Marram, Camber, East Sussex

This contemporary house of over 2,300 sq ft lies a minute's walk from Camber's beach and dunes, an area formally designated as an Site of Special Scientific Interest. Designed by RX Architects, the house's exterior is clad with hardy Siberian larch and white brick. Soaring panes of glazing punctuate its exterior, which is partly crowned by a green roof. A south-facing balcony captures day-long light while an especially generous garden has space for hosting, playing and growing.

Environmental Performance

Environmental considerations have been carefully made; the building has an air source heat pump and there is an underfloor heating system throughout. A high level of insulation and meticulous attention paid to sealing ensures low running costs throughout the seasons.   

The Tour 

One of a pair of semi-detached homes, Marram has parking space for two cars in the shared gated gravel driveway. The house's entrance is stepped between stone retaining walls and raised beds, all densely planted with Euphorbia shrubs and grasses.

A utility room and separate office are at the front of the plan, just off the entrance hall. Opposite, a cloakroom allows for outdoor clothing and shoes to be neatly tucked away.

An effortlessly flowing kitchen unfolds from the end of the hallway. Here, a quartz-topped island reflects light and guides the gaze toward the verdant garden at the rear. Fitted appliances are installed within charcoal-coloured cabinetry – a Rangemaster induction oven, fridge and dishwasher are all integrated for ease, with panelled walls behind that soften the space.  

Steps descend from the kitchen into the living space, which has walls painted in slick white. This area is orientated towards a wood-burning stove embedded in a brick chimney breast that extends to and heats the upper rooms; a cast concrete structure on one side provides handy log storage. From here, glazed doors to the rear garden open fully, allowing for a seamless integration between indoors and out.

A timber staircase leads to the upper floors, where an additional sitting room - used by the current owners as a reading room - lies. This middle tier of the three stories protrudes slightly from the façade, with a larch-panelled balcony and south-facing glazed doors; deep overhangs have been factored in to prevent overheating inside. Natural light cascades in through skylights and disperses throughout the split-levelled thoroughfares.

The house's three large bedrooms are sited on the upper two levels; each has a smart en suite in keeping with the house's overarching neutral scheme. The principal room is on the first floor and has a garden-facing balcony as well as a private dressing room.

Outdoor Space 

The exceptionally long gravelled garden has been well cared for and has independent to dine, to relax or for children to play. A pergola with pink climbing roses and a prolific grape vine provides a shadier spot alongside a jasmine, while a patio terrace is a sun trap in the warmer months. A considered cultivation of plants grows here, including lavender, agapanthus, verbena, salvia and achillea.


The Area 

The house is a minute’s walk from Camber Sands, an impressive five-mile stretch of unspoilt sandy beach located in East Sussex, close to the border with Kent. It has one of the purest and longest dune systems on the South Coast, and the only one to be found in East Sussex.

Close by is the excellent Gallivant, a well-regarded dune-side restaurant with a bar, beach huts and rooms; it also offers a variety of yoga classes throughout the year and recently awarded the 'Small Hotel of the Year' title by VisitEngland. The Owl is a popular pub that serves food and is a minute's walk. Rye Golf Club links course and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve are additionally in the immediate area, along with an array of activities including a sailing club and lake, waterskiing club, go-cart track, windsurfing and a kitesurfing club. 

Built by Henry VIII in the mid-1500s, the nearby Camber Castle with its unusual circular design, can be visited with a guided tour by English Heritage. As one of Henry VIII’s lesser-known fortifications, it offers a glimpse into an era of political turmoil and the tumultuous defence of Britain’s coastlines. 

Rye is just over four miles away; known for its cobbled streets and medieval architecture, the town has a wide range of local shops, pubs and restaurants. It can also be accessed via an off-road cycle route from Camber, taking around 20 minutes. The popular towns of Hastings and Tenterden are easily accessible, while Dungeness and the beaches at Winchelsea and Pett are also a short drive away.  

A plethora of English wineries are nearby; many host wine tasting sessions across their vineyards. Chapeldown, Charles Palmer, Rathfinny, Ridgeview and Tillingham among these - some of which have their own delectable on-site restaurants.

For travel connections, Rye station runs services to London St Pancras taking about one hour. Ashford International is about 20 miles north, providing links to the continent and London via the high-speed line.  

Council Tax Band: E