Coastguard Lookout

Fantastic property and location 4.3/5

We really love the property - great location, good condition. There were a few items we would love the owners to address. There was only one easy chair in the kitchen (last time we stayed there were two) - it meant we weren't able to sit together drinking coffee looking out on the amazing view as we had last time and that was missed. The cushion on the sofa bench in the lounge is now pretty lumpy so it's not comfortable to sit on. It would be great to replace that. The lounge would also benefit from a second lounge chair - the other one is great and really comfortable. The bed gave us both a stiff back - might be time to replace the mattress? We slept in the first floor bedroom.

Rachel Briggs | 01 October 2024

No place like it! 4.3/5

We struggled to get in the front door for about 5 minutes as it was quite stiff, but once inside there was definitely wow factor. The views are nothing but stunning from all floors, especially out on the 2 balconies. It's surprising how high you are when on the top floor, you can see for miles! Lots of stairs to keep you fit, I joked that it needed a lift! There were a few things that we weren't so keen on, namely the bench seat in the kitchen or the fixed settee in the lounge, which we found hard and uncomfortable and maybe a proper TV instead of an iMac? The bedroom and open bathroom is very strange with just a curtain for privacy and no blind by the toilet window! But that didn't deter from the pleasure of being there. Many thanks to the owner for allowing us to bring our elderly rabbit! A lovely property. We would come again.

Alan Barclay | 25 September 2024

Wonderful stay. 5/5

Is exactly as billed. A stunning location. Always something to watch out of the windows and on the outside decks. I think if there had been a worktop and chairs in the top room (with a foldaway bed) we would have spent most of our time reading and gazing out of the windows - it was a bit chilly to be outside for a long period. Luckily we had taken our thermos flask so had warm drinks up there. We had a wonderful time - thank you. Beverley wanted a seaside location - this could not have been bettered.

Beverley Godwin | 13 February 2024

Incredible location 4.5/5

I’ve never stayed in such an incredible location. Waking up and going to sleep literally yards from the sea’s breaking waves is such an amazing experience. Our visit was in January and so the log fire was a very welcome and much used feature. Would love to come back in the summer.

Patrick Tonks | 08 January 2024

Atmospheric stay 4.5/5

Great location, but not private as passers-by will peer in the door on a regular basis. The 'private' road was also not very private at all. Had a break of 2 halves. Sun first, then storm and wind. Got very noisy when windy and had trouble sleeping. Decor seems a bit tired. Needs comfy seating and bedroom could benfit from a shower to take it to the next level as curtain and shower over bath doesn't work well. Having said that, we enjoyed our stay and the view of boats coming and going all day. Great to visit the train and The Pilot pub does huge sandwiches.

Guest | 22 September 2023

Fabulous location 3.3/5

We stayed here for two nights. The location is off the scale fantastic. The lookout would have been brilliant when it was first done up but over time it’s got a bit tired and really needs a refresh. It has some very good quality fixtures and fittings but they haven’t really been cared for. Bathroom arrangement with a curtain separating the loo from the bedroom is really odd and just doesn’t work very well. A sliding door would do the job much better. Take some insect spray unless you like earwigs. It’s a very expensive night or two away but the location is everything. Would have liked some shampoo/ conditioner, some paper kitchen towels and a nespresso type coffee machine included in the really hefty price! I would recommend that the owners stay there for a night or two to see how it functions for themselves.

Karen Bremner | 24 August 2023

An incredible experience 4.7/5

This was a magical stay from the very point of arrival to departure. Even though there was so much to discover across Dungerness, temptation was to stay and enjoy this unique building. Beautifully converted (simply a beautiful piece of architecture) from a working coastguard lookout to a comfortable home from home. The views are to die for, but the experience of being so close to the sea, and separate from everything else is what made the stay that bit more special. It allows you to connect to the landscape and nature in a way we hadn't experienced anywhere else in the UK.

Steve Austen-Brown | 16 August 2023

Coastguard Lookout, Dungeness 4.3/5

A superb location right on the beach at Dungeness. The views from the Coastguard's Lookout are spectacular and even the power station has a weird kind of beauty at sunset. The Lookout itself is eyewateringly expensive. I booked it as a mini-break treat for the start of the school holidays, but two nights of dealing with no door on the toilet was more than enough! The kitchen is very high spec and architect designed, but it took me half an hour to work out the hob! When I finally resorted to the house bible, I was told it was all self-explanatory. Sadly, at 6.30 in the morning desperate for coffee, I definitely need clear instructions! Other minor irritations were a bath tap that wouldn't provide cold - only scaldingly hot - water, just the one mirror (in the bathroom) so no plug nearby for the hairdryer, the hugely annoying hob and my teenage son was annoyed by the presence of an imac rather than a telly as he couldn't get Netflix to work (but I considered that a plus!). All that said, we will definitely be going back to Dungeness - just to somewhere a bit more user friendly and less expensive!

Guest | 13 July 2023

Quirky property, great location 3.8/5

The Lookout Tower is right on the beach with uninterrupted views. It is set over 4 floors with 46 metal steps to the top bedroom and balcony. Unfortunately the property needs updating as the blinds in the bedroom were broken, there was no blind at the window above the sink in the toilet/bathroom which was in the bedroom with just a curtain and no door. One end of the bath can be seen from the person in bed unless you drag the heavy curtain round which then gets wet when you use the handheld hose which is supposed to be the shower. It's not well thought out. There are the bases of old smoke alarms still on the ceiling and plaster has fallen off in several places. The toaster tripped the electrics and we spent ages trying to find the fuse box. To top it off we had to carry our rubbish bags along the lane up to some wheelie bins.For the cost of the property for less than 48 hours it was way overpriced. Such a shame as it could be stunning with a bit of TLC. Would recommend only if property is updated as it was such a great location.

Karen Maxted | 13 June 2023

Excellent location, unique place to stay 4/5

We had a great time despite some inclement weather … the property is unique, very minimal. Location is fantastic. Kitchen area was great as was lounge with a nice log burner. Bathroom facilities a bit limited for the price (no standing shower and shared, behind a curtain so privacy a challenge but we did know that before booking). Overall great, would say the property is overdue some updating but an interesting place to visit and stay.

Morgan Dadd | 18 April 2023

Sunny Easter in Dungeness 4.7/5

We have been visiting Dungeness for sometime and it was always on my dream list to stay at the Coastguard lookout. The building is just iconic, wonderful at the end of the world. Views are fabulous and watching the sea, weather, boats and people is mesmerising. The accommodation is minimalist to extreme. The bathroom is odd and though you could get 5 people in personally I think it’s a couples retreat! Loved our stay there hated leaving!

Jacqueline Jenkins | 10 April 2023

Unique Stay 4.7/5

This is a house like no other. I can't think of anywhere else where you could stay so close to the sea and in such a remote location. The house has been converted to a high standard. We were a family of 4 and so although fairly impractical for us (we knew this before coming), we had a great time and would recommend.

Kate Evans | 06 February 2023

Great beach location. 5/5

Really stylish interior. Amazing location 100m from sea, Here you really experience the elements. Would definitely come back.

Robert Alsyet | 10 January 2023

Unique building in a stunning location 5/5

I had a wonderful weekend with my children at the Coastguard Lookout. We were all in complete awe of the location - right on the beach with a huge and unobstructed vista. We had a mixed bag of weather but it works come rain or shine! Either you are out enjoying the amazing Dungeness scenery, or you are cozy and secure in the tower watching the drama unfold all round you. The building has so many quirks that all add to its charm. It was an amazing experience that we will all talk about for years to come.

Jonathan Grimes | 04 October 2022

coast guard lookout 4.3/5

We stayed with another couple. Toilet was a problem because of no door on toilet and bathroom. which was open plan to bedroom. The rest of our stay was so amazing the location is second to none. the whole ambience of the coast guard lookout is fantastic. you can almost feel the history of the place and what it once was. wlll come back one day because once is not enough.

Dawn Wallis | 03 October 2022

Earwig Towers 2.3/5

Location is everything with this property, which is lucky because the property is tired, has minimal facilities and has a problem with earwigs. Top floor has no storage at all and a built in bed that should not be inspected too closely, one of the Louvre windows whistles and hums when it is windy Next level down has a collection of potential candidates for a Museum of Chairs and a sofa thing that reminded me of a stuffed camel. Second floor is two beds, toilet, bath and a small built in wardrobe. Ground floor is kitchen with large table. Earwigs are on every level, even found one happily nestled in the loo roll one morning. Property leaks when it rains, but you are only made aware of this once you have made your booking.

Chris Park | 25 September 2022

Coast Guard Lookout - feedback 3.2/5

This is an amazing location and a very neat well kept property, however our experience was ruined with the bugs! Spiders and what looked like Earwigs on all floor levels and in the beds left us with little sleep and an uncomfortable experience. The owner's would benefit from sealing the property properly and keeping the bugs out. The other odd feature of this property is there is only one toilet, which is in the children's room behind a curtain and not ideal.

Frank Salmon | 24 July 2022

Not for us - beware the toilet is in one of the bedrooms 2.5/5

Firstly, the good points which are the location, the kitchen (which is well equipped), the views and the ability to walk out on the pebbly beach. Now for the not so good points - The biggest issue is that the only toilet is IN the second bedroom. There is a curtain you can draw across but there is no extractor or door and even the window by the toilet has no blind and is clear glass so you can be watched from outside while you do your business. Not really acceptable and meant our grown up children who were coming to stay in that room decided not to come in the end. That bedroom also contains the bath and shower (via hose) and is also screened by the same curtain as the toilet - if you have any form of restricted movement you will find it a challenge to get in and out of the bath given the layout. - There isn't a comfortable seat in the house. The main viewing area there a bench with a home made? cushion on it that is so so uncomfortable - there are two other chairs but they are all so low you have to sit bolt upright to just about see out of the windows for the view you have presumably come to see. The kitchen seats and benches are no better. Maybe a place for the summer when you can sit outside but would suggest you bring your own seats/chairs. - The double glazing units in one of the patio doors and one of the picture windows on the 3rd floor are blown and full of condensation - given the high end price tag this isn't really ideal as it limits the view unless you don't mind looking through "fog" - The info pack could do with updating as some of it is no longer correct - And a TV would also be a good idea for the longer winter evenings – we couldn't work out how to use the Mac so listened to the radio we brought with us - It is noisy if the wind is above 15 mph – if the gaps in and around the doors and windows were filled this would help make it quieter so sleep wasn’t disturbed. I imagine in summer when you can make full use of the outside it could be an amazing place to stay but unless you are very very close or uninhibited with the people you are staying with its really only a property for couples not 5 people.

Andrew Maidment | 14 March 2022

Fantastic getaway in a shingle wilderness 4.7/5

Went down immediately after the stormy weekend of Eunice and Franklin which had cut the power. Communication with the team was great and they were understanding and flexible had we not wanted to go until power was definitely restored . However decided to go anyway and hope power was reconnected by the time we got there, which it was. The lookout is easily the best accommodation in Dungeness and has fantastic views and is nice and cosy (and we experienced some pretty wet and windy days!) and when the sun comes out the balconies are great to sit and watch the world, or lack of it go by. Ate lunch (family of 5 with 3 teenage children) at both Britannia and Pilot Inns which was good food reasonable priced (Burgers are better at the Britannia but Fish and chips great at both). Loo and bathroom a little 'quirky' for a family of 5 but certainly manageable. Day trips out are possible (Rye, listening ears even Ashford International is close to pick up a family member coming by train and of course Prospect Cottage) but we wanted to just get away and have a break which we certainly did. Will look to book again next time with hopefully a little less storm trauma.

Louise Hancock | 28 February 2022

Just wow 4.8/5

Loved our stay out the Coastguard Lookout and really didn’t want it to end. The location is amazing and the building itself is very unique. As soon as we walked in we were just in awe of the interior design and the views from every window. The kitchen utensils and appliances were all of a very high standard and made cooking a joy. Plenty of different areas to sit and enjoy a cup of tea/glass of wine whilst admiring the views. We were really lucky and had some amazing sunsets to watch from the top balcony. The bedrooms are cosy and you do need to be comfortable with who you are staying with (we were two couples) as the bath and toilet are in one of the bedrooms, only separated by a rail curtain. We had a range of weather during our stay from sun to rain and strong winds all of which we thoroughly enjoyed as they created different atmospheres and light. We would love to stay again!

Jamie Small | 05 February 2022

A wonderful location 4.3/5

The most wonderful isolated location on the unique estate of Dungeness. The property is very well equipped and comfortable with exception of the beds. The four floors can be a little confusing at first but all part of the fun and the two balconies give a great 360 degree view and a space to soak up the sun or blow the cobwebs away in the wind. Even in December the place was toasty warm with comfy seating and a log burner. No doors mean the 2 bedrooms are fairly open but a clever curtain system isolates the bathroom. The one big disappointment was the mattresses which have definitely seen better days and despite toppers could do with replacing as they made for uncomfortable sleep. I would definitely recommend the beauty of this unusual venue when the mattresses are changed.

Michael Taylor | 13 December 2021

Unique Dungeness 4/5

Wanting to spend a milestone birthday somewhere different, we chose Dungeness in January! Covid however prevented this and a subsequent re-booking for March was also affected, eventually we got there in September. We booked the Coastguard lookout and expecting something unusual we were not disappointed. The impression this building makes on entering is a ‘wow’. Exploring all floors with the views, the tasteful and elegant design is so right for the building, we liked it so much that we wanted to re-book but sadly for next January it was already reserved. However, we did manage to book the Fog Warning station next door…can’t wait. P.S. dogs liked it too. Just one thing, remember all your provisions, there is no shop and the nearest is a drive away! Fortunately, we did.

Diane Navara | 02 October 2021

Perfect 4.3/5

This was a perfect location for a post-lockdown holiday - we loved it. Thank you. For BLOOM - one of the small fridges kept turning itself off... think it needs replacing. Also, the mattress on the top floor has springs that you can feel when you sleep on it, one of them left a scratch on me...... It's very old and honestly, I think it needs replacing. Aside from this, the coastguard look out is a unique and wonderful space and we feel lucky to have had the chance to stay there. Thank you so much

Jo Ensor | 27 July 2021

Short break - new location 4.2/5

We are a family of 4 (2 17 year olds) and booked 4 nights. Hadn't been to the area and the property was very quirky/interesting and the location was very unusual. Area didn't disappoint, you really are at the end of the road - but its a schlep to come and go as a result. Views fantastic - including the power station. Migrants arrived while we were there, so very newsworthy! Comfort is so-so -i.e. top bed small and not comfortable, the bath/shower/loo area doesn't really work - it is as described, but its poorly designed, could be much better and more personal. Go for a couple of nights if you are a couple and/or have younger kids (not too young - the stairs are plentiful for obvious reasons) and enjoy the peace/sense of otherness.

Nick Triggs | 22 July 2021

Lovely place 5/5

We had such a lovely time here perfect place to get away to have family time and peace. What a view to wake up too .We will definitely be returning one day.

Samantha Wallace | 07 June 2021

Great views but poorly maintained property, it’s definitely not worth the money being charged. 2.5/5

The selling point for this property were the fabulous views in a costal location. However, due to maintenance issues our stay was extremely disappointing. Initially, we had internet problems which the owner resolved. The kitchen has two small fridges with an ice box. Both door drawers were damaged to the extent that one could not be used, one had not been cleaned and the ice boxes needed defrosting. The bathroom had missing tiles and a leaking tap. The bedroom had a blackout blind, but it has a large scratch which lets in the light and the corner was becoming unravelled. The welcome pack could do with updating, the WiFi information is not correct. Plus, there is no mention that when it rains, there is a possibility that the water comes in under the 2nd floor balcony door, my walking boots and suitcase got rather damp! The Owner is aware of all of these points, I sent photos and video clips. There is no excuse for the property not to be fixed and other guests to have a better stay.

Guest | 29 May 2021