Waters Edge

Greatstone, Nr Dungeness

6

7

15

3

Perched above the pebble and sandy shoreline at Greatstone, Waters Edge is a stunning contemporary beach house that blends beautiful coastal views with thoughtful architectural design. Its blackened timber façade, created using the traditional Japanese technique of yakisugi, gives the exterior a striking, sculptural quality while helping the building withstand the elements. This dramatic exterior is complemented with expansive windows that frame wide views of the sea, creating a zen-like, light-filled setting that forms the perfect backdrop for groups taking time away together.

Designed with groups in mind, the house balances generous shared spaces with quieter corners to retreat to. At the heart of the house, the kitchen presents itself perfectly for group cooking, with ample space, equipment, and preparation areas for shared meals. Whether you prefer a slow breakfast after a swim, long lunches with the doors open, or cooking for the whole house without needing to juggle oven trays or squeeze around one another – the set up here is flawless. The layout then flows easily into the dining and living spaces, making it just as comfortable for conversation as it is for cooking.

The house also lends itself well to the evenings, with a dedicated state-of-the-art cinema room that provides a place to settle in with a film after a day outdoors, as well as an additional lounge and bar area for a relaxed setting once dinner winds down. Those who value a long night's sleep (and even longer mornings) will be thrilled by the spacious rooms – many of which feature a king-size bed – and all of which come with their own en suite, so you needn't worry about battling it out over shower times during your stay. Throughout the home, furnishings and amenities in this 'Japandi' inspired beach house are generous, opulent and comfortable throughout, providing guests with a warm welcome and a space to truly relax in – rather than something overly formal.

Outside, the garden provides several more places to sit, cook, and gather; al fresco dining by barbecue are a must, while informal games or time spent simply enjoying the views of the sea are usually highly regarded. If the call of the sea becomes too much, the gate at the edge of the garden opens directly onto the dunes, making it easy to spend the day by the water before wandering back to bask in the remainder of your time here.