Coastguards Lookout is a cosy and beautifully appointed bolt-hole in a kind of semi-wilderness you wouldn't really expect to find within such a short drive of London. Set back behind the sea wall and barely a moments walk from the beach, 'Coastguards' Lookout is the first of a group of Coastguard Cottages, built in 1875 that stand in splendid isolation at Jury's Gap, beyond the end of Camber Village and which adjoin an extensive SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) that extends from within the cottage grounds, a full eight miles to Dungeness. Quite wild, yet intensely peaceful, with dramatic views in every direction, 'Coastguards Lookout' has recently been sumptuously renovated, decorated with a playful seaside style and furnished with nothing but comfort and blissful relaxation in mind.
The cottage is still only a few minutes drive from the many attractions of the medieval Cinque Port town of Rye and it has easy access to all necessary amenities, including local farm shops selling Salt Marsh Lamb straight from the marshes, fishmongers selling straight from the fishing boats and a wide variety of excellent welcoming pubs and restaurants for dining out.
With miles of often-empty beach, a towering sky overhead and wind fresh with ozone straight from the Atlantic, 'Coastguards Lookout' is all about relaxation. Bathed in comfort, peace and quiet, you cannot help but unwind; it is the perfect place to kick off your shoes, shake the city dust off your hair and wander back to that bit of yourself that gets lost in the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Stepping into Coastguards Lookout you will immediately see the great care and attention that has been given in the renovation from its former life as a Coastguards property to a contemporary and cosy, but character filled holiday cottage. Retaining all traditional features, but enhanced with modern furnishing and equipment to cater for most, if not all requirements, the cottage is blessed with all you need to make it a home from home. The open plan kitchen/dining room, with a breakfast bar made from rustic locally sourced wood is complemented by a coffee machine, induction hob, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave and music player.
And when the day is done, you can step through to the snug lounge. After a day out, or when the evening chill settles in, with its comfortable furnishings and bright log burning stove, it is the perfect place to relax and watch TV, play games on the X-Box, or read that book you keep promising yourself, with just the crackle, warmth and dancing flames of the fire and the distant crash of the waves to disturb you.
Head up stairs and you will find the large master bedroom with its super king sized bed and expansive views over the sheep studded marsh, where the local smugglers plied their trade in years gone by. Here a long and renewing nights rest is guaranteed. Head up to the attic room and enjoy a bath under the stars to the sound of the sea.
Across the landing is the family bathroom with a large and luxurious walk in shower and views out across the bay and the sea.
The second bedroom has two 3-foot beds, perfect for children, or pushed together, for a couple. With another stunning view of the sea, it also has a small flat screen TV, in case you tire of watching the extraordinary sunsets!
Outside, the wood decked south facing rear garden is decorated with buoys and features an extraordinary fence made entirely from reclaimed sea-groynes. With another dining table and benches outside the back door, it is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine, or two, or three, while glowing with the satisfaction of exploring one of the many historical sights or taking in a hike along a coastal path.
Coastguards Lookout also benefits from access to an extended garden; a large area of grass beside the cottage that is perfect for ball games or just lazing around in the sun, and definitely a place to sip a sundowner watching the setting sun slip away.
'Coastguards Lookout' also provides all that you need for a stress free holiday, from fine bed linen, fluffy towels and bathrobes to toilet tissue and dishwasher tablets, so that's a few less things to pack for when you come and stay!
Nestled on the border of 1066 Country and The Garden of England with their stunning coast and countryside, ancient towns and historic sites, a holiday at Coastguards Lookout offers a vast array of activities and attractions to suit all interests.
A break at Coastguards is all about relaxation and getting away from it all, Spring and Summer evenings spent gathered around the BBQ after a day of exploring the spectacular combination of coast and countryside that's scattered with relics and ruins from the past.
Autumn, the 'Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness' is a time for fantastic seaside sunsets with the sky illuminated with bursts of turquoise and pink, the countryside sprinkled with gold and auburn. A time of food and drink festivals, along with scaring yourself silly on a ghost walk in Rye!
A winter break at Coastguards Cottages is an incredible experience. There is nothing quite like reviving your senses with a brisk, invigorating walk in the crisp winter air, followed by an afternoon warming your toes in front of the log burner with a good book and a glass of wine.
Keen walkers will be in hiking heaven with the diverse natural landscapes to explore on your doorstep, such as Romney Marsh with it's colourful history that has seen invasions, numerous threatened attacks and smuggling. Home to so many species of bird, plant and insect that it is one of the most important nature conservation sites in Europe. This patch of pristine wetland covers a whopping 100 square miles and is packed with wildlife.
From the back of Coastguards, follow the beach to Dungeness with it's unique landscape, a shingle foreland on the tip of Kent. Home to a nuclear power station, two lighthouses and designated a National Nature Reserve, it has often been described as 'the end of the earth'. Be sure to check out Prospect Cottage, where film-maker Derek Jarman once lived – again its prettiness jarring with the surroundings, an uneasy juxtaposition.
The Royal Military Canal Path runs for 28 miles along the entire length of the Royal Military Canal from Seabrook, Kent to Cliff End in East Sussex. The route treads a path between the vast openness of the Romney Marsh and the old cliff line with its wooded hills and quiet villages. Walking along the quiet canal banks today it is easy to forget that this was once the scene of intense military activity. Now, much of the drama on the canal comes from the variety of wildlife that has made the canal its home.
If that sounds too tame, we have the kitesurf centre just five minutes walk away. When you think about it, strapping yourself to a small plank of wood while a huge kite pulls you through the water is probably bonkers. But then again, they said similar things about snowboarding too – and look how much fun that is!
Ideally situated for day trips into or out of London, the region's beautiful gardens and vineyards, historic castles and picturesque medieval towns and villages offer so many attractions that you will no doubt be tempted to stay longer.
Please note: The MOD firing range is about a quarter of a mile away that is used occasionally, so do not be alarmed as it is not a shoot out with smugglers or Napoleon invading, its the British army sharpening their marksmanship!
