THE English seaside is not always synonymous with glamour. But at Shoreline Folkestone glamour is precisely the point, and the view does most of the talking. Sitting directly on the pebbled sweep of the Kent coast, these contemporary beach house apartments place you so close to the Channel that the horizon feels less like scenery and more like a living backdrop.
It’s certainly the sort of view that encouraged long, unhurried mornings with a cup of tea and no screens – just drinking in the mesmerising view.
The Shoreline balconies
Inside, the design strikes a perfect balance between architectural statement and comfort. Our beach house was beautifully composed. Tall, glass-panelled walls flooded the open-plan living space with coastal light, while natural wood floors, underfloor heating and neutral finishes created a sense of calm rather than show-home sterility. Bedrooms delivered the essentials of modern luxury, deep quiet thanks to triple glazing and blackout curtains that made sleeping late all too easy.
The beach house living room
The building’s vertical layout means each level functions almost as its own private retreat, sensibly connected by lift as well as stairs, a detail that feels minor until you realise how often you would otherwise be trudging up and down with bags, coats or beach paraphernalia. It speaks to the wider philosophy here, that Shoreline isn’t just designed to look good, it is designed to work.
Kitchens come fully equipped with high-spec appliances, bathrooms are generous and refined, and a 24-hour concierge can arrange everything from restaurant bookings to grocery deliveries. For families, the provision of cot beds, stairgates, baby equipment and arrival hampers removes much of the logistical headache that usually accompanies a coastal break.
An office with a view at the beach house
Step outside and Folkestone’s transformation becomes clear. The Harbour Arm, now packed with excellent restaurants, wine bars and casual seafood spots, is a short stroll away, while the Creative Quarter’s independent galleries and cafés underline the town’s cultural resurgence. And all of this with London only less than an hour by train from Folkestone Central.
Arguably the best front garden in the world
Yet what lingers most is the sense of utter calm. Hours can disappear watching weather systems roll across the water from behind those huge glass panes. Shoreline Folkestone feels like a small enclave of contemporary coastal luxury carved into one of England’s most unexpectedly compelling seaside towns.
by Nicola Kavanagh
An overnight Beach House stay starts from £350 per night. For more information on Shoreline Folkestone visit: www.shorelinefolkestone.co.uk/ or can be booked directly through Bloom Stays. To fully embrace the coastal lifestyle, properties at Shoreline start from £375,000.