Coastguard Cottages

St Margaret’s Bay — £5 Million+ Heritage and Residential Development

This significant project, valued at over £5 million, is situated in the distinctive coastal setting of St Margaret’s Bay and brings together two complementary yet technically and architecturally distinct elements: a new-build apartment development and the sensitive alteration, extension and refurbishment of a collection of Grade II listed cottages.

The project has been carefully conceived to combine contemporary standards of residential living with the preservation of the site’s historic character. The new and existing buildings have been designed and constructed to sit harmoniously alongside one another, while meeting the distinct architectural, conservation and regulatory requirements associated with both elements of the development.

New-Build Apartment Block

The new-build element comprises five apartments arranged over three floors, including a penthouse level. The building has been partially excavated into the existing chalk face, presenting a complex structural and waterproofing challenge.

Construction incorporates Delta waterproofing systems and reinforced-concrete retaining walls, together with steel portal frames, blockwork external cavity walls and ComFlor concrete

floor systems. The structure and envelope have been carefully coordinated to respond to the constraints of the site while delivering high-quality contemporary accommodation.

Externally, the architectural treatment combines white rendered walls, curved glass curtain walling and timber cladding, creating a modern façade that responds to the natural landscape and complements the character of the neighbouring historic cottages.

A key environmental feature is the proposed native green roof system, which incorporates chalk grassland soil and seed recovered from the site. This approach allows the development to retain and reinstate elements of the site’s existing ecology while creating a roofscape that integrates naturally with its surroundings.

Grade II Listed Cottages

The listed cottages present a contrasting conservation challenge. Viewed from the front, the cottages have retained much of their original appearance and architectural character dating from their construction in 1884. The rear elevations, however, have been significantly enhanced through the introduction of distinctive curved extensions, providing contemporary kitchens and bathrooms while maintaining the integrity of the historic buildings.

A central objective of the project has been to preserve and restore the cottages’ defining historic features. Original stonework, staircases, rendered façades and lime plasterwork have been carefully retained wherever possible, with specialist craftsmanship employed throughout the restoration process.

Specialist craftsmen from our directly employed team and carefully selected subcontractors have undertaken the conservation works, ensuring that traditional materials, techniques and detailing are respected and appropriately applied.

The cottages have undergone a comprehensive roof restoration, together with the installation of new bespoke timber windows and doors. The existing roughcast render has been carefully repaired and redecorated, restoring the external appearance while protecting the historic fabric of the buildings.

Internally, the cottages have been sensitively upgraded to provide modern levels of comfort, performance and functionality. The works include new kitchens and bathrooms, complete rewiring, new plumbing and heating installations, alongside the careful retention and restoration of original architectural features.

The result is a considered balance between heritage conservation and contemporary living. Historic elements have been preserved wherever possible, while new interventions have been introduced in a way that is sympathetic to the original architecture. The completed development demonstrates how technically demanding modern construction can be successfully integrated with the conservation of historically significant buildings, creating high-quality homes while respecting the character and heritage of St Margaret’s Bay.