Kingsdown Park House, Whitstable, Kent

This arresting seven-bedroom house is set just a few rows back from the seafront in Whitstable, Kent. Built in the early 1900s by a shipping magnate, the grand Victorian house was the subject of a comprehensive renovation, completed in 2019 to a design by Meme Architects. Encompassing over 6,872 sq ft across three storeys, the interiors were completely reimagined to create open, flowing spaces. A ground-floor extension was added to create continuity across the living spaces and enhance the connection with the surrounding landscaped gardens. A new garage with an upstairs annexe was added, and separate access to the side of the house was carved out. Kingsdown Park is 15-minutes walk from Whitstable's thriving harbour, and a 90 minute drive from central London.



The Tour



Set back from the street, the house is approached via a secure gate framed by mature, privacy-enhancing trees. Beyond, a short drive leads to both the garage and the front door.



Rising across three storeys, the home's mock-Tudor façade has been refreshed and updated with new aluminium windows and doors. A grey-green render balances the beams’ dark-hued timber and the bronze finish of the window frames, while at the base, a continuous band of charred timber cladding ties the main building and the extension wing.



A glass pivot door opens to a wide, entrance hall, set within a vertiginous triple-height void and entirely washed in a deep ‘Thunderbolt’ green shade by Valspar. To one side, a bespoke bench in matching tones provides handy under-seat storage. Underfoot, a square of geometric-patterned tiling by Bert & May anchors the space, with a contrasting border of tiles by Mutina.



An inspired redesign has introduced new glazing and pocket doors to enhance flow and versatility. Period features like archways and a stone fire surround have been retained and effortlessly blended with the sophisticated, contemporary interventions.



Immediately to the right, a pocket door opens to a sweeping kitchen and dining room, stretching across the depth of the plan. Bespoke kitchen units are fitted with fold-back doors to conceal small appliances, topped with sleek Corian work surfaces, and a smoked mirrored splashback. Integrated appliances include a double induction hob with Teppanyaki hot plate, four ovens including one steam oven, a Sub-Zero fridge/freezer, and two dishwashers.



Facing the dining area, a large island has a second sink and doubles as a breakfast bar. On one wall, floor-to-ceiling glazing opens to the garden terrace, with space for dining outdoors in the warmer months. Sitting at the front of the plan and accessible from the kitchen via large glass doors is a substantial butler’s pantry, well-equipped to function as a secondary kitchen.



A coral-coloured panelled partition between the kitchen and the adjacent living space provides an uplifting burst of colour. The latter takes a contrasting neutral palette and has integrated storage space. Full-height glass doors overlooking the garden run along the rear elevation to form a luminous corridor that connects several rooms when the thoughtfully placed pocket doors are left open.



At the far end of the ground floor is a bright, dual-aspect drawing room with an original stone fireplace surround and a wood-burning stove. It also has French doors to the rear garden. Next door lies a quiet study, finished in a dark, moody palette. There is also a handy laundry room on this floor, along with a boot room, which provides additional access to the garage. The ground-floor plan is completed with a bright home gym, where floor-to-ceiling glazed doors face out to the garden.



At the heart of the plan is a lofty reception hall, fully panelled and painted with ‘Hague Blue’ by Farrow and Ball. A ship’s compass that belonged to the original owner is embedded in the panelling. Handsome floorboards extend underfoot. A sweeping double staircase winds up to the first floor, passing a large window on the ascent. White-washed floorboards pave underfoot, spreading into the four generous bedrooms on this level - three of which have access to a generous balcony.



The dual-aspect principal bedroom occupies one end of the plan and receives rejuvenating morning light from an east-facing Juliet balcony. It has a wonderful dressing room with copious amounts of storage. An immaculate en suite also adjoins, accessed via an arched doorway and with a large walk-in rain shower head and a bathtub.



There are three bright and spacious bedrooms on this floor, two of which have their own en suite shower rooms. There is also a shared family bathroom. All three have lovely geometric patterned Bert & May tiles, whilst the shared bathroom is fitted with a shower over a bath and modern sanitaryware.



A second set of stairs reaches up to the second floor, home to a self-contained guest suite comprising of two double bedrooms, a fitted kitchenette with appliances, a sitting room, and a bathroom. There is a generous games room on this level, along with a fantastic cinema room. This has been finished with a monochrome dark palette, and complete integrated surround sound and air conditioning. The versatile and quiet games room is set beneath the eaves and has plenty of space for unwinding and gathering. Additional built-in storage space is found on the landing, as well as a separate WC.



Part of the extension, a self-contained annexe sits above the garage and is accessed via a staircase from the boot room. The open plan is home to a bedroom and kitchenette, alongside a separate dressing room and bathroom.



The double garage has electric up and over doors, and is equipped with power and light.



Outdoor Space



To the front of the house is a well-maintained private courtyard, set behind an automated gate, with secure space for parking several cars.



Landscaped gardens can be accessed from several rooms on the ground floor and are thoughtfully zoned and planted with a combination of tree ferns native to New Zealand, neat hedging, and a varied selection of evergreen shrubs for added privacy.



An inviting south-facing terrace, with space for outdoor dining and cooking, is set beneath a contemporary pergola and bordered by leafy beds. From here, two short flights of steps, one at each end, lead down to a manicured lawn. Beyond it, a Japanese-inspired zen garden offers the ideal spot to unwind and has a dedicated area for growing vegetables and culinary herbs.



The Area



The house is positioned for the best of the local beaches, with the sandy Tankerton Bay’s seafront just five minutes away on foot.



The lively harbour town of Whitstable is a short 15-minute stroll from the house, with an impressive assortment of independent haunts, striking historic architecture and a thriving cultural scene. Famed for its oysters, the epicurean tradition has continued locally with the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival, and year-round at Wheelers Oyster Bar. One of the best restaurants in Kent is the Michelin-starred The Sportsman in Seasalter, a 13-minute drive away from the house.



Margate is approximately half an hour's drive east and is renowned for its creative community, exemplified by Turner Contemporary. Synonymous with the town and visually unmistakable, the building was designed by architect David Chipperfield. Wonderful restaurants include Angela’s, a sustainable seafood bistro, and its fun-loving sister Dory‘s. Sargasso is a fantastic wine bar with a seasonally changing menu, and the family-run Bottega Caruso for homemade Italian cuisine. For keen cooks, further foodie highlights can be found at the international food centre, bakery Oast and a monthly farmers' market.



The area has excellent primary and secondary, state and private, schooling opportunities. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Westmeads Community Infant School, and Whitstable and Seasalter Endowed CofE Junior School are within easy reach. The Whitstable School offers secondary education. The Kings School, Canterbury has a good reputation as well as the Junior Kings School, as does Kent College Junior School and Kent College.



Central London can be reached in 90 minutes by car, or Whitstable station has frequent 80-minute journeys to St Pancras International. Gatwick Airport is approximately 70 minutes away by car.



Council Tax Band: G