North Vat

A former Dungeness fisherman's cottage, architecturally re-imagined as an award-winning, light-filled black timber retreat with 360-degree views of the nature-steeped shingle beach.

A sanctuary of calm and clean-lined beauty, North Vat is beautifully positioned on the vast, desert-like shingle beach at Dungeness, a designated National Nature Reserve, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Sleeping six guests and their two well-behaved dogs, the black timber retreat is ideal for relaxed family breaks amongst nature at its rugged, most awe-inspiring best.

Once a fisherman's cottage, the award-winning retreat was masterfully re-designed by a renowned architectural practice, taking inspiration from the pitched-roofed huts scattered along the beach front.  

Clad in striking black timber, there are three separate rooms, all linked together by frameless glazing that feels like you're walking through the landscape itself. Meanwhile, expertly placed windows track the movement of the sun throughout the day, for plenty of natural light.

The spacious double-height living and dining area features a wood-burning fire, and is a joy to relax in, though on sunny evenings you can head out to your private furnished garden for an al fresco supper, instead.

Along with a gorgeous ‘wet room' shower, there are also two elegant double bedrooms to choose from on the ground floor, connected by a gleaming atrium. The large en-suite master bedroom can be found on the mezzanine, complete with a glass gallery balustrade, and magnificent views across the sea to France.

While North Vat's minimalist décor allows the incredible scenery to take centre stage, you'll discover plenty of thoughtful additions, from a library wall of well-chosen books in the master bedroom, to a dedicated doggy drawer filled with treats, towels, walking water bowls and cushions for your four-legged friends.

How to spend your holiday time? Well, you could huddle around that soft-glowing fire and re-connect with your loved ones over wine and a board game (there's a large flatscreen TV too, if you're a fan of more contemporary entertainment!)  

Or how about long, lazy chats in the garden, that last until the stars make their first appearance in the night sky?

If you feel like exploring further afield, there are some truly mesmerising nature walks that begin right from your doorstep.  Perhaps pay a visit to The Old Lighthouse, a popular visitor attraction, or jump on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch steam railway to sample even more of Kent's stunning natural scenery.

After a long day of exploring (or simply curling up with a good book!) simply head to the nearby Fish Hut for the catch of the day, then enjoy it with a side order of sunset at North Vat... your brand-new favourite retreat.

Things to note

Check in from 5pm, check out by 9am. Please note that Wi-Fi speed is relatively slow.