Welcome to Coastguards Cottages in the heart of smuggling country
The evocative trio of Coastguard Cottages at Jurys Gap are a departure from the other holiday cottages in the Beside The Sea portfolio. Perfect for creative retreats and city breaks, the Coastguards sit on a windswept stretch of countryside between serene, sheep-grazed pastures and the sea. All three are nearly 150-years-old, newly renovated, and far from ordinary, with touches like wood-burning stoves, updated kitchens, sea views, original art and vintage furnishings.
Some say the area around the Coastguard Cottages is wild and desolate: a land of legend. It’s no wonder generations of artists and writers have found inspiration here. Guests should note that this area abuts Lydd Range (some shooting noise is audible) and is quite different from the holiday park environment at Camber Sands. But for the right guests, these cottages are just right.
Wake to the sound of the sea, explore the misty brooding Romney Marsh, then warm up in atmospheric pubs with intriguing histories, resident ghouls, roaring fireplaces, foamy beers – many from local cask ale breweries – and tasty pub grub.
Discover a landscape full of myths, from the smuggling tradition to the haunting, misty Romney Mash and the historic coastline. Revel in the loneliness of thirteen medieval churches presiding over meadows grazed by thousands of sheep. Walk along the beach, look out across the shimmering sea and feel like you’ve discovered another world.
Watch wild life at the vast RSPB nature reserve at Dungeness and stroll solitary beaches with the famous lighthouse standing watch. Or visit one of the many atmospheric battlefields, stately homes, castles, ancient port towns and Norman ruins scattered across coast and countryside.
You won’t find another place like this in the world. Explore our Coastguard Cottages and feel free to ask us any questions about these exceptional properties.
Smuggle away to your chosen Coastguards Cottage
Other things to note
Coastguards are old properties in a very exposed location and in the winter months the wind can really howl off the sea – some guests love watching the weather go wild or the sea mist rolling creating an eerie atmosphere, while some have found it a little unsettling.
So if you are not a fan of older houses that have history and character then this would not be for you – we do have modern properties down the road that are in a more sheltered environment.
The cottages are next to the Lydd Ranges, a military firing range (its also a nature reserve).
It has been used for military training for over 150 years and is part of the Dungeness, Romney Marsh and Rye Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest (it is home to incredibly rare plants and animals)
Because the range is used for live firing access is sometimes restricted – red flags are flown during these times, access is prohibited along the foreshore.
When firing is not carried out, it may be possible to walk along a designated path along the shore.
Feb 2020 – 2023
The Environment Agency are carrying out essential emergency sea defence works to extend the range of the sea wall to the rear of the coastguards. The compound to the right of the cottages will be where they will be housing their machinery and the works will be carried out on the MOD land to the left. More details can be found here
