich Bay private estate, which commands a prime position, just moments from the beach and three highly regarded championship golf courses. It is an extremely desirable location, within easy reach of the main town centre and train station, with high-speed links to London.Externally, the front façade reflects a typical Georgian propertyperfectly symmetrical with exposed heritage brickwork and wooden-framed sliding sash windows, set on either side of the handsome front door. Internally, the finish is impeccable, with high ceilings dressed with intricate plaster cornicing, deep skirting boards sourced from Australia, and elegant marble fireplaces. These features complement the modern conveniences found within this extraordinary property, including luxury marble bathrooms, a handmade solid wood kitchen, Amtico flooring, and bespoke joinery.During the build, energy efficiency was thoughtfully considered, with zoned central heating, exceptional insulation, high-performance double glazing, and underfloor heating, ensuring a greener footprint and dramatically reduced energy bills.The central hallway boasts double-height ceilings, adorned with a glass chandelier and overlooked by the mezzanine first-floor landing. To the right, there is a formal dining room, whilst to the left, a pleasant drawing room features a gas-burning stove set within a marble fireplace.The main living area is to the rear of the house and enjoys direct access to the garden via an entire wall of bi-folding doors. Amtico flooring has been laid throughout in a stylish herringbone pattern, complementing the elegant deep skirting boards. The ceilings are particularly striking, with intricate cornicing and mood lighting set within the recesses.The kitchen is equipped with an impressive array of solid wood handmade units, with a range of integrated Miele appliances. The design is exceptional, with breakfast stations discreetly built into beautiful doors. The kitchen is further enhanced by a vast island/breakfast bar, illuminated by pendant lighting and topped with a rich marble work surface, incorporating a sink with a boiling water tap.A utility room further complements the space, providing ample room for laundry appliances. This, in turn, leads to the home gym and integral double garage.The ground floor accommodation is completed by a luxury water closet and an elegant study.A grand staircase rises to a galleried landing, which, in turn, leads to five double bedrooms (three of which have their own en-suites and dressing rooms). The principal bedroom, with a walk-in dressing room, features French doors with lovely views of the garden. The luxury en-suite bathroom comprises a striking freestanding bathtub, a double shower enclosure, and twin basins set within a marble countertop.On the second floor, there is a superb home cinema room, fully fitted with a Dolby Atmos sound system. The remainder of this floor is entirely versatile, offering a further bedroom, a shower room and living space, ideal for an au pair or relative requiring independence.OUTSIDE:Oriel House occupies an immaculate plot with beautifully landscaped gardens and an extensive block paved driveway which leads to an integral double garage. To the front of the house, box hedging neatly borders the lawn, whilst the pathway sweeps around to the front door. A gated driveway runs along the side of the house providing additional parking and leading to the large outbuilding.To the rear of the property, a neatly laid patio leads out to raised decking, which frames the swim spa/jacuzzi. The rest of the garden is mainly laid to lawn, with topiary hedging built into attractive borders created by wooden sleepers.At the far end of the garden, a large, well-appointed outbuilding with bi-folding doors offers multiple potential uses (STPC), including a home office or luxury car garage. It could also potentially be converted into a self-contained annexe, subject to the necessary planning consent.AGENT'S NOTE: The council tax band is G and the EPC rating is band B. There is an annual residents charge of £248 for the security and upkeep of the communal areas within the Sandwich Bay Estate.SITUATION:Oriel House is situated in the prestigious privately owned Sandwich Bay Estate, an exclusive private estate which enjoys a highly exclusive location, just moments from the beach and two world class golf courses.The charming and historic Cinque Port town of Sandwich is just two miles from the property, where one will find many original medieval buildings, a thriving town centre and historic quayside.Sandwich has a weekly market located on the Guildhall forecourt and offers locally produced bread, meat, groceries, and flowers. Sandwich also offers a good range of shops, restaurants, and a mainline station with a high-speed link to Ashford and London St Pancras. The local area is well served with a fine selection of state and private schools, including the renowned Sir Roger Manwood's state grammar school, a five-minute walk away and currently rated outstanding by Ofsted.Sandwich is surrounded by lovely countryside that has many good country walks and bridle paths, whilst Sandwich Bay is home to numerous nature reserves and two world class golf courses, the Royal St. George's and Princes' Golf Club.The cathedral city of Canterbury is just 14 miles to the west and is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a thriving city centre offering a wide array of high street brands alongside a diverse mix of independent retailers, cafes and international restaurants. The city also offers a fine selection of sporting, leisure and recreational amenities, including the refurbished Marlowe Theatre. Canterbury has an excellent choice of educational amenities, ranging from Grammar schools to highly regarded private schools and three universities.Quote Reference: 589885

“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed living in this home and have thoughtfully renovated it over the past five years to create a comfortable, stylish space that balances modern living with character. From open, light-filled rooms to updated finishes throughout, it’s been a joy to make it our own. It’s been a wonderful space for hosting family, relaxing in the garden, and enjoying the local community. The location has been a real highlight for us. We're just a five-minute walk from the local primary school, which has been perfect for family life. The high-speed train station nearby makes commuting incredibly convenient, and the local gym with a pool has added a great balance to our daily routine. At the back of the property is a playing field with a new park. The vicinity boasts a range of highly regarded educational options, including four other primary schools and two Outstanding grammar schools nearby. For families considering independent education, there are excellent private schools in Dover, Canterbury, and Ashford. Folkestone itself is a beautiful seaside town — full of charm, creativity, and a real sense of community. From the coastal walks and harbour to the independent shops and cafés, there’s always something to enjoy. For those with an active lifestyle, Folkestone offers a wealth of sporting facilities — from the popular Folkestone Sports Club to local rugby, football, cricket, hockey, and both indoor and outdoor bowls clubs. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at either the scenic Etchinghill Golf Club or the prestigious, Henry Cotton-designed Sene Valley Golf Course.” Now that our needs are changing, we’ve decided it’s the right time to downsize. It’s a home that has given us so much, and we’re proud to pass it on to someone new who will appreciate the quality, warmth, and attention to detail we’ve put into it. We’re confident it will bring the next owner as many happy memories as it has brought us.”

What owner says: For nearly 20 years we’ve cherished living in this house, enjoying how easily it has adapted to our families’ growing requirements whilst always giving us an extraordinary connection to the sea and coast. Some of our most treasured memories come from quiet evenings on our balcony, watching the harbour lights shimmer below and the distant French coastline glow across the Channel; a nightly panorama that never lost its magic. Now it is time to move on and we hope a new family can take this remarkable home into its next chapter and enjoy the house and locale as much as we have. Capel‑le‑Ferne offers a rare blend of coastal tranquility and everyday convenience, making it one of the most desirable, if lesser known, cliff‑top communities in Kent. Positioned along the iconic White Cliffs, the area provides immediate access to breathtaking coastal walks on the North Downs Way and the Saxon Shore Way, the renowned Battle of Britain Memorial, and a network of scenic footpaths that stretch for miles in both directions. Local amenities include a well‑regarded primary school, village store, and welcoming community centre, while a wider selection of shops, cafés, and services can be found in nearby Folkestone or Dover. The vibrant creative quarter in Folkestone is a particular highlight, and the regenerated harbour arm offers some fantastic food, drink and entertainment alongside an array of exciting local restaurants. High‑speed rail links from Folkestone Central place London within easy reach, and the proximity to the Channel Tunnel and Dover’s ferry port makes continental travel exceptionally convenient.

This has been a wonderful seaside home for the past 14 years and, during our time here, we have enjoyed upgrading the property and creating the charming garden. We love the area and will continue to live nearby but we feel it is time to downsize. The location is wonderful with direct access to the clifftop and the friendly beach that the grandchildren love. It also has a slipway so you can launch a boat and the vast grassy clifftop is ideal for a brisk walk with the dog or a cycle ride. Westgate town centre is nearby with its unique parade of individual, canopied shops as well as a variety of restaurants including the Michelin recommended Quince. There are also the Blue Flag St Mildred's and West Bay beaches as well as primary education and two nearby secondary schools. A very good and inexpensive local Grade II Listed cinema provides excellent entertainment and there is also a bowls and tennis club while the Westgate and Birchington golf club is easily accessible. It is just a two minute drive to Westgate station where you can catch the fast train to London. Margate with its Turner Gallery, Old Town and Dreamland is about a mile away while it is not far to the Westwood Cross shopping centre with its high street stores, restaurants, cinema complex and casino.

This has been a very special family home for the past 27 years and we will always have very happy memories of our time here – the weddings in a marquee, the parties flowing through the ground floor and the joy our children had growing up in this lovely place. We shall be sad to leave The Firs but we feel the time has now come for us downsize. We love the quiet and tranquil countryside environment and having access to the adjacent woods and fields is ideal for taking the family dogs for a walk. It is only a mile to Walmer with its local shops, church, pubs, the Downs Sailing Club and the beach while the mainline station with its high speed train can whisk you to London in an hour and 20 minutes, so it is particularly useful for commuters or if you want a day out in Town. Deal is close by with its wonderful shops, seafront, historic pier and restaurants including the Dining Club, The Blue Pelican and Little Harriet’s tea rooms while the Tides swimming pool complex is easily accessible. There is the Kingsdown and Walmer and the Royal Cinque Ports golf clubs for golfing enthusiasts and if you want to go slightly further afield there is also the championship courses at Royal St George's as well as Princes. There are a number of good primary schools in the area including Downs Primary or Northbourne prep school. while Dover, Canterbury and Sandwich offer excellent grammar school facilities with top class private schools in Dover, Thanet and Canterbury.

This majestic three storey detached residence in the heart of Folkestone’s prestigious West End was originally built in 1925 as a weekend and holiday retreat for wealthy Londoners – and could become that again. However, it fell into disrepair but was rescued by the current owners about 14 years ago and was completely gutted and renovated from top to bottom including a new roof with 28,000 tiles, new ceilings, plumbing, electrics, insulation, kitchen and bathrooms. At the same time not only did they retain the superb period features but where some features had been destroyed or removed, they were replaced or replicated. So now you have a beautiful period property but designed for modern day living.   It also provides amazingly flexible accommodation to suit a variety of requirements and makes an ideal multi-generational home. If you have adult children or independent teenagers there is a whole floor they can enjoy. If you have elderly relatives who find the stairs difficult or you need a suite of offices, there is a separate area on the ground floor that could easily be adapted to provide a delightful annex and if you enjoy indoor and outdoor entertaining the superb drawing room and stunning gardens offer the ideal ambience. It is only about a minute’s walk from the seafront and the mile long clifftop promenade known as The Leas with its panoramic views across to France as well as a Victorian bandstand, access to the Lower Leas Coastal Park and the Leas Cliff Hall. It is also within easy reach of Sandgate and Folkestone town centre, two mainline stations, the M20 and the Channel Tunnel. The property is set very far back from the road with a driveway leading to the garage with an inspection pit and a pedestrian gate that opens onto a pathway to the main entrance, flanked by hedges and vast swathes of level lawn, part of which could be adapted for additional off road parking. It is at this stage that you can begin to appreciate the L shaped house’s external charm with its high chimneystacks, white walls contrasting with the red roof and multi-pane casement windows. While internally there is the original staircase, original wood floors and fireplaces with open fires, coved ceilings and renovated sash windows at the rear. The period front door opens into the very spacious reception hall with a cloakroom that includes the original basin and the oak staircase. It is large enough for guests to gather for cocktails before moving down the corridor into the fabulous dual aspect 32.2ft drawing room. This very special room includes a pair of original inset shelving units with patterned glass doors, a large curved bay window and a superb fireplace with a sculptured surround and a beautiful marble inset and hearth as a delightful focal point. There is an adjacent sitting room that also includes a double inset shelving unit with original patterned glass doors, a fireplace with a tiled surround and a door to the rear garden. Another special place and where the family spend much of their time is the kitchen/dining room with a large bay incorporating a stable door to the rear terrace. This light and bright dual aspect space includes a Belling range cooker and flat fronted glossy white units with Corian worktops, a dishwasher and space for an American fridge freezer as well as a central island/breakfast bar. There is also plenty of space for a large dining table adjacent to the original fireplace with inset tiles and a sculptured surround. Beyond the kitchen/dining room is a door to what was originally the butler’s domain. This area now includes a scullery, a home office with a charming little fireplace and a good sized family room that used to be the original kitchen and still includes the original kitchen cupboards. There is also a large boiler room, a useful wet room, a utility facility, rear door access to the garage and a back door to the garden. As this is basically a separate area with its own independent external access it could easily be converted into a spacious annexe and even the garage could become part of the accommodation. The beautiful oak staircase with its carved newel posts leads to the galleried corridor on the first floor. Here you will find a family bathroom with a stand-alone oval bath, a separate toilet and three double bedrooms with views over the beautiful rear garden. These include a large dual aspect double with a fireplace, a full height mirror and a seating/study area, another with a fireplace and a third with a deep fitted cupboard. While the stunning main bedroom has a large bay window, a fireplace and a door to a very large dressing room that could always be used as another bedroom or may be partly converted to include en suite facilities. This floor also includes a good sized study/hobby room that could be used as another bedroom with its adjacent vaulted ceiling storage room that would make an excellent en suite bathroom. The staircase to the second floor was built as an exact replica of the original even down to the newel posts. It leads to the spacious second floor with its galleried landing, plenty of eaves storage and a large storage cupboard. There is a bathroom with a spa bath, vanity basin and a wet room style shower, a second wet room and three double bedrooms with Velux windows providing stunning views over the garden and beyond. These include one at the end of a corridor that could be a sitting room as this floor would make a great ‘hideaway’ for teenagers or adult children looking for a bit of independence and somewhere to entertain their friends. Beautifully landscaped and secluded rear gardens greet you as your walk outside onto the spacious crazy paved terrace. This is ideal for barbecues and al fresco dining as well as just relaxing in the sunshine enjoying the delightful vista in front of you or looking back at the impressive rear exterior of the house. There are curved steps up to a crazy paved path flanked by delightful shrubs and flower beds and a large fishpond as well a spacious level lawns interspersed with shrub beds, mature trees and fruit trees with the original brick wall on each side of the garden.

PLEASE QUOTE 502928 FOR ALL ENQUIRIESAn enchanting castellated mansion house set in 35 acres, in the 'Garden of England'.There has been a house on the site of Oxney Court for centuries and, like all historic homes, there have been transformations and changes made over the years. In the 17th Century the timber frame house was demolished and in the 18th Century was rebuilt in a gothic baronial style, which is evident today; additional renovations were undertaken in the 19th Century. During the First World War, the house was requisitioned but suffered severe damage in a fire and eventually fell to ruin. In 1997 Oxney Court was sold and those new owners obtained permission for a sympathetic reconstruction of the mansion house and implemented a careful programme of restoration and improvement to restore the house to the highest quality. In 2014 further work was undertaken, which included an extension and the house became a smart homeDuring the 19th century the house was owned by the uncle of the renowned botanist and pioneer of Kew Gardens, Sir Joseph Banks, and the spectacular gardens and grounds were laid out and planted, with many exotic and rare species trees remaining today. The estate offers the main house, one guest cottage and a staff cottage. There are 35 acres of formal gardens and woodland which include a delightful tree house, a swimming pool, tennis court, an outdoor, covered dining room and a stable block which provides a large guest annexe and cinema. The CastleThe main residence offers over 9000 sq. ft which includes six bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms, 5 reception rooms.Rose Cottage – The Guest CottageConsists of four bedrooms and two bathrooms over two floors. Oxney Cottage – Staff CottageConsists of two bedrooms and one bathroom over two floors.The Stable BlockThe former stables provide a large self-contained guest bedroom, bathroom and kitchen and a cinema room.PLEASE QUOTE 502928 FOR ALL ENQUIRIES

What the owner says: I have actually lived in Deal for the past 55 years and in this charming house for many years but I now feel it is time to downsize. I have always loved the town with its plethora of quaint streets, period properties, excellent restaurants including the Dining Club, The Blue Pelican and Little Harriet’s tea rooms and a raft of attractive independent shops as well as the Saturday market and the seafront with its historic pier. Indeed living opposite the pier I thoroughly enjoy watching the people passing by and the activities on the pier and the beach as well as being able to stroll to the shops in a minute. For sporting aficionados there are a number of clubs available in Deal and Walmer including rugby, bowls, tennis and croquet as well as the Tides swimming pool complex, the Downs Sailing club and the rowing club. While for golfing enthusiasts the Royal Cinque Ports and Kingsdown and Walmer golf clubs might beckon or, if you want to go slightly further afield, there are the championship golf courses in Sandwich. There are excellent primary schools in the area including Warden House, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, while excellent grammar schools are available in Dover, Sandwich, Ramsgate and Canterbury with first class private schools in Dover, Ramsgate and Canterbury. These are easily accessible by train from Deal station, which is only a short walk from the property. The station is also useful for commuters as the fast train can whisk you to London in under an hour and a half and if you want a trip to the Continent there is easy access to Dover docks and the Channel Tunnel.

The Bears Green estate is like nothing you will have seen before and is somewhere so magical that you are unlikely to experience it again. It is an exclusive gated community of 10 bespoke detached residences set in 25 acres with access to fabulous country walks, a variety of ponds and an abundance of wildlife. Created from what was part of the Great Chart golf course it provides peace, tranquility and security in a rural environment with easy access to Ashford, where the fast train to London takes just 38 minutes.   The estate is approached along a leafy country lane leading to a large wrought iron gate that opens onto the estate, with signs to each of the properties including the very impressive Buckthorn Grange, nestling in about 1.77 acres of private garden. A long gravel drive takes you to the property and gives you the opportunity to admire the exterior of the house with its beautiful brickwork, traditional Kent weatherboarding, varied roof lines and an attractive chimneystack. The spacious parking area is flanked by charming rose beds, large lawns including one interspersed with a variety of fruit trees and provides access to the double garage (with electric garage doors and an EV charger) and a contemporary double front door.   Everything about this property is on the luxurious grand scale and nowhere is this better illustrated that in the awe-inspiring, partially double height reception/dining hall. This features a fabulous central oak and glass staircase and fascinating inset Amtico black-and-white flooring surrounded by Karndean flooring that flows throughout the house. Large coat storage cupboards are located on either side of the entrance hall and there is also an understairs storage facility. Behind the staircase is a delightful light and bright dining or sitting area with French doors to the covered central terrace. Just inside the front door is a charming snug/study that is ideal for anyone working from home as it provides easy access for business visitors. The impressive dual aspect sitting room includes a charming brick fireplace with an oak mantle and a log burner as a focal point and French doors to the rear terrace.   The hub of the household is the wonderful dual aspect kitchen/breakfast room with a spacious seating area and French doors to the terrace. Created by luxury bespoke kitchen designers Collins Bespoke, the matt black cabinetry is exquisite with shaker style units and hard wearing composite worktops. The Neff appliances include an induction hob, double oven, full height integrated fridge and matching freezer, a wine cooler and a dishwasher as well as a Quooker tap providing boiling and filtered water. There is also a wide peninsular breakfast bar where the family can happily sit around enjoying informal meals.   An adjacent utility room is fitted with the same units as in the kitchen and includes a second dishwasher, a door to a contemporary cloakroom, internal access to the double garage and a double glazed door to the garden.   The divided staircase leads to an impressive galleried landing with a wall of full height windows and a spacious viewing gallery providing stunning views over the garden and the countryside beyond. There is access to the very large loft space that could always be developed to provide additional accommodation.   The vast main bedroom includes a stunning dressing area with a plethora of mirrored wardrobes and a luxurious ensuite bath/shower room with twin vanity basins, a gorgeous oval bath and a Mira double shower. There is also a family shower room, a double bedroom currently in use as a gym, and a double bedroom with a utility area and laundry facilities that could always be converted into an ensuite bathroom. A delightful office/fifth bedroom has wide windows overlooking the front garden and a generous guest double bedroom includes an ensuite Mira double shower.   The very large and completely secluded rear garden features the spacious terrace with a central covered area that is ideal for al fresco dining. This is bordered by a vast lawn interspersed with trees and surrounded by close board fencing backing onto farmland and is a stone’s throw from the ancient Bears Wood so is not overlooked from any angle. There is a magnificent 50,000 litre raised koi pond with flower borders and a sizeable garden shed and workshop where you can keep your ride-on mower and other garden equipment.   The property is very energy efficient and includes an air source heat pump and underfloor heating throughout the ground floor. There is also a water softener, security system and a Klargester BioTec+ sewage treatment system.

This property was our parents’ pride and joy and for more than four decades they revelled in the space, the history, the character and the location along a quiet no through road. Having direct access to the Military Canal footpath allows you to walk into Hythe in one direction or taking the country route the other way and even having the opportunity to spot some of the animals in the Port Lympne Animal Park. It is close to the dog friendly Unit 1 pub and craft centre and not far to Botolph’s Bridge pub restaurant. It is also a wonderful area for families with the sandy beach at Dymchurch not far away and plenty of places to go for walks and for anyone who enjoys fishing the canal offers good sport. With regard to education there are good local primary schools including Lympne and Dymchurch, excellent grammar schools in Ashford, Folkestone and Canterbury and first class private schools in Canterbury and Ashford. At the top of the hill is Lympne, most famous for Port Lympne Animal Park but also for its impressive castle that is now a fairytale wedding and events venue as well as having a Medieval Pub open most days and the Naughty Dog which is a very dog friendly restaurant. There is also the County Members pub and a restaurant and overnight accommodation at Port Lympne and the village also includes a convenience store and post office. However Hythe is only about five minute drive with its array of individual shops, restaurants and pavement cafés as well as a range of supermarkets including Waitrose and Sainsbury’s and the world famous Romney Hythe and District miniature railway as well as a plethora of sports clubs including the Sene Valley Golf Club. You can take a train from Westenhanger station but it is only about 20 minutes to Ashford for the high speed train and shorter journey times and it is not far to the M20 and Channel Tunnel for a trip to the Continent.

We have always loved this cottage and, if we could take it with us on our move to Northern Ireland, we would. It is an incredibly special place with a wonderful character and, whether it is ‘dressed overall’ for Christmas or bathed in summer sunshine, the place is a home for all seasons. We love the fact you can wander up to the Glen for an interesting walk or enjoy a day on the beach with family and friends. Walmer has some local shops, bars and restaurants as well as the bandstand and Downs Sailing Clubhouse along the Strand. The fast train from Walmer station can whisk you to London in under an hour and 20 minutes while it is not far only a short drive to Dover and Folkestone for trips to the Continent. Deal is close by with its plethora of quaint streets, period properties, excellent restaurants including the Dining Club, The Blue Pelican and Little Harriet’s tea rooms. There are also a raft of attractive independent shops as well as the Saturday market and the seafront with its historic pier. Golfing enthusiasts can enjoy their game at the Kingsdown and Walmer and the Royal Cinque Ports golf clubs and if you want to go slightly further afield there are also the championship courses at Sandwich. As far as education is concerned there are very good primary schools in the area, including Warden House, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, while a wide variety of excellent grammar and private schools are available in the nearby towns.   *The Glen is a former chalk quarry in the grounds of Walmer Castle and was originally created by William Pitt the Younger and his niece Lady Hester Stanhope between 1802 and 1806 and was resurrected in 2019 and includes woodland walks, interesting plants and bird wood carvings.

This has been a very special place for the past 30 years in an amazing and tranquil location with wonderful views and places to go for walks but it is time to downsize and move closer to family. While we have enjoyed updating the property over the years, including converting the garage, there are plenty of opportunities for new owners to put their own stamp on the house and create their own unique and individual home. We are not far from Kingsdown with its three pubs, a good primary school, convenience store and post office as well as the Kingsdown and Walmer golf club. Walmer includes local shops, bars and restaurants, a bandstand, the Downs Sailing Clubhouse and a mainline station with fast trains to St Pancras taking an hour and 20 minutes. The Tides swimming pool complex is not far away and Deal is close by with its plethora of quaint streets, period properties, excellent restaurants including the Dining Club, The Blue Pelican and Little Harriet’s tea rooms. There are also a raft of attractive independent shops as well as the Saturday market, the seafront with its historic pier and the Royal Cinque Ports golf club and, if you want to go slightly further afield, you will find the championship courses at Sandwich. As far as education is concerned there are very good primary schools in the area while a wide variety of excellent grammar and private schools are available in the nearby towns.

We fell in love with the house the minute we walked into the lovely large living space some 39 years ago and have enjoyed living in this lovely family home ever since. While we have been here we have modernised the whole place including recently updating the bathrooms and kitchen. It will be a real wrench to leave and we will cherish the memories of our time here but we feel it is time to downsize. Kingsdown is a charming fishing village with a golf club, a long seafront, a general store, post office, butcher/deli and three pubs including the dog friendly Zetland Arms as well as the Kings Arms with its speciality nights. You can drive or cycle along the lower road parallel to the seafront to Upper and Lower Walmer with shops and restaurants along the Strand but, being close to the countryside, we have the best of all worlds. The mainline station at Walmer, with its high speed train that can whisk you to London in an hour and 20 minutes, is particularly useful for commuters or if you want a day out in Town. Dover and the Channel Tunnel are within easy reach for a trip to the Continent, while the charming seaside town of Deal is quite close by with its wonderful shops, seafront, eateries and Saturday market. If you feel energetic, the Tides swimming pool complex is not far away while, for golfing aficionadas, as well as the Kingsdown and Walmer golf club, Deal includes the Royal Cinque Ports club but, if you want to go slightly further afield, there is also the championship courses in Sandwich. If sailing is your interest there is the Downs Sailing Club with its clubhouse along the Strand in Walmer. There are a number of good primary schools in the area including the Outstanding Kingsdown and Ringwould and Warden House in Deal, while Dover, Canterbury and Sandwich offer excellent grammar school facilities with top class private schools in Dover, Canterbury and Ramsgate.

We bought this property some 30 years ago because the location is simply amazing. It is very quiet, secluded and private and, looking out over the fields and the spinney, makes you feel you are deep in the countryside. However you are just a few minutes’ walk from a supermarket and a number of excellent primary, secondary and grammar schools, while Broadstairs town centre and the seafront is only about a mile away. It is also not far to Margate and the Westwood Cross shopping centre with its high street stores, restaurants, cinema complex and casino. The property was originally part of the Dane Court Manor estate and was in a somewhat parlous state when we arrived and, as there was no road access to the property, we had to force our way through the undergrowth to reach the bungalow. However it has been a real ‘labour of love’ creating our charming home, garden and the spinney. We also constructed the garage that could easily be converted into a separate annexe, subject to the appropriate permissions, and we installed the road, the automatic gate and surrounding fencing to provide added security and have extended and updated the property over the years, as well as adding solar panels and batteries. Much as we love it here, we feel it is now time to downsize and pass the baton on to new owners who we hope will get as much pleasure out of the property as we have. The Victorian seaside town of Broadstairs includes a variety of individual shops, bars and excellent restaurants as well as a cinema and theatre and annual events such as Folk Week, the Dickens Festival and the Food Fair as well as a mainline station with fast trains to London taking less than an hour and a half. While Margate offers the famous Main Sands, the Turner Gallery, Dreamland Amusement Park and the interesting Old Town with its quirky shops, galleries and eateries. There are also numerous sports clubs available including cricket, tennis, bowls, squash and the renowned North Foreland Golf Club.   Historical Note: Dane Court Manor was built in the 18th century, although an earlier property did exist dating back to pre-medieval times, but the latest manor house was demolished in the early 1960s and replaced by Dane Court Gardens, with the nearby Grammar school being named after the Manor.  There is a large cropmark complex in the fields adjacent to the property that includes a number of ring ditch and pit features and believed to be the remains of a Roman villa with superimposed Anglo-Saxon structures or could have been a settlement site associated with the site of a Jutish cemetery in St Peters churchyard. Under the circumstances, with its archaeological importance, it is unlikely that the fields would ever be built on.

What the owner says: Living on Lighthouse Road in St Margaret’s Bay for over 50 years has been an absolute privilege, and it’s a place I will always speak about with real affection. The setting is truly special, tucked away in one of East Kent’s most picturesque coastal villages, where the landscape feels both dramatic and peaceful at the same time. From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense of calm that comes from being so close to the sea, the cliffs and the open countryside. What I’ve loved most is the balance this location offers. You’re surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with coastal walks, clifftop paths and hidden bays right on the doorstep, yet everyday essentials are still within easy reach. The village has a warm, welcoming community, and there’s a lovely mix of independent cafés, pubs and local amenities that give it a charming, almost timeless feel. Lighthouse Road itself is wonderfully quiet, with very little passing traffic, making it feel private and safe. It’s the kind of place where you can hear birdsong in the morning and enjoy peaceful evenings in the garden without interruption. The countryside views and the proximity to the sea have been a constant source of joy, whether it’s watching the changing light over the fields or taking a spontaneous walk down to the bay. Despite its tranquillity, the location is also incredibly practical. Dover, Deal and Canterbury are all easily accessible, and the high‑speed rail link from Dover Priory makes commuting or visiting London surprisingly straightforward. It’s a place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the serenity of coastal living with the convenience of good connections. I will miss the beauty, the quiet, and the sense of space that Lighthouse Road offers. It’s a truly unique location, one that has given me many happy memories and will no doubt do the same for its next owners.

What the Vendor Says: I bought this house about 10 years ago as a calm retreat from the hustle and bustle of London. Over the years I have thoroughly enjoyed extended and modernised the property to become the gorgeous modern but characterful home you see today. The location is wonderful as there are the delightful views and we can stroll down to the beach for a drink or a meal at the well-known Coastguard pub or pop into the Pines Garden and enjoy a relaxing wander around the grounds. St Margaret’s provides everything you might need on a daily basis and includes a post office, village shop, doctor’s surgery and the Smugglers pub. The village also has a wide range of societies and clubs including bowls, tennis, cricket and football as well as a history and horticultural society and amateur dramatics. There are two riding stables and a primary school rated Outstanding by Ofsted. While Dover, Folkestone, Sandwich, Thanet and Canterbury have excellent grammar schools, many rated Outstanding by Ofsted and top class private schools are also available in the surrounding towns. It is not far from Dover and Folkestone for immediate access to the Continent and beyond, while the high speed train from Martin Mill mainline station can whisk commuters to St Pancras within about an hour and a quarter and even less time from Dover Priory. It is only a short drive to the lovely town of Deal with its seafront, individual shops, historic pier, bars and restaurants while the City of Canterbury, with its high street stores, independent shops, theatres, schools, universities and historic buildings is within easy reach. For golfing aficionados there is the Walmer and Deal golf club and slightly further afield are famous championship links courses including the Royal St Georges and Princes in Sandwich and Royal Cinque Ports at Deal. Sailing enthusiasts can enjoy their sport through the Royal Cinque Ports Sailing club out of Dover. St Margaret’s Bay has long been a magnet for famous names. Miriam Margolyes has a holiday home here while Lord Byron, Peter Ustinov, Noel Coward and Ian Fleming were among its past illustrious residents. Indeed it is said that ‘007’ was named after the number of the local bus! When you visit the village, you can understand why these well-known luminaries have spent time in this special place.