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Coastguards Lookout

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Overview
2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
4 guests
Minimum stay varies 
The minimum stay for this property changes depending on the dates selected
Cottage
Coastguards Lookout is a cosy and beautifully appointed bolt-hole in a kind of semi-wilderness you wouldn't really expect to find within such a short drive of London. Set back behind the sea wall and barely a moments walk from the beach, 'Coastguards' Lookout is the first of a group of Coastguard Cottages, built in 1875 that stand in splendid isolation at Jury's Gap, beyond the end of Camber Village and which adjoin an extensive SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) that extends from within the cottage grounds, a full eight miles to Dungeness. Quite wild, yet intensely peaceful, with dramatic views in every direction, 'Coastguards Lookout' has recently been sumptuously renovated, decorated with a playful seaside style and furnished with nothing but comfort and blissful relaxation in...Coastguards Lookout is a cosy and beautifully appointed bolt-hole in a kind of semi-wilderness you wouldn't really expect to find within such a short drive of London. Set back behind the sea wall and barely a moments walk from the beach, 'Coastguards' Lookout is the first of a group of Coastguard Cottages, built in 1875 that stand in splendid isolation at Jury's Gap, beyond the end of Camber Village and which adjoin an extensive SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) that extends from within the cottage grounds, a full eight miles to Dungeness. Quite wild, yet intensely peaceful, with dramatic views in every direction, 'Coastguards Lookout' has recently been sumptuously renovated, decorated with a playful seaside style and furnished with nothing but comfort and blissful relaxation in mind. The cottage is still only a few minutes drive from the many attractions of the medieval Cinque Port town of Rye and it has easy access to all necessary amenities, including local farm shops selling Salt Marsh Lamb straight from the marshes, fishmongers selling straight from the fishing boats and a wide variety of excellent welcoming pubs and restaurants for dining out. With miles of often-empty beach, a towering sky overhead and wind fresh with ozone straight from the Atlantic, 'Coastguards Lookout' is all about relaxation. Bathed in comfort, peace and quiet, you cannot help but unwind; it is the perfect place to kick off your shoes, shake the city dust off your hair and wander back to that bit of yourself that gets lost in the hustle and bustle of modern life. Stepping into Coastguards Lookout you will immediately see the great care and attention that has been given in the renovation from its former life as a Coastguards property to a contemporary and cosy, but character filled holiday cottage. Retaining all traditional features, but enhanced with modern furnishing and equipment to cater for most, if not all requirements, the cottage is blessed with all you need to make it a home from home. The open plan kitchen/dining room, with a breakfast bar made from rustic locally sourced wood is complemented by a coffee machine, induction hob, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave and music player. And when the day is done, you can step through to the snug lounge. After a day out, or when the evening chill settles in, with its comfortable furnishings and bright log burning stove, it is the perfect place to relax and watch TV, play games on the X-Box, or read that book you keep promising yourself, with just the crackle, warmth and dancing flames of the fire and the distant crash of the waves to disturb you. Head up stairs and you will find the large master bedroom with its super king sized bed and expansive views over the sheep studded marsh, where the local smugglers plied their trade in years gone by. Here a long and renewing nights rest is guaranteed. Head up to the attic room and enjoy a bath under the stars to the sound of the sea. Across the landing is the family bathroom with a large and luxurious walk in shower and views out across the bay and the sea. The second bedroom has two 3-foot beds, perfect for children, or pushed together, for a couple. With another stunning view of the sea, it also has a small flat screen TV, in case you tire of watching the extraordinary sunsets! Outside, the wood decked south facing rear garden is decorated with buoys and features an extraordinary fence made entirely from reclaimed sea-groynes. With another dining table and benches outside the back door, it is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine, or two, or three, while glowing with the satisfaction of exploring one of the many historical sights or taking in a hike along a coastal path. Coastguards Lookout also benefits from access to an extended garden; a large area of grass beside the cottage that is perfect for ball games or just lazing around in the sun, and definitely a place to sip a sundowner watching the setting sun slip away. 'Coastguards Lookout' also provides all that you need for a stress free holiday, from fine bed linen, fluffy towels and bathrobes to toilet tissue and dishwasher tablets, so that's a few less things to pack for when you come and stay! Nestled on the border of 1066 Country and The Garden of England with their stunning coast and countryside, ancient towns and historic sites, a holiday at Coastguards Lookout offers a vast array of activities and attractions to suit all interests. A break at Coastguards is all about relaxation and getting away from it all, Spring and Summer evenings spent gathered around the BBQ after a day of exploring the spectacular combination of coast and countryside that's scattered with relics and ruins from the past. Autumn, the 'Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness' is a time for fantastic seaside sunsets with the sky illuminated with bursts of turquoise and pink, the countryside sprinkled with gold and auburn. A time of food and drink festivals, along with scaring yourself silly on a ghost walk in Rye! A winter break at Coastguards Cottages is an incredible experience. There is nothing quite like reviving your senses with a brisk, invigorating walk in the crisp winter air, followed by an afternoon warming your toes in front of the log burner with a good book and a glass of wine. Keen walkers will be in hiking heaven with the diverse natural landscapes to explore on your doorstep, such as Romney Marsh with it's colourful history that has seen invasions, numerous threatened attacks and smuggling. Home to so many species of bird, plant and insect that it is one of the most important nature conservation sites in Europe. This patch of pristine wetland covers a whopping 100 square miles and is packed with wildlife. From the back of Coastguards, follow the beach to Dungeness with it's unique landscape, a shingle foreland on the tip of Kent. Home to a nuclear power station, two lighthouses and designated a National Nature Reserve, it has often been described as 'the end of the earth'. Be sure to check out Prospect Cottage, where film-maker Derek Jarman once lived – again its prettiness jarring with the surroundings, an uneasy juxtaposition. The Royal Military Canal Path runs for 28 miles along the entire length of the Royal Military Canal from Seabrook, Kent to Cliff End in East Sussex. The route treads a path between the vast openness of the Romney Marsh and the old cliff line with its wooded hills and quiet villages. Walking along the quiet canal banks today it is easy to forget that this was once the scene of intense military activity. Now, much of the drama on the canal comes from the variety of wildlife that has made the canal its home. If that sounds too tame, we have the kitesurf centre just five minutes walk away. When you think about it, strapping yourself to a small plank of wood while a huge kite pulls you through the water is probably bonkers. But then again, they said similar things about snowboarding too – and look how much fun that is! Ideally situated for day trips into or out of London, the region's beautiful gardens and vineyards, historic castles and picturesque medieval towns and villages offer so many attractions that you will no doubt be tempted to stay longer. Please note: The MOD firing range is about a quarter of a mile away that is used occasionally, so do not be alarmed as it is not a shoot out with smugglers or Napoleon invading, its the British army sharpening their marksmanship!
House Rules
Pet-friendlyKid friendlyNo smoking
Bedrooms
1 King2 Singles
Bathrooms
1 Half bath1 Full bath

Meet the host
Richard Smith (Property Manager Beside The Sea Holidays)
Hosting since April 2009
Languages spoken: English
Response Rate: 63%
Response Time: Within a few hours

Contribute
Reviews (22)
Fiona R
Fiona R
Sevenoaks, United Kingdom18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Coastguards lookout is home from home
My sister and I stayed for the weekend of the storm Jorge. We felt safe and warm with the log burner ablaze whilst the storm blew around us. The cottage is a home from home. Very clean and full of amazing stuff! Everything you need is there. We will return as it was such a lovely weekend. The host was very good and helpful, he allowed us a late check out which was very much appreciated. Location is brilliant with the sea right in front of you. Rye, which is lovely is a short drive away. Would recommend 100%
Visited February 2020
Written 2 March 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

DerKey
DerKey
London, United Kingdom9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Another relaxing stay - highly recommended
For the second year running we have now stayed in Coastguards Lookout. The cottage continues to be highly appointed and very comfortable. The beach is yards away and the area has many walks and cycle paths. We have no hesitation in recommending this property to others and I'm sure we'll want to come and stay here again.
Visited September 2018
Written 23 September 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Extraordinary601108
Extraordinary601108
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Cosy seaside getaway
We wholly enjoyed our weekend at this lovely seaside retreat. The weather was terrible, blowing in gusts and snow so we made full use of the log stove, the board games cupboard and the kids the xbox. The house is clean and well kitted out we found everything we needed including a delicious cake on arrival. The beds were comfy and the bath was sublime. Although we didn't really get to use the beach the kids still really enjoyed their stay. The owners were very welcoming and made everything very easy and straightforward. We would definately stay again. Many thanks
Visited March 2018
Written 21 March 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveller and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Kirstie276
Kirstie276
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Absolutely amazing
The cottage was so quaint and so so cosy. Beside The Sea were so helpful when I was booking and I couldn't decide which cottage to book! The cottage was stunning and in a perfect location on the beach - and up the road from Rye and Dungeness! I'm just about to book again!!
Visited November 2017
Written 8 December 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

ktonge1
ktonge1
Hertfordshire, United Kingdom5 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Isolated and perfectly cosy
We only stayed 4 nights and would have loved to stay longer. Great position for a quiet get away. Extremely dog friendly too - enclosed decked garden and also a further communal grass marshland area for dogs. Tasteful interiors with good quality linen and beds. Empty beaches and clear roads this time of year which we appreciated. Had a wonderful delivered take away curry from Rye and we are very picky about our curry! Would have had a 5 if windows were cleaned.
Visited October 2017
Written 17 October 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Bingzz
Bingzz
Camberley, United Kingdom77 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Enjoyable stay and nice location, but.....
I had organised a surprise weekend to Camber/Rye for my boyfriend's birthday and we stayed at Coastguard's Lookout for 2 nights. We didn't arrive until around 7pm on a Friday, so couldn't really see much outside because it was already getting dark. I like how isolated the house is - the main reason for booking this house was because I wanted to stargaze in the garden at night (no light pollution) and because it's right by the sea so we could go for romantic strolls during the day. First impressions of the house was good - small but cute with a modern seaside/nature themed decor. We thought the complimentary shortbread biscuits, chocolate cake, bottle of milk and apple juice were a nice touch! The bed was comfortable and we thought the upstairs attic area with the bathtub and velux window was cool - we didn't use the bathtub but we did try to do some stargazing through the velux window at night. Unfortunately, there were some downsides to the house and they are mostly cleanliness and equipment related. On our first night we wanted to cook some dinner on arrival. The plates we got out from the 'plate trolley' were dirty, so we had to wash everything thoroughly first before we used them. There were no kitchen towels, tin foil or cling film available at the house and the bathroom bin was not lined. While I don't expect these things and they're really no big deal, I do think these are basic items that would be nice to have when visiting a home away from home. The oven light was also broken, so the owner may want to get that fixed. We had discovered lots of small black lumps around the house during our stay. They were mainly on the sofas and footstool, but we also saw some on the kitchen floor. At first I thought they were just those tiny little furry bugs and thought nothing of them... until my boyfriend told me that they are in fact mouse faeces. I didn't believe him at first, not until I heard skittering and gnawing noises across the wooden floor in the kitchen when we were watching TV in the lounge. I didn't think it was that big a deal, but later when we were in bed trying to sleep we heard more noise above us coming from the attic. Again, same kind of skittering and gnawing noises. The next day, we decided to set up our own humane mouse trap using an empty mop bucket and some chocolate cake to see if we can catch anything. There were indeed some mouse action during the night, because the chocolate cake had disappeared by the morning and the mouse had left 4-5 lumps of faeces inside the bucket.. Unfortunately we didn't know that mice could jump and climb up smooth vertical surfaces of up to 1 feet (says google), so that meant the mouse was able to escape after it fell into the bucket. It clearly enjoyed the cake and had fully digested it before deciding to leave!! All the windows were extremely dirty and needs a desperate clean both inside and out. I understand that the house is right by the sea, so windows will understandably get more dirty more frequently.. but the windows are also extremely dirty on the inside. We had to wipe the attic window down (using tissue, which ended up being black) from the inside, just so we could see some stars in the evening. There are quite a few dead bugs and spiders around window sills, inside cupboards and on the ceiling hanging off spiderwebs. Some floorboards are not properly nailed down (note the one in the double bedroom, at the end of the bed near the wall) and some areas of the downstairs floorboards were quite rough. It was nice that towels were supplied (and bed linen), but one of the bath towels smelt really badly of damp and one of the hand towels were dirty. Luckily as it was just the two of us, it meant we could just grab the spare towels from the spare twin bedroom. We weren't provided with many logs for the log burner/fireplace, maybe 5-6 small logs - less than what their picture shows. We did expect more (every house/cottage we've been in had provided a good supply), but we went out to buy some more anyway which was only £3.50 a bag, so not bad I guess. Other than the cleanliness and mice, my boyfriend and I had an enjoyable stay at Coastguard's Lookout and we would definitely recommend it to others - as long as the house gets a good clean / mice evicted! Sophie the owner had also very kindly let us check out at 12pm instead of 10am, which meant we were able to have a lie in and cook some breakfast in the morning without having to rush.
Visited September 2017
Written 24 September 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Doug S
Doug S
Amroth, United Kingdom1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Wonderful break
An amazing location for a relaxing week by the coast. Well appointed house which had everything we needed and more. Loved the garden and sat out and relaxed every evening. Cosy living room with wonderful wood burner made the late evenings lovely. Very comfy bedrooms and a great shower. Such a peaceful location and would thoroughly recommend it as a great location for sailing, walking, beaches, railways and cream teas!
Visited June 2017
Written 19 June 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beside The Sea Holidays
Beside The Sea Holidays
Thank you very much for this lovely review.
Written 18 July 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

deekayWatford
deekayWatford
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Lovely relaxing break in beautiful cottage
My wife and I along with our Golden Retriever Piper had such a lovely break at this cottage for the past 2 days. The cottage is very warm and cosy and how anyone can say that it is draughty amazes me. We had some lovely homemade biscuits and a cake as well as a bottle of Apple Juice in the fridge, which was a lovely touch. We had some gorgeous long walks on the deserted beach. The bed linen and towels were of very good quality and the bed itself was so comfortable. Than you Richard for your help and kindness in booking this cottage. We will be back for certain. Gill, Derek and Piper.
Visited April 2016 Travelled as a couple
Written 3 May 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beside The Sea Holidays
Beside The Sea Holidays
Thank you very much for the lovely review of your stay with us at Coastguards Lookout. We are really pleased you enjoyed your stay with us and look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Richard & Sophie
Written 3 May 2016. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

72rachel1964
72rachel1964
Newbury, United Kingdom3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Wonderfully relaxing...
Stayed at Coastguards Lookout for my birthday week and thoroughly enjoyed it. The cottage was perfectly placed for solitary walks on the beach with the dog, or relaxing in the lovely garden. Rye, Camber and Hastings are all close by with great restaurants and amazing walks. Richard was extremely helpful and it was lovely to meet him. The cottage was lovely and warm....we didn't even need to put the wood burner on. The decor was wonderful and pretty much everything we needed was provided. The huge bed and linens were very comfortable and the views from the bedroom window quite relaxing. Would recommend to friends and family for a relaxing break....and Ruby the dog absolutely loved chasing the rabbits in the massive enclosed gardens. Thank you.
Visited April 2016 Travelled as a couple
Written 28 April 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beside The Sea Holidays
Beside The Sea Holidays
Thank you very much for taking the time to post a review of your stay at Coastguards Lookout. It was lovely to meet you and are really pleased you enjoyed the cottage and the surrounding area. Look forward to seeing you back again soon. Richard
Written 1 May 2016. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

PennyandDavid2016
PennyandDavid2016
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Comfort and luxury surrounded by wild beauty!
The pictures of the property are great, but Coastguards Lookout still managed to exceed our expectations. The work on the beach and sea defences is complete now and pretty impressive too, giving access via some beautiful wooden steps over the new rock to miles and miles of pristine sand. Hugely loved by our dogs, who ran until they nearly collapsed. Or you can walk along the new promenade atop the sea wall if the tide is in. The house itself has been modernised very thoughtfully and was warm and cosy, particularly once we lit the wood burning stove, which we did every night. Comfortable, cosy and equipped with every convenience, it was a lovely week and we were very sorry to leave. If you come, you must visit Rye, boutique cinema, a range of lovely pubs and restaurants and so much history. Highly recommend!
Visited March 2016 Travelled with friends
Written 5 April 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beside The Sea Holidays
Beside The Sea Holidays
Thank you for taking the time to post a review of your stay at Coastguards Lookout. We are really pleased you enjoyed your stay especially now they have finished the beach works that have really transformed this stretch of coast where this cottage is located. Hope to have you stay again very soon. Richard
Written 7 April 2016. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Showing results 1-10 of 22

What this rental offers
Entertainment
  • DVD player
  • Television
Outdoor amenities
  • Private yard
Bathroom and laundry
  • Linens provided
  • Towels provided
  • Washer
Scenic views
  • Ocean views
  • Waterfront views
Location features
  • Waterfront location
Kitchen and dining
  • Dishwasher
  • Freezer
  • Refrigerator
  • Kettle
  • Microwave
  • Outdoor Dining Area
  • Cooker
  • Toaster
Things to do
  • Fishing spots available
  • Watersports
  • Cycling areas
Location info
  • Kid friendly
  • Beachfront/Lakeside
  • Short-term rental only (<5 days)
Parking
  • Parking available
Additional amenities
  • Local guides and maps
Nearby
  • Golf course (within 30 mins drive)
  • Horse riding facilities
  • Hiking areas
  • Countryside area
Indoor amenities
  • Central heating
  • Fireplace
  • Internet access
Living spaces
  • Highchair

Availability
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Map
About the neighbourhood
There are beaches that spread out before you as you approach them, laying their features out like a market stallholder. There are beaches that tempt from a distance, coming into focus as you descend from the hills. And there are beaches that hide their majestic landscapes behind high dunes, rewarding you at the last minute with surprising views; bright blue sea, glorious blue sky and golden sand. Such a beach is Camber Sands, which withholds its beauty until the last second, its an awesome spectacle. The unspoilt beauty of Camber Sands as well as its sheer size have made it a popular location for fashion photo shoots. Many a glossy magazine spread that looked as if they were shot in The Hamptons was actually snapped in Camber Sands, Kate Moss appeared in her famous first shoot with Corinne Day there and films including doubling as the Sahara Desert in a ‘Carry On’ film and as the Dunkirk evacuation beaches in several war epics as well as many music videos. The clean and shallow water makes Camber Sands ideal for children. When the tide’s out, it’s a beachcomber’s paradise. Kids love to look for pirates treasure that’s has washed up on the shore. Everything on a beach tells a story whether it’s a shell or a lost piece of jewellery and interpreting this story can be even more exciting than the discovery. Camber Sands has been voted one of the best places in the UK for beach-combing. Rye sits proudly on its hill like a red jewel rising above the surrounding marsh. Much of Rye’s medieval citadel remains unchanged, enchanting narrow cobbled streets guide you past some of the prettiest architecture in England. There’s never a bad time to visit Rye. It’s stunning when the sun’s first summer rays pierce a morning mist or in a plum-tinged winter twilight illuminating the cobbled maze of Medieval buildings.
Access
Car advised
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableGolf course (within 30 mins drive)Horse riding facilitiesWatersports

Things to know
Check in / out timings
Check in after 3 pm • Check out by 10 am
Cancellation policy
  • 100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
  • 50% refund* if you cancel at least 8 weeks before check-in
  • 25% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
  • No refund available once booking is confirmed

About this property

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Frequently Asked Questions about Coastguards Lookout

Coastguards Lookout is able to accommodate up to 4 guests. See all property details.

Coastguards Lookout has 2 bathrooms available. See all property details.

Coastguards Lookout has 2 bedrooms available. See all property details.

Tripadvisor - Coastguards Lookout