This handsome townhouse, defined by its beautiful coastal views, is set directly on the seashore in Tankerton, Whitstable. Spanning an impressive 1,800 sq ft across three floors, the house comprises four bedrooms and a separate external studio. The interiors have undergone sensitive restoration to preserve their original Arts and Crafts sensibilities. The front rooms are characterised by large expanses of glazing, perfectly positioned to take advantage of the breathtaking ocean vistas, with the beach just a step from the front door. Located on the quieter, westerly shorefront of wider Whitstable, Marine Parade is a peaceful part of Tankerton. The town centre is a short stroll along the seafront, and Chestfield and Swalecliffe station is a mere 15-minute walk away, with direct trains to London St Pancras (high speed services) and London Victoria in under 90 minutes.

Setting the Scene

Built in the year 1885, this home was originally a significant seaside residence. Later, in the 1930s, the building underwent conversion, resulting in two distinct and well-designed townhouses situated directly on the shorefront. The area’s gentle and undulating slopes towards the sea made it the perfect location for the subsequent wave of development in Whitstable. As a fashionable seaside town, Whitstable experienced widespread growth in the late 19th century, coinciding with the introduction of railway lines that attracted residents seeking the miasmic benefits of fresh sea air. For more information, please see the History section below.

The Grand Tour

Entry to the home is via a covered porch, glazed to shield it from the elements, creating a windbreak for the main hallway. The entrance hall has impressive high ceilings and an original archway with decorative corbels, leading to a dark-stained staircase embellished with decorative posts and spindles. The floorboards have been thoughtfully stripped and restored, returning them to their former glory.

To the right of the entrance hall is the primary sitting room, which has spectacular views over Marine Parade and the sea. A square box window frames the scene perfectly, while walls are painted in neutral tones, allowing the seascape to take centre stage. The fireplace has been opened up and now accommodates a functional wood-burning stove. The sitting room seamlessly connects to the dining room through an archway, creating one long, open space lit from both the front and rear, bathing the rooms in a wonderful quality of light throughout the day.

At the back of the plan is a spacious eat-in kitchen overlooking the internal courtyard garden. The area is illuminated by a large picture window and glazed bi-fold doors. Sleek blue/grey cabinetry from Schuler lines the walls, while hardy oak wood is used for the kitchen worktops. There is plenty of space for a large cooker in the original oven opening. Sturdy stone tiles have been thoughtfully laid on the floor, adding warmth. Additionally, at the back is a separate utility-come-pantry area.

On the first floor is the primary bedroom occupying a commanding position overlooking the beach. Currently used as a drawing room, this space has an expansive picture bay window with comfortable bench seating—a perfect spot to relax, read a book, and observe the mesmerising movements of the water. A lovely balcony can also be accessed from this room. Two further bedrooms on this floor have original fireplaces. Situated between these bedrooms is a shower room and a separate WC. The bathroom is painted an earthy shade of dusty rose pink by Lick, complemented by excellent terrazzo floor tiles from Mandarin Stone. A floating vanity with a glazed basin sink and inset wall tap completes the space.

The top floor houses the primary bedroom. Dual-aspect, the room has incredible views due to its high vantage point, which can also be enjoyed from the balcony here. Next to the bedroom, a large and impressive bathroom has been finished with Holden wallpaper and a deep, moody green paint by Coat. It has a clawfoot bath, an original fireplace, and tongue and groove panelling, adding charm and character.

The Great Outdoors 

Externally, the original garden has been thoughtfully divided into two separate courtyards, with the addition of an external studio. Accessed through bi-fold doors in the kitchen, the first courtyard garden is overlooked by the dining room and has durable York slabs.

Located to the studio's rear is another courtyard, again accessible through bi-fold doors. This area acts as a suntrap, creating a private, inviting outdoor grassy space exclusively for the separate building. There is also space for parking for two cars.

Out and About 

Tankerton sits directly on the north Kent coast between Whitstable and Herne Bay. Set back from the beach is a small high street filled with shops, cafes, and Ossie’s, a reliably delicious fish and chip shop. The popular Jo Jo’s meze bar is a short stroll from the house. The cliff-top lawns of Tankerton Slopes roll gently towards the sea and provide excellent views of ‘Whitstable Street’, a naturally formed spit of land that extends into the sea and can be walked on at low tide. These shingle slopes support a population of the rare Fisher’s estuarine moth, Gortyna borelii lunata, and as such have been designated a Special Area of Conservation. Colourful and highly covetable beach huts nestle at the base of the slopes, one of which was transported and transformed in Tracy Emin’s 2000 work ‘The Last Thing I Said to You was Don’t leave me here’. Tankerton’s Blue Flag beach is deservedly popular in summer but happily avoids the crowds of this stretch of coast.  

Neighbouring Whitstable is a short walk along the promenade and offers an impressive mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, wonderful historic architecture and a thriving cultural scene. With its own Biennale, a wealth of independent businesses, and easy access to London, the area supports a diverse community enjoying a vibrant life on the coast. Whitstable is historically famed for its oysters. The epicurean tradition has continued locally with the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival and at Wheelers Oyster Bar, Oyster Co., and Stephen Harris’ Michelin-starred The Sportsman. Other dining options within a half-hour drive include The Fordwich Arms, The Pig at Bridge Place, and The Goods Shed in Canterbury, all driven by local produce. 

Marine Parade sits directly on the Saxon Way, connecting Tankerton to the rest of the coastline on a pedestrianised pathway that extends from Gravesend to Hastings in East Sussex. Whitstable and Margate are both walkable along this path, as are historical landmarks, such as the Reculver Towers. The ancient woodland of Blean Wood, a dedicated nature reserve and a haven for sparrowhawks and woodcocks, can be found on the Crab and Winkle Way, an incredible seven-mile cycle path along a disused train line connecting Whitstable to Canterbury. 

Local train lines provide excellent transport connections; Chestfield and Swalecliffe station is a 15-minute walk away, with direct trains to London St Pancras and London Victoria in under 90 minutes. To the south, Canterbury is accessible by bus or a 20-minute drive, whilst Margate is 30 minutes and Dover is 45 minutes by car. The M2 and the M20 connect to central London in 60 miles and take around 1 hour 40 minutes.  

Council Tax Band: XXX