Exceptional character cottage on historic Middle Street, Deal

This character cottage on historic Middle Street, Deal is a truly wonderful property. You cannot fail to be impressed by the styling, design and degree of comfort of this holiday home. Laid out over three floors, Skippers has three bedrooms and sleeps 6 comfortably. Situated in the middle of Deal, and just one street behind the High Street, this is the perfect place to stay and explore this seaside town steeped in maritime history. Stepping in through the front door is like stepping back in time to Deal's dark smuggling days - as a point of interest some Deal smugglers served as pilots for Nelson and it was from Deal that guinea boats were constructed to ship gold across the channel to pay napoleons armies - and this history can be felt in the walls of this exceptional property. From the ancient, solid front door to the huge, impressive inglenook fireplaces adorning the wall of both the downstairs and the master bedroom to the vintage furniture that works so well with the contemporary wood panelling and modern framed artwork. There is even a lovely sunny courtyard with potted bay tree and herbs to enjoy the fresh sea air.
There is a small entrance hall where the softly painted wood panelled walls are decorated with an antique mirror and paintings. The room opens up into a huge living area dominated by an inglenook fireplace that boasts a woodburner. Every nook and cranny holds a delight of some sort whether its the antlers decorating the wooden beam stretching across the fireplace to an antique wall clock to stunning faux peonie displays. There is ample seating in the living area with a corner sofa plus a further sofa and armchairs. Nestled discreetly in the corner under a wall with an enchanting display of framed prints is the dining area. Two steps up take you to a spacious modern kitchen with Smeg oven and coffee maker and french doors lead out to the sunny courtyard.

The first flght of stairs which are wide and even takes you to the master bedroom that overlooks Middle Street. Here there is a huge flat screen TV in the inglenook fireplace. The room is decorated with antique furnishings as well as interesting art. The family bathroom is a step up from the landing and it is really striking in its use of dark greys and whites, metro tiles and vintage mirror. The second flight of stairs that are also wide, with wooden bannister, leads to the top floor with a very quaint single room nestled under the eaves and a much larger double bedroom with rocking chair. This room has been cleverly redesigned to fit a large hidden space for hanging clothes and a seperate room with a toilet and sink. All of the bedrooms and landing areas feature floorboards with rugs and runners and the stairs are carpeted.

Deal recently featured in the Times 30 best places by the sea and also won the accolade of the Telegraph High Street of the Year. Deal is a great base for exploring the East Kent coastline including the blue flag sandy beaches of Broadstairs and Margate. Inland, there is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Canterbury and the medieval cinque port town of Sandwich. With castles, museums, wildlife parks and gardens galore there is something for everyone. Some great eateries have opened recently including hip French bistro The Frog and Scot as well as Poppy's kitchen with its seasonal, organic freshly cooked food for breakfast and lunch.

Ground floor

Living area with two comfortable sofas one of which is a corner sofa. Armchair to seat one and a further armchair to seat two. Huge inglenook fireplace with wood burner. TV and DVD player.

Dining area with table and chairs to seat 4.

Step up to the modern kitchen with breakfast bar area with 2 stools. Smeg oven with gas hob. Dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster, kettle and fridge.

Original floorboards with rug covering. Decorative wood panelling.

Outside

French doors lead outside to a small, private courtyard with table and chairs for 4. Mirrors on the painted courtyard walls to reflect the light. Potted herbs and bay tree.

Wide carpeted stairs lead to the first floor landing.

First floor

Original floorboards with runner; interesting artwork on walls, antique mirror, chair and storage bench.

Huge master bedroom to the front of the house overlooking Middle Street. Blind and curtains at the window. Impressive inglenook with huge tv in the fireplace. Antique chair and dresser. 2 side tables with lamps. Fan. 2 metal storage trunks. Hanger for clothes. Wooden floorboards with vibrant rug.

Step up into the family bathroom at the back of the house. Striking grey and white decoration with metro tiles. Shower over the bath. Sink unit with vintage mirror unit above,

Wide stairs lead up to the second floor with wooden handrail. Carpeted..

Second floor

Quaint single room with second bed avalible on request under the eaves with floorboards and aztec style rug. Wood panelling. Wooden stool, antique dresser, vintage books and interesting framed prints on walls. Bedside table and lamp. Cute window with blind with views out over the character rooftops of Middle Street.

Second double bedroom with rocking chair. Sisal type rugs either side of the bed. Wooden floorboards and wood panelling. Stainless steel bedside lamps. There is a large walk in wardrobe/cupboard for hanging clothes and a second room with a sink and toilet.

Between the two bedrooms there is a small landing with space for a washing machine, ironing board and dryer.

Additional information

This property is strictly no smoking inside. There is free wifi. There is no parking on Middle Street itself due to the character of this street, however there is pay and display parking close by. There is also on street parking that is not restricted during the evenings and on Sundays. Outside of this time parking is restricted on neighbouring streets to 1 hour.