The Captain’s House | Grand C17th Coastal Retreat

The Captain’s House is a remarkable Grade II listed house with 17th-century origins, offering generous accommodation over 3 floors and a rare wealth of original features and history. The trompe l’oeil decoration in the hall, staircase and one bedroom is believed to date from the early 1700s. Minutes from Dungeness beach, beach shacks, fresh seafood, the miniature railway and nature reserves — perfect for sea swims, birdwatching and exploring Rye and Camber Sands. The space The Captain’s House (Skinner House) is a remarkable Grade II listed home with 17th-century origins, full of character, atmosphere and original features. An imposing front door opens into a generous hallway, with a bright sitting room to the right featuring a fireplace and working wood burner. To the left is a beautiful panelled dining room with a striking decorative fireplace — perfect for long dinners and special gatherings. At the rear of the house is a second large and comfortable sitting room with an inglenook fireplace, wood burner and adjoining conservatory overlooking the garden. The spacious kitchen is well equipped with a gas Stoves range cooker, dishwasher and modern conveniences, and opens onto a sunny patio with outdoor seating for al fresco dining. The peaceful garden has several areas to explore, including roses, an orchard and mature planting. Up the grand staircase is a cosy double bedroom overlooking the garden, a bathroom with roll-top bath and shower, and a second kitchen, mainly used as a utility room. Towels are provided. A further spacious bedroom features grand mahogany wardrobes, an antique double bed and an additional single bed. Another pretty bedroom has a wooden double bed and large en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower. On the top floor is a further bathroom with deep roll-top bath, a charming children’s double bedroom and an additional single bed in a large attic room. The house sits on a quiet road with ample free on-street parking. Parking for two cars behind the house can also be arranged on request. Guest access The whole house, apart from one attic room and the office which are used for storage/ locked. Other things to note The Captain’s House is perfectly located for exploring the wild coastline of Dungeness and the beautiful Romney Marsh. Cook with excellent local produce and enjoy long meals together in the grand dining room or peaceful sunny garden. There are two excellent fresh fish shops nearby in Dungeness, fresh bread from the bakery at The George Hotel, a wonderful fruit and veg shop in New Romney, and larger supermarkets nearby for essentials. Dungeness itself is one of the most unique landscapes in Britain — the UK’s only shingle desert — with vast skies, beach shacks, sea swims, birdlife and long coastal walks. Visit Derek Jarman’s famous Prospect Cottage, look out for seals in the bay, and enjoy fresh seafood at local favourites including The Snack Shack and The Pilot Inn. The ancient town of Rye, with its cobbled streets, antique shops, galleries and restaurants, is only a short drive away. The Globe Inn Marsh is a favourite for cocktails and relaxed dining, while the unspoilt Red Lion at Snargate is perfect for real ale beside the fire. There are two nearby nature reserves at Dungeness and Rye Harbour, ideal for birdwatching, cycling and walking. Sandy beaches at Camber, Greatstone and Littlestone are all within easy reach, and the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch miniature railway is a wonderful day out for both children and adults. A perfect place for family holidays, gatherings with friends, creative retreats and slow weekends by the sea.