Entry to the house is along the side, through a picket gate painted in Pigeon by Farrow and Ball. A light-filled hallway with original black and red quarry tiles underfoot, leads to the main reception spaces that occupy the ground floor.
The peaceful front sitting room is flooded with soft coastal light that filters through the generous sash windows. Stained-glass panelling, added sometime in the 1990s and rescued from a neighbouring house, is thought to have once hung in St Pauls Cathedral School in London. Here, it washes the cosy family room in a rainbow of colour on sunny days. Exposed beams and a wood-burner with built-in bookshelves on each side add to the warm, enveloping atmosphere.
A large dining room – perfect for hosting gatherings – has an original cast-iron fireplace, exposed beams, and ample built-in storage. Solid wood floorboards run across both rooms.
The dining room connects to the recently refurbished kitchen, which has an integrated induction hob, dishwasher and wall-mounted vertical radiators. The kitchen door also provides easy access to the garden, convenient for reaching fresh herbs mid-recipe. A rear entrance leads into the laundry room and downstairs WC.
Upstairs, the bright hallway leads to three bedrooms. Two skylights illuminate the space, and the neat dado rail embellishments add softness to the space; stripped floorboards run throughout. At the front of the plan, the principal bedroom has an en suite, a handsome original fireplace, and built-in storage. The light-filled family bathroom lies adjacent and has a large glass walk-in shower and a chrome towel rail. A further two double bedrooms are positioned at the rear of the plan, one overlooking the garden below.
The Great Outdoors
The low-maintenance walled garden has been thoughtfully designed and is planted with an assortment of drought-tolerant indigenous coastal species, climbers and fruit trees, providing dappled shade on sunnier days. Established palm trees share the space with striking espalier mulberry trees. Fig trees have been planted on the south-facing wall; jasmine climbs on the opposite fence with a promise to fill the garden with delicious scents in the summer months. The dark native shingle contrasts with the lavender and species grasses set among paving stones. At the rear of the plan, a small shed provides storage and an excellent potting shed. A seating area has been created, perfect for alfresco dining on long summer evenings.
The sea is just a couple of minutes from the front door, offering long walks along the promenade and shingle beach for which Hythe is so adored.
Out and About
This house is positioned at the edge of Hythe town, under 10 minutes’ walk to Waitrose. One of the south coast’s Cinque Ports, Hythe is well known for its Royal Military Canal: a relic of the Napoleonic wars which cuts a ribbon of green, willow-lined water through the heart of the town. There are gardens and playing fields close to the seafront, fishing boats on English Channel shingle, and the town has a charmingly eccentric edge.
A hive of recreational activities and water sports, Hythe offers tennis, cricket, football, squash, bowls, swimming, sailing, fishing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddle-boarding, beachside yoga and boot camps, as well as cycling and running clubs. There is also kayaking and row-boating along the canal. The high street is home to many independent shops, pubs, cafes and coffee shops, including the popular
Mit Milch,
Florence’s Artisan Bakery,
Ivy’s of Hythe, Cured and Smoked and vegetarian cafe
Root. There is a fortnightly farmers’ market and a weekly fruit and veg market. A short cycle or drive along the promenade brings you to nearby Sandgate which also offers a host of independent shops, cafes and bars.
The seafront promenade runs all the way into the centre of nearby Folkestone, known for its rich arts scene, annual
book and
documentary festivals as well as
Triennial. The ever popular Café on the Beach is a wonderful spot from which to enjoy uninterrupted sea views all year round. Moments away, The Lazy Shack is great for a quick scallop or bacon roll.
The canal runs parallel to the beach and offers wonderful walks towards Dungeness in the other direction where one can visit Derek Jarman’s house and garden. The miniature steam trains of The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway provide access to some of the most beautiful scenery along this stretch of coast.
The house is well-positioned for exploring the Kent and Sussex coast, with other beautiful beaches at Winchelsea, Camber and Pett only a short drive away. The much-loved seaside towns of Whitstable, Margate, Rye and Hastings are also all within easy reach, as is the UNESCO world heritage site and the cathedral city of Canterbury.
High speed National Rail services from Folkstone offer direct services to London St Pancras in under an hour. The M20 is just a short drive away, for road access into London, Eurotunnel – and beyond.
Council Tax Band: D
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