Shingle House
- Location
- Kent
- Size
- Sleeps 8
Shingle House is designed by Scottish practice, NORD (Northern Office for Research and Design) and situated on the shingle beach of Dungeness, near Romney Marsh, one of the most unusual and poetic landscapes in England.
Accommodation
Shingle House
- Expansive views of the sea and surrounding nature reserve.
- Privately located in the unique and protected environment of Dungeness.
- Freshly caught local fish and shellfish available (when in season).
- Beautifully crafted private house with exquisite architectural detailing.
- For up to eight guests all ages; dog friendly.
- Four bedrooms, and three bathrooms.
Shingle House is greatly admired by all who come to stay, and was the first architect-designed house where visitors to this unusual and protected natural environment, could spend a holiday.
Surrounded by shingle, with the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch miniature railway passing by the end of the garden, the house is designed for guests seeking out a comfortable and relaxed place to stay with friends and family; you can bring your architecture loving dog too!
The large open plan kitchen and dining room afford views across Dungeness, here guests can cook, eat and chat in this elegant and refined space. Two large folding windows can be fully opened, one onto the surrounding landscape, the other onto a sheltered inner courtyard area, which is ideal for alfresco eating or taking in the afternoon sun.
Along a short corridor is the main living area, set around a large concrete fireplace with inset wood burner; here guests can relax, read, listen to music or just gaze across the shingle to the sea beyond. A smaller quieter sitting room, with views to the sea, is positioned on a mezzanine above; leading to a bedroom and en-suite bathroom, all set within the eaves of the house.
To the rear of the house, overlooking the gardens, are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which features a large walk-in shower and views to the sea.
Set well back from the road, with no near neighbours, this exquisitely detailed and private house, is perfect for those wishing to experience life by the sea in an exceptional environment.
Location
About Your Stay
During Your Stay
Floor Plan
What Guests Say
House blended beautifully in its surroundings. Very well equipped. Enjoyed the contrast of such a stunning modern house with our Victorian home. Lovely to stay in such a smart house with our dog, who thought the ability to lie in front of floor to ceiling windows watching the world go by was perfect.
The experience provided by Living Architecture did not prepare us for the reaction to the reality. Each member of my extended family confessed to the uniqueness of the feeling as we entered the house. It was the best example of how a home and location could knit together and create a magical atmosphere.
The design of the house for family gatherings was truly wonderful - excellent eating area and kitchen for communal activities. We felt at home immediately.
The house was absolutely beautiful and I would recommend it to anyone. The kitchen was beautifully equipped - even for xmas dinner - and the bed linen and furniture were all immaculate.
It was an absolute joy to stay in the house, I loved it so much I have reserved for next year already.
The property is lovely and very cool and modern. Kitchen equipment, accessories and bedding were all of a very high quality.
We simply loved everything about the house and location. It was the best weekend!
We thought the house was wonderful and enjoyed being there very much. It is a very memorable experience to be able to exist, even for a few days, in that kind of designed space, within that amazing landscape.
Beautiful and wonderful and magical.. Had an amazing weekend.
House magnificent - enjoyed by everyone.
About The Architecture
We commissioned NORD on the strength of their finding simple and elegant solutions to complex problems.
Dungeness is environmentally protected and a conservation area, due to the abundance of rare flora and fauna, and many unusual houses that have evolved over the last two hundred years. Therefore, designing and building a new house required very careful consideration.
The architects looked to create three separate elements to the house, linking them by glazed corridors. These parts were to respect the size and shape of the dilapidated house and sheds they replaced.
Referencing the old tarred sheds of the local fisherman’s huts dotted along the shoreline, the exterior is cloaked in black stained cedar shingles and timber. With tinted windows and black frames, the house appears as a series of huts silhouetted against the surrounding landscape.
By contrast the interior of the house is a palette of white stained wood, and concrete, set against the warmth of a rich dark Purpleheart timber floor. An eclectic mix of contemporary furniture and rugs have been sourced, along with specific pieces being commissioned for the house.
The Shingle House responds perfectly to the geography of Dungeness, and the changing environmental conditions and seasons.
Whilst its contemporary origins are clear, the design of the house seeks to visually integrate with this unique landscape.