Shingle House

With expansive sea views, Shingle House is ideal if you want to experience the notoriously other-worldly atmosphere of Dungeness on the south Kent coast. As the name suggests, this modern four-bedroom house is surrounded by shingle and not a great deal else, giving it a peaceful remoteness you are bound to appreciate.

The unusual landscape of Romney Marsh has attracted all kinds of interesting characters over the years – Derek Jarman, Paul O’Grady and Vic Reeves have all lived locally at one time or another, with the late Jarman’s Prospect Cottage garden becoming something of a low-key attraction. Dungeness’ old lighthouse is another landmark worth seeking out, although at nearly 46m high you’re unlikely to miss it – the far-reaching views from the top will reward your ascent.

Part of the Living Architecture project of another well-known name – philosopher Alain de Botton – Shingle House takes full advantage of its unique setting, with large windows among many fine architectural details. The design has taken Dungeness’ status as a conservation area into consideration, and seeks to blend into the landscape unobtrusively – the exterior’s black-stained cedar shingles and timbers reflecting the style of the old fishermen’s huts which line the coast.

Three of the four double bedrooms are found on the ground floor, while the one on the upper level, which can be made up as a twin, has its own en suite bathroom with bath, towels and REN toiletries. Egyptian cotton linens and hypo-allergenic duvets and pillows will keep you as comfortable as can be.

Featuring contemporary furnishings and specially commissioned pieces, the house is warmed by a wood-burner and offers TV, DVD and a suitably edifying collection of literature. Two living areas include a mezzanine-level sitting room with views out to sea. The kitchen features a fan oven, microwave, dishwasher and kitchen equipment from David Mellor (not that one) – a welcome pack with tea, coffee and other essentials will also be waiting for you on arrival.

Only 30 minutes’ drive from Ashford International, Dungeness is surprisingly easy to reach for a place which feels a world away. It won’t take long to venture down to Camber Sands, pretty Rye or Tenterden, while Dungeness has attractions of its own much closer. Among them, the Dungeness B power station (there are visitor tours) and the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway – the miniature locomotive runs right past Shingle House’s garden.