The Penthouse, Sandgate, Kent

This singular three-bedroom apartment sits on the coastline in Sandgate, Kent. It lies on the fourth floor of Beach Marine, a striking 1960s building with many of its original features in situ. Inside, banks of glazing capture spectacular sea views, while large balconies sit to the front and rear. Original joinery is peppered throughout, including an mahogany-lined bar and bespoke fitted shelving. The coast path and the beach are on the doorstep, and the White Cliffs of Dover are a short drive away.



The Tour



This apartment sits on the top floor, and is accessed via a lift directly into the home. Banks of glazing run the length of the entrance hall, framing views of the wooded escarpment. Original timber doors with glass panelling opens onto a voluminous sitting room, where full-height sliding doors opening onto a balcony with magnificent sea views. Walls are papered in Lohko by Scion, and original built-in shelving lines one wall, above a glass-fronted fireplace with marble surround.



In the kitchen, handmade cabinetry is washed in cornflower blue, with appliances by Fisher & Paykel. A wide window looks towards the sea, while doors from the dining area open onto the rear balcony. Across the hall lies an original mahogany-lined bar, complete with fitted shelving, a sink and a serving hatch.



The principal bedroom is defined by floor-to-ceiling glazing, with access to the balcony and mesmerising views of the sea. An en suite shower room has a walk-in shower, a skylight and neat hexagonal tiling.



There are two further double bedrooms, one with sliding doors onto the rear balcony. A shared bathroom has a bathtub and views of the coastline.



Outdoor Space



Two large balconies extend to the front and rear of the house. One has far-reaching views across the Channel, to France on clear days, as well as Dungeness and the Romney Marsh. The other, at the rear of the building, looks towards the lush green hilltops, the village of Sandgate and its pretty beach.



There is a private parking space in the building's underground garage, as well as a private garage and two additional designated storage spaces.



The Area



Sandgate stretches along the coastline between Folkestone and Hythe, punctuated by Martello towers and Henry VIII’s 16th-century Sandgate Castle. The village has a distinctive character and a thriving community, with a bi-weekly farmers' market and the annual Sandgate Sea and Food festival. For the adventurous, swimmers congregate on the beach nearby for a bracing morning swim.



Hours can be whiled away in local cafes, Loaf, Orchard Lane, The Dog House and Mr Whippets, or for something more substantial, Roka Pizza has a wood-fired offering, Mimosa for Mediterranean inspired food and the Famous Ship Inn for British fayre. John Dory wine shop and tasting room has a bottle to suit all discerning palettes.



Sandgate is home to the Sandgate Rowing Club and a vibrant social club, as well as a centre of recreational activities and water sports. Nearby Hythe offers sailing, windsurfing, fishing, beachside yoga, tennis, cycling and running clubs.



Neighbouring Folkestone is a bustling seaside town on the Southern Kent coast, renowned for its prominent harbour and Victorian architecture. Central Folkestone is around five minutes away by car, or a 35-minute walk via the connecting Victorian promenade. The route passes several of the striking 46 public artworks discoverable along the Folkestone coastline, including pieces by Cornelia Parker, Anthony Gormley and Richard Wilson.



Folkestone’s Old High Street winds between independent shops and cafes towards the Harbour Arm; the latter stretches out to sea with beautiful views of the White Cliffs, Rocksalt, and The Goods Yard street food market. The old Victorian station has been beautifully preserved at the harbour’s edge, now home to wildflowers and sea view seating. The Folkestone Triennial brings exciting and varied installations, screenings and talks to the town every three years, adding to the already rich cultural offering.



Folkestone Central rail station is a seven-minute drive away and runs mainline services to London St Pancras in just under an hour. Further afield, the bustling centres of Margate, Ramsgate, Sandwich & Whitstable are all opportunities for an impromptu day trip by rail or car. The Eurotunnel is a 13-minute drive away, and offers easy connections to France.



Tenure: Share of Freehold | Lease Length: Approx. 975 years remaining | Service Charge: £2,500 p.a. | Ground Rent: £150 p.a | Council Tax Band: F