Whitstable Road, Whistable Road, Canterbury

This creatively reimagined house spans some 2,800 sq ft across a series of dynamically staggered levels. Cleverly conceived lines of sight, and curved, organic shapes create a home united by a modern approach to materiality and a sense of exaggerated volume. At the rear is a beautifully designed garden filled with plants that provide year-round visual interest. A sequestered terrace crowns the house, providing a private spot to enjoy sunsets and sunrises. On a practical level, the house benefits from underfloor heating throughout, an integrated vacuum system, and solar panels that feed into the national grid.



The Tour



Stairs rise from the front door, opening onto a spectacular double-height atrium, illuminated by natural light diffused through Kalwall panels overhead. A tranquil sitting room lies beyond, flooded with light, care of a tall box bay window with views of the garden.



At the front of the plan, a large double bedroom (alternatively an office) lies in the older part of the house. Cornicing traces its high ceilings, and there is a bay window and a cast-iron fireplace. Adjacent to it is a shower room. A handy utility room has easy access to the garden.



A sweeping spiral staircase ascends to the first floor. Here, bespoke kitchen cabinetry follows the gentle curve of a granite worktop, while timber-framed glazing looks toward the street. Appliances include two Neff ovens and induction hob. An adjacent dining area has access to a curved external balcony at the rear.



A split staircase, with a glass balustrade, leads to a peaceful sitting room with a tall, pitched ceiling. The ensuite shower room allows flexibility for this also to be used as a bedroom. In the opposite direction, a double bedroom has a bay window and an original fireplace with pretty green tiling. Adjacent is another shower room.



The balustrade to the second-floor gallery is decorated with intricate stained-glass detailing. It is home to a dressing area, with fitted storage, and a bathroom with a Castello bathtub and a walk-in shower. The airy principal bedroom sits on the top floor; it has glazing on three sides, and access to a private balcony.



Outdoor Space



A beautifully landscaped garden extends at the rear of the house, its lawns criss-crossed by stone-laid paths and beds that brim with shrubs and perennials. Mature trees include a run of silver birch and an architectural loquat, and well-established climbers grow across the red-brick walls around the garden's perimeter.



From the top-floor bedroom is a roof terrace, with space to sit out in the day-long light. Views from here give a panoramic view of the Canterbury "bowl".



The Area



Canterbury is a vibrant city rich in history and culture. Landmarks include Canterbury Cathedral, the Marlowe Theatre, the Gulbenkian Arts Centre, and Canterbury Castle. The city's charming cobbled streets and winding canals are lined with an excellent array of independent shops, restaurants, and famous pubs. Notable destinations include Corkk for English sparkling wine and Posilipo for authentic Italian cuisine. Near to Canterbury West Station, The Goods Shed is celebrated for its lively atmosphere, market fare and focus on fresh, locally sourced produce.



Just beyond the city lies Fordwich, England’s smallest town, home to the Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms, known for its refined yet relaxed approach. The Pig's Kentish outpost can be found at Bridge Place, a characterful red-brick building, just a short drive away.



The house is also well-placed for access to the Kentish coast; via the famed Crab and Winkle Way, cyclists can reach Whitstable via a scenic route. By car, Whitstable can be reached in around 20 minutes, Herne Bay in around 25, and Margate in around three-quarters of an hour. To the south, the Kent Downs National Landscape provides an almost endless array of additional walking and cycling routes.



There are plenty of schools locally, both in the state and private sectors, the latter including Kent College and St Edmund’s, both within easy walking distance, and the renowned King’s School in the City Centre.



Canterbury West station is around a 12-minute walk away and runs quick services to London St Pancras. Canterbury East station is around eight minutes away by bike, and provides rail travel to London Victoria and Dover.