A remarkable beach house in Dungeness, originally an 1880s railway carriage, is up for sale on The Modern House for £875,000. Dungeness is well known as one of the most spectacular and surreal spots in the UK. Technically classed as a ‘dessert,’ the 23km2 stretch of shingled beach has its only unique ecosystem of flora and fauna due to the unusual conditions. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA), and attracts visitors from all over for the unique landscape and unusual smattering of architecture. This little railway carriage house is also just down the beach from the famous artist and film-maker Derek Jarman’s house and gardens, Prospect Cottage, which is considered one of the most beautiful house and gardens in the UK.
Despite being fashioned out of a 19th-century railway carriage, the house itself has been adapted to boast expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping views of Dungeness’ distinctive shingle landscape. It has also been decorated in a rustic, sympathetic way in order to fit in with the rugged landscape. As well as having the beach as your front garden, a large south-facing garden can be found at the back of the property, full of wild and wonderful indigenous creates and sea-water loving plants.
This house is one of 30 ex-carriage buildings which were brought to the area in the 1920s, when the railway company enabled their workers to purchase rolling stock and drag them down onto the shingle beach. The low supply makes these very desirable houses, and this one has been decorated to a very high standard.
Inside, the house has three bedrooms arranged across one floor, build out of the original railway cavity at the centre of the house. The arched ceilings and wooden panels makes the living spaces feel warm and cosy, which is emphasised by the sensitive but significant design decisions. The wood burning fire and dark painted woodwork contrasts with the white walls and bright views over the beach. Natural, earthy materials and colours creates a serene atmosphere.
The building is positioned facing south, with the carriage’s windows perfectly capturing a stunning view of the shingle garden and stretching out toward the beach. From time to time, a sail can be seen drifting along the horizon.
While much of the house’s uniqueness lends the house some serious appeal, the house’s unconventional construction means it isn’t eligible for a mortgage—something potential buyers should note.