welcomes you to The Pilot's House

The 200-year-old Pilot’s House on Water Street has been lovingly renovated by the current owners, both of whom work in design, to blend contemporary style and cosy cottage charm. The result is a welcoming and comfortable little house, full of interesting objects and artwork.

The charming property, which gets its name thanks to the occupation of one of its earliest residents – a ship pilot in the port of Deal in the 1840s – sleeps four, with one double bedroom and one twin, and would be perfect for a couple or a small family. Due to a steep staircase, it is probably not suitable for anyone with limited mobility.

Located in the heart of Deal’s conservation area, it is only a minute’s walk to the seafront and the vibrant town centre.

The cottage has whitewashed walls and floorboards and a subtle seaside palette of greens, blues and yellows which, along with original wood features, warms things up. It has been furnished and decorated to feel very much like a home from home.

The cottage has a gorgeous paved garden which is a real suntrap.

Ground Floor

Typical of the Georgian workers’ cottages in Deal, the front door opens onto a sweet, cosy sitting room, where the focal point is an original open fireplace (there will be smokeless fuel and kindling waiting for you during the chillier months). There’s a comfy armchair and a deep, button-back velvet sofa with lots of cushions as well as shelves full of good books for you to dive into during your stay. Or enjoy the brand new smart TV.

There is a baby gate available (the owners use it to keep their naughty Jack Russells in the kitchen at night!) between front and back of the house.

The sitting room leads to a compact shaker style kitchen with butler sink, limewashed wooden worktops and rustic copper taps. A variety of light sources ensures you can see what you’re cooking, then dim everything down for a relaxed evening meal. The kitchen is equipped with a single range-style oven and a dishwasher. In the adjacent utility there’s a microwave and fridge with freezer compartment. Look out for the Breville sandwich toaster tucked in one of the cupboards if you fancy a retro style snack!

Off the kitchen, behind an antique glazed ‘starburst’ door is a small utility area with a washer/dryer, Sheila Maid clothes airer and the fridge and microwave.

A door leads onto the paved garden, which is a real suntrap. There are chairs and tables and, in the summer, a barbecue.

At the very back of the house behind a sliding barn door and off the utility room is a brand new bathroom with a bath and a brass shower (the water pressure’s brilliant). There is also a butler sink and vintage-style black and white mosaic floor tiles. Cotton wool, cotton buds, shampoo/bodywash and conditioner are provided.

First floor

Up the winding staircase there are two bedrooms. Ahead, the tranquil master bedroom at the front of the house. Simply decorated with a fireplace (currently just decorative), it has a comfy double bed with inviting washed-linen bedding, a dressing table, chair and a full-length mirror. There is a built-in cupboard behind the original wood panelling with hooks and shelves.

The other room, which overlooks the garden, is the twin room with two single beds. There is a small chest of drawers and a coat rack for hanging clothes.

Water Street is a pretty road and the cottage looks across to a row of beautiful Georgian townhouses. It is directly off the ‘indie’ end of the high street, with its vintage stores, a French wine shop/bar, a cheese-filled deli and the bustling Saturday market with its bric-a-brac stalls, plants for sale and – yes – more wine drinking opportunities. In less than a minute you can be on the beach, and your local pub is the Deal Hoy, a lovely, welcoming boozer with a woodburner and amazing pizzas. The very nice, old-school Prince Albert is also nearby – book ahead if you want to eat there, it’s popular! The much-feted and insanely stylish Rose Hotel is just a five-minute walk – incredible food and a wonderful garden and terrace.