Holly PriceWith Kent being one of the oldest counties in the UK, it’s natural that every home in our portfolio has a story, and who better to tell it than the current custodian? Owner Insights is our space to document our Q&As with the different owners of properties across the entire Keepers Cottages collection. Read on to discover what makes the property – and the area around it – special to them.
Treasured by four generations of the same family since the 1920s, Downsview occupies an unbeatable spot overlooking the sparkling sea at Kingsdown Beach. The exterior has an arts-and-crafts style allure, while the interior has been lovingly (and very tastefully) brought up to date while still honouring the property’s character. For current owners Sally and Juliet, Downsview is so much more than just a house – it’s the place of childhood summers, swimming lessons and weekends spent watching the light change over the sea.
Why did you choose to buy in Kingsdown?
“Our family bought Downsview in the early 1920s, and the house has since passed through 4 generations of the Barber family. We grew up holidaying in the house with our Grandparents and learnt to swim on the beach immediately in front of the house.
On inheriting Downsview, we embarked on modernising the house and garden to make it welcoming and cosy for guests, with a good range of amenities.”
What’s your favourite room in the house and why?
“Our favourite room is probably the kitchen, which we extended to easily accommodate 10 guests. The room is full of light and offers lots of space for people to do their own thing. Everyone loves the cosy corner seat with views out to sea; guests fight to grab the spot and put their feet up! At the other end of the room, folding doors open out onto a terrace in the back garden.
Although we do have a very close second favourite, which is the balcony on the main bedroom upstairs. It has panoramic views out across the English Channel, and it’s a joy in all weathers – on a good day you can see the French coast!”
What does a perfect weekend from Downsview look like for you?
“The house lends itself to being filled with family and friends; however, it’s a wonderful bolthole to escape to for a cosy weekend ‘a deux‘ with log fires if this is what’s needed.”
What inspired the design of Downsview?
“We believe the original design was inspired by a ship. The houses along this stretch of Wellington Parade were built in pairs, which seems to entertain walkers!”
What are your favourite things to do in Kingsdown (Kent) when you come to stay?
“We love to walk along the sea front to our local pub on the beach, The Zetland Arms, or go for longer walks up onto the cliffs to The Coastguard at St Margarets Bay for Sunday lunch. The various local golf courses are a magnet for our golfing friends!
Our local Kingsdown butcher, Oxtale is a gem; Nick is full of advice for those in need and has a small but specially selected range of wines; we’ve never been disappointed!”
Is there a hidden gem nearby that you’d love visitors to discover?
“Although it’s not hidden, our closest gem is Walmer Castle and Gardens; it’s a short walk and is very special. The Queen Mother was the Patron of the Castle, and when she visited by car, the locals lined the roads waving Union Jacks to welcome her.”
What made you choose Keepers Cottages?
“Camilla Shipton is the reason – our long-term goal was to make Downsview available for holiday lets. Camilla came to visit Downsview before we embarked on modernising the house. Camilla’s enthusiasm and very valuable advice encouraged us to complete the project, and we’ve not looked back.
The Keepers Team have keen attention to detail; they are available 24/7, and nothing is too much trouble.”
A tiny village on the east Kent coast, Kingsdown is known for its maritime history, evident in its idyllic beachfront setting with weathered timber groynes and the occasional fisherman’s capstan gazing out across to France. Known also for the beachfront pub, The Zetland Arms, it’s a heavenly retreat for any kind of break – think romantic weekends, golfing trips, escapes with friends and well-earned seasonal resets.
