Ian Fleming, the renowned author of the James Bond series, acquired a stunning Art Deco cottage near the White Cliffs of Dover from playwright Sir Noël Coward. The property is now up for sale and could potentially be yours.
Nestled between the White Cliffs of Dover and St Margaret's Bay lies Mermaid Cottage, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom beachhouse that boasts a rich history and unique charm.
Originally owned by the renowned playwright and performer Sir Noël Coward, Mermaid Cottage later became the property of Ian Fleming, the author famed for creating James Bond. This literary pedigree adds an extra layer of allure to the property[1][4].
The cottage, built in 1929, showcases an Art Deco architectural style, providing a distinctive and elegant visual character. Inside, the bespoke Smallbone kitchen is located at the rear of the house, while the master bedroom on the first floor opens onto a wide balcony, offering constant soothing sea views[1][4].
The interior blends historic charm with contemporary luxury, with a white wood kitchen featuring smart gold fittings and a two-part butler's sink, and a powder blue clapboard bathroom complete with a roll-top bath[1][4]. A separate gym and workshop, as well as a manageable garden expertly landscaped by an RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner with hardy coastal plants, further enhance the property's appeal.
St Margaret's Bay, the location of Mermaid Cottage, offers a sheltered haven, with a clifftop mainly in the care of the National Trust. Nearby, you'll find popular cafes, an inn, and golf courses, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat[2].
The cottage's garden is manageable, and unique entertainment opportunities abound, with cross-channel swimming available near St Margaret's Bay. For those who wish to embark on a journey to France, St Margaret's Bay is a favored place, with France just 21 miles away[3].
Mermaid Cottage is for sale at £1.75 million, and the current owner has renovated and modernized the house over almost two decades, using a soothing palette of white and blues and incorporating bespoke, handmade joinery throughout[1].
Rosie Paterson, the Digital Content Director & Travel Editor for the platform, shares her insights on Mermaid Cottage, having joined in July 2014.
[1] Strutt & Parker, the agent handling the sale of Mermaid Cottage, describes the property as a "beautiful and unique Art Deco seaside home" with a "rich history and stunning location".
[2] The National Trust manages a substantial portion of the clifftop in St Margaret's Bay, preserving the area's natural beauty for future generations.
[3] St Margaret's Bay is a popular departure point for those wishing to cross the English Channel to France.
[4] Both Sir Noël Coward and Ian Fleming were notable figures in their respective fields, with Coward known for his flamboyant nature and popular works like Blithe Spirit and Private Lives, and Fleming for creating the iconic character of James Bond.
The unique lifestyle offered by Mermaid Cottage, with its history tied to renowned figures like Sir Noël Coward and Ian Fleming, seamlessly blends home-and-garden charm, offering a manageable yet expertly landscaped garden and a separate gym. This cozy beachhouse, nestled in St Margaret's Bay, boasts a stunning location that appeals to those seeking a peaceful retreat, perfect for cross-channel swimming or a short journey to France.
