DESTINATION FOR ALL SEASONS

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent woman relaxing with view

An obvious choice for the summer months, being perfectly situated on the seafront, Folkestone’s seaside destination, Shoreline, is also a brilliant choice for a luxurious winter staycation too, with crisp walks along the beach and plenty do to locally. Plus, it’s particularly popular for dog-lovers.

HAVE DOG, WILL TRAVEL

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent walking with dog

Looking for a special stay that is also dog-friendly? This is such an ideal spot for a coastal break to get tails wagging. Either blow out the winter cobwebs by the sea with a refreshing dog walk or simply soak up the stunning sea views from the comfort of one of the luxury beach houses with your four-legged best friend.

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent woman on balcony with dog

Shoreline’s on-site team ensure guests and their pets feel instantly at home, with thoughtful amenities such as a Doggy Welcome Hamper including tasty dog treats, food bowls and even complimentary biodegradable poo bags, plus they have a very helpful, curated list of nearby dog-friendly beaches, cafes, and walking routes to explore.

THE LOWDOWN

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent exterior

Shoreline is a multi-million-pound development masterminded by Sir Roger De Haan, who is the figurehead behind the regeneration of Folkestone which has been steadily taking place since 2015.

Folkestone Harbour, one of De Haan’s first initiatives, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, and is another reason to visit this cool coastal town. Not only is there an Anthony Gormley statue hidden in the waves below, but you can also feast at endless street food stalls, dine at exclusive sea-side restaurants, play crazy golf or shop at the artisan marketplace.

Shoreline is made up of 64 apartments and 20 townhouses, with prices ranging from £330,000 to £2.1 million, perfect for those who want their slice of seaside living or for families looking for a spot on the coast as they offer beach houses as well as luxury penthouse apartments.

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent exterior from the beach

Designed by award-winning architects, ACME, it is easy to see why the apartments and houses have been in high demand as they are perfectly positioned a stone’s throw from the Boardwalk promenade with stunning sunsets looking towards the French coastline.

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent woman with dog in doorway

There’s benefits of visiting in every season – from a visit to Costa del Kent in the summer – to a cosy dog-walking escape in the winter. Plus Shoreline’s Beach Houses, which are available to rent, are ideal for either a family break or cheeky mid-week getaway. The choice is yours. Muddy visited with a group of girl friends and this is what we found…

THE LOCATION

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent sea and rocks

The Shoreline development is located on the Folkestone Harbour Seafront, on pebbled shores closest to the Mermaid beach and beside the Lower Leas Coastal Park. Another plus point is that it is easy to get to – the high-speed train is 50 minutes from London. You can walk from the station along The Leas before descending through coastal parks to Shoreline which is an idyllic way to start your stay.

Driving is made simple with the secured car park, with a space right by your private entry, including a lift to bring shopping up to the upper kitchen floor. Electric vehicle charging points are available and a re-charge is included at no extra cost. They really have thought of every little detail.

THE VIBE

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent dining area with view

The exterior of Shoreline has a flowing curved form which neatly mimics the shape of the waves, pebbles and coast from the enveloping seaside view. The design team have cleverly used white glazed bricks to reflect the changing colours of the sea and sky according to the weather. During our visit, the building was glistening majestically in the sunshine and it’s an impressive view to behold so be camera ready.

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent living area

For those who are jaded by shabby beachside chic, you will be most impressed with the mid-century modern interior design of Shoreline. Think Mad Men Danish style sofas and sleek curved dining tables, in homage to the outdoor aesthetics.

Everything is at a very high spec – car registrations are automatically registered to open the garage doors, a lift is in place to avoid the four floors of stairs, bathroom lights magically spring into action as you walk in and there is underfloor heating throughout.

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent bathroom

No stone has been left unturned when it comes to the premium hospitality offering which is a refreshing change in a holiday rental market. “They even have Aesop in the bathroom”, one friend excitedly exclaimed as she greeted me at the door. And this was before we had even clocked the view.

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent bed with seaview

Yet there is a homely feel too with a range of Ottolenghi recipe books in the kitchen, interesting art on the wall, Roberts Radios scattered throughout, cool crockery rather than the generic garb that normally comes with a holiday let, stripey deck chairs by the door and endless kitchen gadgets, so you want for nothing. It’s almost like a very cool friend has lent you her beach house for the weekend.

THE EXPERIENCE

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent relaxing stay

Shoreline lays on the welcome hampers of welcome hampers (of course) containing local produce for all guests which starts the holiday on just the right note. Terlingham wine, locally produced The Captain’s Cookies, bags of Kent crisps, Goupie chocolate as well as tea/coffee/milk and granola so we were well equipped not to leave our house for the foreseeable future.

Why would we, with that sun-drenched roof terrace beckoning us. The busy summer term throws up so many extra reasons to see your little darlings perform so it was the perfect place to be to unwind and soak up the sunshine. Sunny days aside, it was agreed that it would also be a cosy haven in the wintry months with board games provided or just admiring the thrashing of the waves from the safety of the house.

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent friends on balcony

We managed to squeeze in a swim on the afternoon and early morning to cement that holiday feeling. Since the development is positioned a little way from Folkestone Harbour, it feels like a locals’ choice which makes you feel that little bit more in-the-know when it comes to location.

The concierge service is an additional nice touch. Not only is there a weekday concierge on hand if you need help or tips on where to go on the Kent Coast, there’s also a 24-7 concierge on hand, so you feel that nothing is going to get in the way of your holiday. We had teething issues with a tap on arrival, but a quick WhatsApp call meant that help was at hand five minutes later. They can even put up Christmas decorations for you if you are looking for an alternative festive break.

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent friends on walk

Girls weekend aside, it’s an ideal spot for a multi-generational trip, with a lift to help those less able up the stairs, plenty of zones for people to relax in so everyone has their own space (critical on those kind of holidays) and the joys of a beach holiday beyond the front door.

If we are going to find one chink in the armour, we could not locate an ice bucket. I mean – that is its only foible. I left the Beach House elated with my 24-hour holiday in Folkestone yet rather dejected at my cluttered home post that stylish streamlined Shoreline living.

PILLOW TALK

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent bedroom

In a gang of four, there was no scowls about who had the best room as each room comes with its own bathroom, two en-suite. There are Smart TVs in the bedrooms, slippers and robes so you really feel that hotel experience yet still make the most of the family living style of the beach house.

The sea-facing bunk bedded room is very cute, armed with children’s books on Folkestone and toy wooden soldiers. The showstopper of a bedroom though is the Super king bedroom with a glazed door to an enclosed, patio terrace with lounging chairs and coffee table plus a gate to the building’s communal garden area.

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent dining table

We loved how quiet it was considering you are in a thriving coastal town – like an ‘isolation chamber’ one friend commented, and this is partly due to the Marine-grade stainless steel and triple glazed windows to keep the noise out plus the specialist glazed brick façade are engineered to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.

SCOFF & QUAFF

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent boats in marina

You are spoilt for choice in this part of world but the allure of Rocksalt was too great on such a sun-filled evening. If you have been living under a rock, Rocksalt is the ultimate go-to restaurant in Folkestone as it is cantilevered over Folkestone Harbour with panoramic floor to ceiling views out over the English Channel. It’s not just a pretty place as they have 2 rosettes and should be on anyone’s agenda when going to Folkestone.

There is also now a very cool Rocksalt Wine Bar located on the first floor above the restaurant with a beautiful sun deck for the summer months with direct access out to Rocksalt Garden and the Harbour Viaduct. We swooned over the garden bridges teeming with wildflowers. Plus, there is Little Rock if you want those Ibiza vibes on the beach with fresh fish delivered to your plate, all sourced from the day boats working along the South Coast.

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent eating out at Rocksalt

The holiday feeling was very much in place at Rocksalt with a real buzz to the restaurant on a Wednesday night. We bagged a table outside with the sun setting with a view over the harbour, watching people swim with their dogs and pretty and colourful boats bobbing along as the tide went out.

There’s plenty of sharing style starters so you can explore lots on the menu. We bashed forks over the Tempura soft shell crab, hollandaise sauce, herb salad, citrus dressing and got our fingers deliciously messy over the Rocksalt taramasalata, exquisitely presented in an oyster shell, with seaweed powder, and sourdough bread.

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent eating out

There is a menu beyond the fresh fish but in that setting if feels criminal not to go for the pescatarian experience. We road tested, with absolute pleasure for you, the local skate wing with prawn butter sauce, and charred Tenderstem broccoli, as well as the Roasted Rye Bay cod with baby gem & Kent potato, garden pea puree and Chardonnay cream not forgetting the Cornish lemon sole on the bone with brown caper butter and monk’s beard, a leafy green vegetable similar to samphire if the name was tickling you.

All beautifully cooked – fish impeccably firm which is a must and it might have led to some embarrassing plate licking situations if we hadn’t ordered thick cut chips AND skin-on fries to mop up the juices.

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent food eating out

A chilled glass of Gusbourne Brut Reserve from one of our favourite sparkling wine producers in Appledore in Kent kicked off our evening in style. The wine list is plentiful but you can also explore a hugely varied range of wines from across the world. We settled for a Bourgone Aligote to complement the fish and echo our French holiday vibes since it is only 30 miles away.

To top it all off, warm blankets were draped around our shoulders by the Rocksalt team just moments before we had realized that we were in need of one as the sun had gone down – this is hospitality at its very finest.

OUT & ABOUT

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent walk

You can access the beach and seaside cafés and walk towards Sandgate to the west or Folkestone Harbour Arm to the east. Sandgate has a collection of delis, sandwich bars and cafés, wine bars and very good restaurants.

Check in at Folkestone Harbour for their large outdoor screen for free family films and sporting events throughout the season. Folkestone’s Creative Quarter is full of galleries, independent shops and award-winning restaurants, situated to enjoy breath-taking sea views.

There are two beaches, pebble to the west of the Harbour Arm, and Sunny Sands to the east. Onwards on the eastern side is the Site of Special Scientific Interest called The Warren; this is a great area of fossil hunting and appreciating diverse wild flora and fauna.

FAMILY FUN

Shoreline Folkestone seafront properties for sale or rent overnight accommodation by the coast in Kent seaside walk

Shoreline would equally be a perfect springboard for families – and there’s so much to do in the area. A short 200 metres from the property you’ll find Lower Leas Coastal Park, a sheltered place to picnic and for children to play, whilst overlooking the sea.

The park was created in Victorian times and the area along the beach was renowned for being a holiday area from this time. Today, the award-winning Lower Leas Coastal Park is a groomed mature nature park with three zones – wild, formal and the largest adventure play area in the Southeast.

Kids can get stuck into its sizeable, wooden playground and you can potter around its pine avenues with flowers blooming all year thanks to its unique microclimate.

Just a short drive in the other direction towards Hythe takes you to Port Lympne Reserve. Home to the county’s only safari experience, wildlife park and breeding sanctuary – with over 900 animals across 75 species.

Jump on board a safari truck, included in your entry ticket and travel through the Reserve’s South American, Asian and African Experiences spotting amazing animals along the way, including Kent’s only giraffe herd, camels, bears, zebra and many more.

You will also find blackout curtains, cot beds, stairgates, baby baths and bottle sterilisers for hassle-free parenting so they really are one step ahead in looking after you.

THE DAMAGE

Houses available to buy as well as rent. Rental prices start from £350 per night, (beach house featured in review starts at £800 per night).
Prices to purchase start from £375,000.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

GOOD FOR: Change of scene and soaking up the cool Kent coastline. Weekenders, Down-From-Londoners, west Kent folk and everyone else. Perfect pad for a girly getaway or a family gathering. A stylish townhouse stay, with buckets of seaside charm and indie stores on your doorstep. Folkestone is foodie heaven.

NOT FOR: We had to think long and hard about this one, but it might not be for those who want to be more isolated on their beach holiday as the cultural delights of Folkestone are within such easy distance. It’s also a pebbly beach not a sandy one which we know can be a thing for some people.

1 Shoreline East, Shoreline, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1SU, shorelinefolkestone.co.uk

Review: Shoreline, Folkestone

You may also like