Tanglewood, St Margaret's at Cliffe, Kent

Tanglewood is set within two acres of private land on the periphery of St Margaret’s at Cliffe in Kent. This impressive five-bedroom home is firmly anchored in its coastal position by panoramic sea views. It spans 3,488 sq ft, and a considered material palette and versatile blueprint emphasise its contemporary construction. In the warmer months, a cultivated flower garden encircles the house, providing bursts of colour.

The Tour

The house sits in a wonderfully secluded position, embedded in a rich topography of wild meadows and mature woodland. Built in 2017 to Passivhaus standard, this home is exceptionally energy-efficient, with triple-glazed aluminium-framed windows and structural insulation throughout. The frontage is striking and formed in an L-shape, with large bay windows at its centre: darkened Siberian larch cladding is discrete yet decidedly bold, and floor-to-ceiling windows at the rear are angled to draw in brilliant south-facing sunlight.

The approach to the house is via a large gravelled parking area and driveway to a raised porch. The front door opens to a fine entrance hall where there is a neat WC and storage for coats and shoes. Just beyond, a generous living room anchors the ground-floor plan. Expansive glazing on the south-facing elevation floods the room with natural light and is amplified by soft neutral tones, with beautiful views over the sea, to the east, and over the flower garden to the south and west.

On the right of the hall, a door gives way to an open-plan integrated kitchen and dining area. A change in materiality sees soft fabrics transition into arresting amber-hued Douglas fir joinery, grey Silestone quartz worktops and a nautical-coloured glass splashback. Underfoot, timber floorboards extend throughout. Local craftsmanship has been prioritised in this space: the kitchen cabinetry was made nearby from recycled Worcester sauce barrels, and a beautiful stained glass panel by a Deal artist has been fitted above a bespoke breakfast bar. There is a generous larder fitted with timber shelving and ventilation from a small louver window. Glazed doors open from the dining area to a large glazed-walled terrace.

A serene principal bedroom with an en suite bathroom occupies the rest of this floor. Southern, eastern and western windows frame the surrounding landscape and draw light inward, and fitted cupboards provide ample storage. The bathroom is well-appointed with a walk-in shower and freestanding bath.

A curved oak staircase descends to the lower-ground floor with versatile living spaces, four additional bedrooms and two bathrooms. A central bright sunroom has glazed doors that lead to a part-paved, part-pebbled terrace, enclosed by the cascading colours of ferns, ornamental grasses and seasonal flowers.

The four bright double bedrooms each have their own distinct atmosphere. One is currently arranged as a neat study and another as a sitting room, with doors opening onto the lower flower garden and peaceful Flow Form water feature. Throughout, walls have been finished in a warm, natural white. One of the bedrooms has fitted storage, and additional storage is found under the stairs and just off the hallway.

A handy utility room leads outdoors and is well-equipped with a large airing cupboard and drying rack, a sink, an MVHR system and a water softener.

Outdoor Space

The land between Tanglewood and the sea is preserved by the National Trust and leased to local farmers who tend the land, providing uninterrupted views. In the spring and summer, the garden is adorned with wildflower meadows, a vivacious collection of tulips and productive fruit trees, including cherry plum, plum, crab apple and medlar. The woodland is defined largely by mature sycamores, beech and Corsican pine.

Mounds and an array of flowers and herbaceous plants screen the house from coastal winds and provide a beautiful display of colour. A paved seating area sits peacefully next to a Flow Form water feature.

A separate workshop building has been crowned with solar panels and provides electricity to the house and to the grid. An attached greenhouse, raised-bed vegetable garden, and curated south-east facing treehouse lend a creative and restorative atmosphere.

The Area

Despite its private and peaceful position, Tanglewood is a 10-minute walk to the picturesque village of St Margaret’s at Cliffe. The village is defined by its white cliffs, rolling countryside, and bucolic setting for coastal walks. The nearby clifftop paths form part of the iconic White Cliffs coastline, while other favourite destinations include St Margaret's Beach and the surrounding gardens at Pines Garden, Café & Visitor Centre. The house is also brilliantly positioned for access to some of the country's best golfing including, Royal St George's and Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club, the latter of which sits within walking distance.

The village has a thriving community centred around its independent cafés and pubs, and a thriving sports scene. The Coastguard Pub is renowned for its sea views, and The Smugglers and The Bay Bistro are equally popular. The historic towns of Deal, Dover and Canterbury are within easy reach, with a broader selection of independent shops, restaurants and cultural attractions.

The well-reputed St Margaret's at Cliffe Primary School is close by and the village also has a nursery. East Langdon and Kingsdown have well-regarded primary schools too. For secondary education there are both excellent state and independents including, Dover Boys Grammar, Dover Girls Grammar, St Edmund's Catholic School and Dover College. Northbourne Park School is a popular independent co-ed offering places from nursery to age 14. There are also schooling options in Canterbury including, The King's School.

Martin Mill station is a short drive away, providing regular services to Dover and London St Pancras, and Dover Priory offers further high-speed connections to principal London stations and the wider South East. The A2 also provides convenient road links to Canterbury, the M2 and London.