Tatler UK - 07.2019

T

here’s something special about

houses that overlook water, be

it rivers, lakes or the coast. You

get a unique feeling of freedom

and movement – the eye travels further,

and, whether you’re a water-sports fan or an

armchair enthusiast, there’s an ever-changing

focal point.

Surrounded by National Trust land and

sitting on the edge of the white chalk

of Dover, the House occupies one

of the most romantic positions along the

south coast of England, with far-reaching

views across the Channel towards France.

The interiors reflect the maritime setting,

with bleached wood, tongue-and-groove

panelling and a predominantly blue-and-

white colour palette. The main property sits

in the middle of 11.4 acres, which includes a

two-bedroom annexe and a pair of cottages

• the latter are away from the house, and
  have their own entrances. There’s even
  an old lighthouse, which is Grade II listed
  but no longer in use. This is a particularly
  historic corner of Britain: its have been
  used as a natural defence against invasions
  for centuries.
  Further south, in Cornwall, is another

property with a captivating waterside

location. It’s in the pretty village of Port

Navas, and sits in a sheltered position on the

north bank of a creek. Although the house

was originally built as the village garage,

the current owners have transformed it

into an airy modern home, complete with a

self-contained guest flat and a terraced

garden. The property also comes with a

private 60-foot stone quay and a floating

pontoon, along with a boat and chandlery

store. Children can go crabbing in the creek

at low tide, and there’s plenty of opportunity

for adventures. The local yacht club is 100

yards away, and it’s an ideal starting point

for exploring the Helford estuary, made

famous by Daphne du Maurier’s 1941 novel

Frenchman’s Creek.

WATER

EVERYWHERE

Whether it’s seaside or riverside, some of Britain’s most

captivating properties are near water; Rosemary Brooke

reveals five of the finest

BRITAIN PROPERTY

THE CLIFF HOUSE, KENT

With two additional cottages, a separate annexe

and a Grade II-listed lighthouse, this five-bedroom

house in St Margaret’s Bay is built next to the iconic

white cliffs of Dover. The triple-aspect sitting room

maximises the spectacular views across the Channel.

Price on application.

Knight Frank: 020 7861 1093 or 020 7629 8171

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