A rural eco-cabin located right on the beach, with 360 degree sweeping views of the seas, skies, fields and stars. It’s hard to believe it’s an hour from London – it feels worlds away.
Located in a National Nature Reserve right opposite Whitstable, on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, it is literally on the beach, which is usually deserted even in the height of summer.
This two double-bedroom, off-grid beach house is filled with light, with big windows, and made sustainably using wood, natural, reclaimed and found materials. It has an open plan, airy living space with a large picture window to the sea and indoor swing, The kitchen and dining area have glass double doors opening to the sea front and fantastic views. The house has character, from the upcycled euphonium bathroom sink and cymbal light shade, to the mezzanine den accessed via a rope ladder, to the scattering of found and foraged objects.
The location makes this place very special. It has beautiful light, big skies, low rainfall, and is often wild and windswept. The beach itself is accessed directly from a wooden gate on the property, and has long grasses, leading to sand, the masses of shells that gave Shellness its name, and a tide that goes a long way out with dramatic groynes, coming back to just 20ft from the gate. Behind the beach house are long views of fields and wetlands. The area is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest and bird reserve.
The beach house is on a quiet little stretch of just 11 cabins, accessed via an unmade road, then nothing for a long way. It has a sense of space around it from the other properties, located on a 60ftx60ft plot, with a wraparound deck, and slightly elevated position. Beside it is a wrecked wooden boat in long grasses.
Off-grid practicalities: The whole place is off grid, with solar power and rainwater collection, although fully winterised for year-round use, with a glowing woodburner. You will need to bring your own generator and drinking water – a hair dryer would definitely blow the power. The toilet is septic, flushed by rainwater – larger crews will need to bring a toilet please. There is no wifi but there is a mobile signal.
A NOTE FROM THE OWNER
“When we found the house, it was a forgotten wreck that had been abandoned for many years. The whole house and fixtures and fittings have been restored and created by owner Simon, a professional designer and builder of sustainable living spaces.”
