Dolphin Street III, Deal, Kent

This characterful Grade II-listed house lies on Dolphin Street, part of Deal’s inimitable Middle Street conservation area. It has been beautifully appointed inside, with a soothing colour scheme that reflects its coastal setting. Located in the heart of the storied town, there are plenty of places to shop, dine and explore nearby.



Setting the Scene



Located in Kent’s oldest conservation area, the streets of this picturesque pocket of Deal are lined with Georgian and Victorian homes, many of which were originally smugglers’ cottages. This house was built in the 19th century and retains many of its early features, including floorboards, joinery and a handsome fireplace surround.



The Grand Tour



The white-painted frontage of this house is an attractive presence on Dolphin Street, with its round-headed door recess and sky-blue entrance. This opens to the living room, an atmospheric space lit by a four-over-four sash. A log-burning stove lies within an original fireplace, flanked by arched period alcove shelves. Painted original floorboards run throughout.



Beyond lies the kitchen and dining area, where a timber work surface has been cleverly fitted to maximise space. Above a deep butler’s sink, an open shelf above provides plenty of display space for favourite pots and mugs. Light is brought in through a sash window and a glazed door to the courtyard garden.



There is a quiet bedroom upstairs with a built-in cupboard. Additional storage has been added in the generous bathroom, which has a fresh white palette and a six-over-six sash.



Downstairs, in the basement, is a room used as a peaceful study and workspace. It has timber-lined walls washed pale blue and handy shelves.



The Great Outdoors



A modest but charming courtyard garden extends from the rear of the house, its high, privacy-enhancing walls painted a blushing pink hue. South-facing, it has plenty of space to sit outdoors and grow potted plants.



Out and About



Deal is a perennially popular coastal town known as one of the most attractive in Kent. Its stretch of coastline, which appears at the end of Dolphin Street, is sublime, with a striking concrete-and-steel mid-century pier and a popular, architect-designed café at its end.



Popular dining spots include The Rose hotel, known for its excellent bar and food, and its sister restaurant, The Blue Pelican. Merchant of Relish, The Black Pig and Jenkins and Sons are the go-to for groceries, meat and fish, respectively. For more local produce, there is also a fantastic Saturday farmers’ market. As far as homeware shops are concerned, Dunlin and Diver, Will and Yates, and Mileage are among some of the finest; there are also several well-known art galleries.



Trains run from Deal station to London St Pancras in under 90 minutes. Services also connect to Kent’s other popular seaside towns, including Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. The A2 is also easily reached by car travel into the capital, with ferries at Dover only 15 minutes away, and the Eurotunnel at Folkestone just 25 minutes away.



Council Tax Band: B