Pauline and David Craggs’ elegant beach house replaces a 50s fisherman’s cottage that was in poor condition – and frighteningly cold in winter. The sensitive redesign, by architects Rodic Davidson, takes inspiration from the original cottages that dot Dungeness: made of wood, they were coated in black pitch to protect against the elements. North Vat (the house takes its name from the vats that fishermen used to make up waterproof coatings for their boats and clothing) is based on this original layout, consisting of a master building plus two individual bedroom “pavilions” – echoes of the main house – all linked by a glass roofed entrance and hallway.
Large picture windows frame views of the beach, and track the movement of the sun. “We love the feeling, from inside, of being in such close touch with the environment – north, south, east and west, from sunrise to sunset,” says Pauline. The couple have created a naturalistic garden in the spirit of the shingle coastline, while a salvaged coast guard’s hut is an artist’s studio for David. “The house sits beautifully in its environment,” says Pauline. “It’s so at peace with itself. And we love being here in every kind of weather.”
Large picture windows frame views of the beach, and track the movement of the sun. “We love the feeling, from inside, of being in such close touch with the environment – north, south, east and west, from sunrise to sunset,” says Pauline. The couple have created a naturalistic garden in the spirit of the shingle coastline, while a salvaged coast guard’s hut is an artist’s studio for David. “The house sits beautifully in its environment,” says Pauline. “It’s so at peace with itself. And we love being here in every kind of weather.”