Eyrie, Sandgate, Kent

Like its moniker, Eyrie, this enchanting, detached six-bedroom house occupies a sublimely elevated position on an exclusive hillside overlooking Sandgate beach and the Channel beyond. The house is Victorian in origin and has been the subject of a sophisticated renovation in recent years through much of its 3,660 sq ft, which includes a gatehouse, garaging and a charming garden studio. Equal attention has been given to its immediate surroundings through glorious landscaping and planting, with areas for outdoor dining and terraces that wrap the expansive ground level. It is brilliantly positioned to enjoy the Kent coast and the burgeoning renaissance of Folkestone, while also being under an hour by train from London.

Environmental Performance

Recessed within the tiled roof is a solar array that provides enough energy for the car charging point and the appliances throughout the home. All sash windows have been sensitively replaced with double glazing to retain heat.

The Tour

At the end of a private lane, a gated driveway winds its way to a parking forecourt and a handsome, symmetrical front façade of London stock red brick. Entering the house via the wide hallway, the eye is directed straight ahead through an eight-over-eight sash window with views onto the terrace and the seascape beyond. Engineered oak parquet flooring runs throughout the ground floor.

Two living rooms bookend the hallway, both filled with light from dual-aspect windows. The larger of the two is orientated toward a log-burning stove and a chimney breast adorned with House of Hackney ‘Pluma’ wallpaper. The second living room forms part of the open plan, where kitchen and dining room spill into one another beneath a wall of elegant sash glazing. French windows in each room open onto the terrace, uniting the three distinct spaces while encouraging a wonderful interaction of indoor and outdoor living during the warmer months.

Underfloor heating runs under the limestone tiles in the kitchen. Appliances are by Miele and include three ovens and two dishwashers. A utility room is tidily tucked away at the front of the plan.

There are five peaceful bedrooms on the first floor, four of which have sea views. The main bedroom is harmoniously arranged with two separate en suites, both with marble herringbone-tiled showers by Aston Matthews. There’s also a further shower room and a family bathroom with a freestanding bath. A second utility room for laundry is conveniently positioned on this floor and provides stairs up to a further bedroom space.

There is double garage at the front of the house along with a garden room and gate house.

The Area

Sandgate is a flourishing neighbourhood of Folkestone and is located just to the east of the main town with its own distinctive character and secluded beaches. Local highlights include the excellent Sandgate Deli, a wine shop and tasting rooms at John Dory, Natalina’s Deli, Orchard Lane Coffee House, Loaf cafe, and some excellent independent antique shops. Folkestone itself is a beautiful seaside town on the southern Kent coast, renowned for its history as a key seaport and its Victorian expansion into an attractive coastal resort. The town's boulevards, townhouses and squares were the vision of Decimus Burton, one of the foremost architects and planners of the 19th century.

The main town offers many shops and cafes - the Old High Street winds between independent shops and cafes towards the newly redeveloped Harbour Arm. The Harbour Arm stretches out to sea with beautiful views of the White Cliffs, The London and Paris restaurant, and The Goods Yard street food market. The old Victorian station has been beautifully preserved at the harbour's edge, now home to wildflowers and sea view seating. The Folkestone Triennial brings exciting and varied installations, screenings and talks to the town every three years, adding to the already rich cultural offering.

Folkestone West is a six-minute drive away and Folkestone Central is an eight-minute drive away and runs mainline services into London St Pancras in under an hour. The Eurotunnel just outside of the town offers easy connections to France.

Council Tax Band: G