The Artists House by The Sea

45 Customer Reviews

• "Absolutely perfect in every way."

  Highly recommend

  Reviewed by James5.0★Sep 2024

• "What a beautiful little house in an ideal location."

  Not too far from shops and Reculver towers this was a peaceful place to stay. Parking right outside the property made it easy. The views from the terrace overlooking the sea were delightful and we had lovely long walks along the sea every day. Couldn’t fault it at all!

  Reviewed by Sarah5.0★Sep 2024

• "The most perfect place to stay."

  Instantly felt relaxed and at home.

  Reviewed by Sarah5.0★Sep 2024

• "A fine place with an excellent owner who was there when we needed things sorted."

  Reviewed by Henk4.7★Aug 2024

• "Staying here was an absolute dream!"

  The house is so lovely and the view from the bedroom is gorgeous! I would 100% stay here again. No complaints at all and I've been ranting and raving about how amazing my holiday was to everyone! I definitely didn't want to leave!

  Reviewed by Kristyana5.0★Aug 2024

• "Overall a lovely stay."

  Really unique property and brilliant location. Not having a TV was really relaxing. I couldn't get enough of the views. It was a really memorable trip. It was a shame the pinball machine was broken. The sofabed in the snug was very uncomfortable even by sofa bed standards. So it really is a two bed, don't rely on the sofabed. The housekeeper did a wonderful job of cleaning and making the place welcoming. Although the style and contents of the property would be challenge for anyone to achieve perfection with the cleaning. So be warned if you are a perfectionist this might bug you. I am not and none of these things would stop me going again. What would stop me going again and is not mentioned in the write up, reviews or shown in the pictures, is that the owner lives/ frequently stays in a wood cabin directly behind the fence you can see in the pictures. She also has a studio beyond the fence. The weather was nice we had the doors open and so did she. It spoilt our trip and we felt very overlooked. She also runs a business so is around a lot of the time. The owner is lovely but you do want a degree of privacy. It might not bother you but I wish I had known this before booking.

  Thank you for your feedback back, I do sometimes stay in the cabin when I’m in the country, but it doesn’t overlook the garden or house and is quite separate, and as you say behind a high fence. I’m sorry you felt “overlooked”. I am an artist and work in my studio when I’m here, I paint mostly which is a very quiet pastime not likely to disturb guests. The sofa bed as you say is just that a sofa bed not notorious for comfort, if I were letting the house beyond this season however I would buy a new one. I’m sorry you found it uncomfortable. The pinball machine of “repair shop” fame is currently being repaired by pinball Geoff. It is old and needs constant overhauls to keep it going for our lovely guests. I’m very sorry it happened to be away for your stay. I’m surprised that you found the house less than perfect in terms of cleanliness? This is an artists home it has lots of interesting art and all sorts of objects to enjoy, some might be a little dusty… perhaps that is what you mean? However the housekeeper does an extremely good job and cares very much about the standard of the clean. Which is why we were both quite upset by the filthy state the house was left in. We found food debris and dirty clothes left under the bed in the snug, yogurt pot lids and yoghurt spills on the furniture and a general state of disrespectful chaos throughout… garden furniture had been brought indoors where it would damage the floor… the outside parasol had been left up in a high wind so the table and chairs were blown over and left strewn on the deck. Most annoying was the back door key which had been snapped in two and left on the worktop, without so much as a note. I have guests in my home, my house keeper and Sykes run a business. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Louise3.4★Aug 2024

• "Wonderful stay at Artists house."

  So bright, quirky and interesting. Beautiful gardens and artefacts and good facilities. Would definitely come again. Could not believe our luck at finding sea views both upstairs and down. Good base for exploring Kent.

  Reviewed by Jane4.7★May 2024

• "Very clean and comfortable and a lovely quirky place to stay."

  Beautiful views. Great fun to look at all the artwork and interesting objects around the house.

  Reviewed by Tracy5.0★Apr 2024

• "The couch was much too low for us to get back up so we sat at the table."

  This is something we should have looked at ourselves, so this is not a complaint but we feel we should share this experience. Thanks again dear Rachael for staying in this extraordinary house in this wonderful location.

  Dear Robert, I’m so sorry the sofa was too low for you.I had not considered its height when purchasing, it’s a regular Loaf sofa, but now you mention it, it is quite low. When the time comes to buy new furniture I will take your comment into consideration. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. Rachael Property Owner

  Reviewed by Robert F.4.7★Dec 2023

• "Wonderfully unusual / quirky property but not at the expense of comfort."

  We grew to enjoy underfloor heating and mezzanines. The kitchen was fully equipped, information on how everything works clearly printed in the book of words, the location was ideal for sea views, there were full length mirrors!!! and although storm Ciaran tried but failed to keep us in doors, coming in after a wet and windy walk on the beach was wonderfully warm on your feet. The sea is a 5/6 min walk down a steep road and easily reached if you have the stamina to climb back up again. I’m in my 60’s and had no problem but it maybe an issue if mobility isn’t great. We had a lovely week (I came with my daughter) and were ideally located visiting family and getting to old haunts in Canterbury, Minnis bay and Margate.

  Reviewed by Kate5.0★Oct 2023

• "We wanted somewhere different, somewhere quirky and the Artisit House did not disappoint, it ticked all the boxes, a great holiday for us."

  Reviewed by Paul5.0★Oct 2023

• "What a wonderful house!"

  Had the most beautiful week staying here, so quirky and unique! The home has everything you need and super close to have a walk down to the beach. Watching the sunsets from the balcony each evening was picture perfect. Rachael the owner was super lovely and helpful. I had the best time and I’m sure I shall return again soon!

  Reviewed by Amelia5.0★Sep 2023

• "A magical house by the sea."

  Such a treat to find it available. We had a lovely week with our older teenagers and cockapoo who all loved being right by the sea in such a well designed, creative house.

  Reviewed by Natasha5.0★Aug 2023

• "Lovely, quirky stylish house."

  We loved: the light and airy space, the super comfortable beds, the sea views. Rachael and Tara were accessible, helpful & friendly. Just to be aware (not a bad thing!) that the front of the house is not enclosed & is on a road - a quietish one - but beware with dogs & littluns!

  Reviewed by Margot3.8★Jun 2023

• "We enjoyed staying in your lovely home the view was fantastic and lovely walks collecting driftwood aIong the beach and lovely artwork in your home sunsets where amazing fishing was good to thank you again for wonderful holiday Dixie Caroline ."

  Reviewed by Michael5.0★May 2023

• "Thank you for a lovely stay in a uniquely created house and gardens, in a peaceful beautiful setting."

  We appreciated so much it would be impossible to list! Thanks so much Rachel and Tara.

  Reviewed by Sue5.0★Apr 2023

• "A fabulous place to stay, everything you could wish for- our only disappointment was we didn’t book for longer!"

  !!

  Reviewed by Theresa5.0★Mar 2023

• "A beautifully appointed house in a very convenient location to explore all the Kentish sights we had planned."

  Although outside a cold wind was blowing throughout the week, the house remained welcomingly warm, especially with the occasional use of the wood-burning stove. This was very easy to manipulate and fired up easily. The pin-ball machine was a fun inclusion and provided an on-going competitive tournament between my husband and me. A thoroughly enjoyable and busy week visiting Canterbury; Sissinghurst; Batemans'; Faversham; Whitstable; Reculver and Herne Bay.

  Reviewed by Philip5.0★Mar 2023

• "Wonderfully quirky house with amazing sea views."

  In one of the coldest weeks of January we were concerned that the house would be chilly, but the underfloor heating was excellent, and when combined with the huge woodburning stove (loads of logs supplied) we were warm and cosy. A couple of folding chairs in the upstairs bedroom would be useful for taking in the stunning views. Unfortunately, the pinball machine was away for repair which was disappointing, as we were looking forward to it. Would definitely recommend the house and location.

  Reviewed by Sandra5.0★Jan 2023

• "Wow! What a wonderful house, filled with pockets of joy that just made you smile."

  This house really ticked every box imaginable. The more you looked the more you saw the more it made you smile. Thank you.

  Reviewed by Sonya5.0★Dec 2022

• "Excellent and quirky home."

  Wonderful views overlooking the sea. Short walk to the seafront. Quite location. Owner, Rachel, made us feel welcome. The pinball machine is fun. Now thinking of buying one!

  Reviewed by Steven4.7★Oct 2022

• "This property was everything we could wish for."

  From the spectacular seaviews to the charming, relaxing ambiance and quirky design features. We loved it!

  Reviewed by Pamela5.0★Sep 2022

• "Lovely quirky cottage in ideal location."

  Well equipped and it was great to wake up to see the sea in the morning.

  Reviewed by Elaine5.0★Sep 2022

• "The Artist’s Cottage is in a fabulous position, overlooking the sea."

  It is very well equipped and comfortably furnished. It also has a lovely decked area at the back and a small, but very pretty garden. It is a short walk down to the promenade and beach, but anyone with mobility problems, should be aware that there is quite a steep climb back up. My only minor complaint would be that we had to park the car in front of the cottage, which does detract from the amazing views from the downstairs areas. We had a lovely week here and this part of the Kent coastline is superb.

  I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I entirely understand about the parking. There is a carpark at the end of the road, 100m away which is free between October and April. In peak season there is a daily fee of about £3 I think. Or you could lie in bed longer to enjoy the view from upstairs... Property Owner

  Reviewed by Donna4.4★Sep 2022

• "A restorative space we enjoyed staying in."

  Thank you!

  Reviewed by Jessica5.0★Aug 2022

• "We had a wonderful stay."

  The house is full of character and lovely spaces to spend time in especially the garden and bedroom balcony. Loved the variety of art works and house design as a whole. The location was perfectly peaceful. A fantastic place for just sitting and reading. We would be very happy to return sometime. Thanks.

  Reviewed by Luke5.0★Aug 2022

• "We always travel optimistically, but had underestimated what a superb environment The Artist's House would prove."

  From the moment you turn in to the quiet coastal road on which the house sits, you relax and know you've reached somewhere you want to be. The bi-folds that run right across the front of the house mean the huge sea and sunset views are with you constantly. Upstairs, you can sit up in bed or on the balcony with a morning coffee and enjoy the same simply awesome view some more. Access to the coastal paths (that run west to Tankerton and Whistable) is via either steps or an easy roadway and takes no more than a couple of minutes; once down to the sea wall, of course, the walking is flat and easy. East to Reculver, Minnis Bay and beyond, is lovely and easy walking, too. The House is well equipped, contains lots of interest, has a pleasant private patio and Mediterranean-style garden at the back. Bottom line: would we return? Too right!

  Reviewed by Simon5.0★Jul 2022

• "Imaginative, creative, inspiring."

  I think that sums it up. This home is such a special space, so thoughtfully designed and environmentally friendly. There's the artwork and all the owner's beautifully curated and displayed collections. The garden is equally awesome. When you lie in bed looking out to sea, the top of the glass balustrade sits on the horizon. The location is also wonderful as you can walk into Herne Bay or enjoy a proper nature walk away from the crowds if you head in the opposite direction, plus you're within easy reach of many other interesting places. There's the exhilaration of swimming in the sea in May. Just make sure you swim within 3hrs of high tide and avoid the groynes. Would love to stay again...

  Reviewed by Leslie5.0★May 2022

• "We had a lovely stay and it’s is certainly a very quirky house, which we loved."

  A couple of things, the advert suggests it’s close to the sea, which it is, but getting down to beach level is a challenge for a lot of elderly people, like my 85 yeah old mother. The reason we booked it was that it suggested it was virtually on the beach and less walking for my mother to be at the sea front. Also elderly people do struggle to get up the stairs, my mother for one. Also a second hand rail would be a benefit for elderly people to get up the stairs. But as I said we enjoyed the stay. Loved the pinball machine.

  Reviewed by Stuart3.8★May 2022

• "Excellent position, beautiful house and garden."

  Everything you could wish for. Would have liked a door on the upstairs shower room, otherwise perfect!

  Reviewed by Helen4.4★May 2022

• "Amazing place to stay just opposite the sea , lots of lovely walks and plenty to ..."

  Amazing place to stay just opposite the sea , lots of lovely walks and plenty to do in the area Will definitely book this house again

  Reviewed by Julie5.0★Apr 2022

• "The Artist's House was beautiful."

  We loved our stay there. The house itself is beautiful, bright, spacious, peaceful, full of interesting objects and has amazing views over the sea. The garden at the back is also sunny and quiet. It is also perfectly situated for walks, bike rides and trips to Herne Bay, Whitstable, Margate, Ramsgate etc..We had my mum with us who has trouble getting about but she and I managed a round walk from the house along the seafront every morning and a walk from nearby Reculver Towers to Minnis Bay one day, as well as a 20 minute trip by train to Broadstairs.

  Reviewed by Kate5.0★Apr 2022

• "Thank you for sharing this amazing space."

  Location great with walks via the cliffs or the beach to Reculver one way or Herne bay the other. No tv, but WiFi good enough to provide entertainment on the dark winter evenings, and pinball machine good fun. Kitchen reasonably equipped and plenty of fridge / freezer space. Lovely to relax and enjoy the sea view.

  Reviewed by Jonathan5.0★Jan 2022

• "Lovely house in a great location."

  Suited us down to the ground. Fantastic wood burner along with the heated flooring kept us nice and toastie. We really enjoyed cycling and walks along the Viking Way visiting Whitstable, Herne Bay, Margate and Broadstairs.

  Reviewed by Martin4.4★Jan 2022

• "SIMPLY A Beautiful home with 'Jarmanesque' garden and one of the quirkiest bathrooms I've ever been in!"

  We had a great New Year Anniversary there and the setting is fantastic.

  Reviewed by Ian5.0★Dec 2021

• "The property was exceptionally clean to a very high standard and very aseathically pleasing."

  But unfortunately I had to leave 7 nights into my holiday and i was due to stay for 28 nights over the xmas period. Because I hadn't experienced underfloor heating before I didn't want to pre judge on something I had no experience of . So I took a chance but unfortunately for me personally the underfloor heating wasnt warm enough for me. I have fibromyalgia and suffer chronic pain and being warm is extremely important to me otherwise my condition can get worse . I did purchase additional logs but there were already plenty at the property for the log burner but didnt realise I would have to do a fire every day to stay warm. I was very unwell with a pain flare up and setting up a fire whilst in this condition is very tough. I would highly recommend this property for people who have good health and dont require a high level of heat but not so much for anyone with health conditions. Tara the housekeeper went out of her way to help me even collecting shells for me to take home from the beach. Also the skyes advertising is a bit misleading because it says 200 metres from the sea I really only booked it for this reason so I knew I could walk to the beach with my health condition. But I found out after I had booked it there is a big hill to walk down which I'm not mobile enough to walk those distances. I think because the house is so perfect I felt uncomfortable worried in case I would mark something. Which inevitably I did a piece of ash flew out the fire and dropped on the floor. Because the log burner is so big it's like opening an oven door and I burnt myself. I think it needs a proper fire guard around it as a safety measure especially if there are small children in the property. When I arrived there wasnt a fire set poker but that was rectified just before I left which I very much appreciated. A blind was purchased for the bathroom but arrived just before I was going so I had to hang towels up against the window for privacy. It's a real shame I had to leave so early but I had to put my health needs first . The house is very unique and special but I think when you are catering for the public we are all different and have specific needs that maybe different to other people and the overall perspective of seeing it through the lens of different guests with different needs could perhaps be taken into consideration so the house could perhaps reach a variety of different guests with different needs . But I totally understand if the demographic is for healthy guests with no additional needs or disabilities. Ms Hogg

  Thanks for your feedback. We appreciate that on this occasion the property did not meet your particular health needs. The owner can confirm that the underfloor heating for living areas are at 22 degrees and in the downstairs bathroom it is 24 degrees. Thank you for acknowledging that they also supply fuel for the logburner for guests' entire stay. Thank you for your comments about the walk to the beach, and this will be amended to reflect 300 metres distance down the wide path. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Phoenix2.2★Dec 2021

• "Lovely house and a nice 5night break … my only criticism was the lack of ..."

  Lovely house and a nice 5night break … my only criticism was the lack of privacy in the bathroom with nothing up at the clear glass door and window with a visible pathway to whoever lives in the garden …

  I'm sorry you felt there was a lack of privacy, no one lives in the garden it is the Artist Studio, but the Artist is out of the country. However as this has been a comment from more than one guest, an 'etched glass' plastic film has been added to the window and door, which gives more sense of privacy. Thank you for your feed back. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Tracey4.4★Nov 2021

• "Lively quirky home comfortable and ideally located to explore the area"

  Reviewed by Jane4.7★Oct 2021

• "The house was stunning, we felt as if we were staying in the home of a generous artisic friend."

  The situation was ideal for us; quiet, overlooking the sea at the front with a beautiful secluded garden at the back. And the dog loved it with beach walks within minutes and lots of new doggy friends made.

  Reviewed by Annette5.0★Oct 2021

• "We loved the house and its unusual features, the owner has furnished it to a very high standard, plenty of space and light."

  The location is wonderful, lovely sea views and easy access to the beach. Our only concern was the stairs to first floor, quite steep and not enough handrails for elderly people. It is good that there is a ground floor bedroom and bathroom, but we needed both bedrooms.

  Reviewed by Yvonne5.0★Oct 2021

• "Lovely house with fantastic views of the sea."

  The house was clean and comfortable and perfectly located with lovely walks. Bedding, towels and beds spotless and comfortable. The area was quiet and Al and Tara were great with communication.

  Reviewed by Giovanni4.4★Sep 2021

• "The house is incredible, so cleverly designed with such a lovely vibe and the views are fabulous."

  It’s not often you stay in a property that you prefer to your home. Being so close to a dog friendly beach was brilliant. The kids found sharks teeth, we had a beach fire and walked to reculver and Herne bay and got the train to Whitstable. A great spot on the Kent coast.

  Reviewed by Nikki5.0★Aug 2021

• "It was uncomfortable having someone living in the garden at such close proximity to the house."

  Did not feel we could use the garden as we may have done. However, the location was fabulous!9

  Many thanks for your feedback, we can reassure guests that the building in question is an artist's studio and is only occasionally used and fencing has now also been put up by the owner so that guests feel more private and the garden feels more intimate. The only other visible hut is a beach hut which is occasionally used by the artist but this is also clearly separated from the property by a fence. Property Owner

  Reviewed by Jo3.8★Jul 2021

• "Loved the quirky cottage and views and position."

  V well thought through. The housekeeper was excellent if we needed anything and all in all a great stay! Skyes were also soooo helpful during the pandemic.

  Reviewed by anna4.4★Jul 2021

• "The nature park next door is great for walks."

  Had an eccelent day trip to Margate Turner Contemporary.

  Reviewed by Anne5.0★Jun 2021

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