By The Green Parent
10th August 2022
Sandy Toes Beach House
SHELLBEACH, KENT
Magnificent sea views from huge windows or the deck of this beach house on the Isle of Sheppey - only an hour from London - perfect for birdwatchers and beachcombers.
Where: This lovely hideaway looks out at a huge sweep of North Kent coast from the height of its stilts on the Isle of Sheppey. The beach is a popular place for fisherman, paddle boarders and nudists. It’s in an area of natural beauty and importance, with the shell beach just off the deck a SSSI and the land around a bird sanctuary and nature reserve made up of protected wetlands and the rippling Kent coastline.
The House: Sandy Toes Beach House is off-grid and has everything you need if you’d like to stay in for a night of books and board games. The kitchen is fully-equipped, there’s central heating, a hot shower and you don’t even miss out on the views, as the massive windows mean you never lose sight of the changing light on the water.
Book It: canopyandstars.co.uk
3 Things To Do:
- Check out Elmley National Nature Reserve at the bottom of the island.
- Paddle or swim in the sea opposite the cabin!
- Walk left from the cabin and enjoy a stroll into Leysdown or turn right and head to the disused look out and beyond into the swale marshlands that take you across to Harty.
Harbour Houseboat
ISLE OF WIGHT
Walk the (gang) plank up to this luxury houseboat and join the seafaring community for a while – from the shelter of the harbour of course…
Where: Originally a 72ft Thames lighter, the spacious Harbour Houseboat (reassuringly named ‘Sturdy’) is now moored in a corner of the bustling Bembridge Harbour. At low tide she rests on the sand, rising slowly up as the tide comes in. Owner Georgina and her partner James live on a similar boat on the Thames itself, so they know exactly how to make life on the water supremely comfortable,
The House: The four large bedrooms mean that the houseboat is suited to one or two families with children. The open plan living room has great views over the harbour and all the way over to the mainland – peek through the telescope (on board) for the best views! Steel portholes and a zinc-topped kitchen table are modern and industrial, while colourful chairs, local artwork and some more light-hearted pieces (look out for 007 on the beach…) bring a touch of fun. Outside, metal stairs lead up to the open upper viewing deck, perfect for sunbathing while you watch the passing wildlife and fishing boats. In the evening you can enjoy a glass of wine and look up at the stars.
Book It: canopyandstars.co.uk
3 Things To Do:
- If you fancy some culture and heritage, try Quay Arts, Carisbrooke Castle, Needles Old Battery, Osborne House, Quarr Abbey, Yarmouth Castle or Bembridge Windmill.
- As well as walking and cycling the Isle of Wight’s 200 miles of cycle route, you’ve got some of the best beaches in the UK on your doorstep and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the coast. Try sailing, sea fishing, kite surfing, sea kayaking, horse riding on beaches, rock pooling, sea swimming or surfing.
- During the summer the Isle of Wight is host to the Isle of Wight Festival and Cowes Week Regatta.
Shell Duck Beach Cabin
EAST LOTHIAN
Slide back the doors to let the sea breeze in, sit out on the deck, gather by the campfire, or wander over the dunes to the beach.
Where: The six cabins at Lochhouses Farm are each self-contained spaces, sharing only parking (about a minute away), the campfire area the general open space in the dunes and the on-site shop, which was once a fishing boat.
The House: You step down off the deck of this lovely bright cabin, straight into the sand, with the sound of the sea just over the dunes in front of you. The kitchen has a wood-burning stove for heating and cooking and you can eat at the big breakfast table or out on the deck in the fresh air, lighting the brazier if it gets chilly. There you’ll find the farm’s own veg and home-cooked meals ready for the oven, so you can heat them up and not waste a minute of exploring time.
Book It: canopyandstars.co.uk
3 Things To Do:
- Go Ape! has its highest zip wire over a magnificent reservoir near Peebles, and plenty of Tarzan swings and other epic zip wires for the whole family.
- North Berwick is home to the Bass Rock, an extinct volcano described by Sir David Attenborough as, “one of the wildlife wonders of the world” because of its rock gannet colony. The Scottish Seabird Centre offers boat trips to the Rock.
- With Edinburgh only 30 minutes on the train this is an ideal base for those wishing to go to the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.
Kittiwake
ISLE OF MULL
This is a work of art in the midst of nature. Kittiwake is set in a lovely high spot with views over the bay, among established native woodland - some of it hiding a sculpture trail, part of your hosts’ art centre 200m away. Here, Matthew and Julia run Art in Nature under green principles and run courses and exhibitions as well as welcoming guests to their beautiful corner of Mull.
Where: Isle of Mull, Argyll
The House: This round, rustic cabin was built by wood-sculptor and owner Matthew, entirely from Mull wood cut onsite, and topped with an old rowing boat as a nod to the maritime heritage of the island. The top level is surprisingly roomy, with artistic touches and a peaceful, relaxing feel: seashore colours, a big brass bed, lots and lots of wood. Head to the café to mingle, or enjoy your isolation and watch the light of the morning or evening over the bay. Calgary is a well-known Hebridean beauty spot with a sandy crescent beach set among the hills. Sleeps two adults and one child.
Book It: canopyandstars.co.uk
3 Things To Do:
- Take an island hop and visit nearby islands Staffa, Ulva and Iona for majestic scenery
- Explore on wheels by hiring bikes (available on site) to discover the island
- Seek out nature with a wildlife trip, whale watching, puffin-watching / bird boats, and plenty more - check out visitmullandiona.co.uk
