The Gatehouse Kingsdown – Urban and Rural Ltd.

The Gatehouse, Kingsdown

Project Overview

Urban & Rural led the interior and exterior transformation of a previously over-extended and poorly refurbished heritage building The Gatehouse on the Kent-coastline in Kingsdown. We worked closely with the new owners to establish clear project ambitions for the property. These aspirations drove the design process as the design team reconfigured the interior layout, added much-needed bedrooms, and a new kitchen-dining space and dynamic living area tailored to modern life.

Positioned in a prominent conservation area and part of a locally important group of historic buildings, the property required a sensitive and strategic approach. We saw the opportunity to restore its lost heritage character while elevating its potential. This included the removal of all the uPVC windows and doors which were replaced with heritage aluminum, re-roofing the building with natural slate, and the removal of the poorly constructed glazed lean-too which was causing the building to overheat in the summer. The new extension was constructed using the local flint, with lime mortar joints, to reflect the local vernacular. A new picture window was created in the primary bedroom, to gain a stunning sea view, which was previously absent from the first floor.

Planning & Strategy

We worked closely with Carden Cunietti to deliver a bespoke interior that reflected the owners’ style and complimented the overarching architectural approach.

Marcus Foster Landscape Design played a key role in delivering an elegant and functional outdoor dining space which included a sustainable urban drainage system to control surface water on site.

Outcome

The Gatehouse now stands as a bold example of how thoughtful design can revive a neglected historic building. What was once a compromised structure has become a characterful and functional refined coastal family home.