James Bond author’s seafront cottage on sale for $2.3 million

By Imogen Howse

A stunning seafront cottage where Ian Fleming is believed to have written several of his James Bond novels is up for sale - for $2.3 million.

Mermaid Cottage is one of four 1920s art deco houses set in a truly breathtaking location - at the foot of the White Cliffs in Dover, Kent.

The collection of properties was once owned by both author Fleming and playwright Noel Coward, between 1951 and 1957 and 1945 and 1951 respectively.

While Fleming and Coward actually lived in the house on the far end of the group of four, Fleming is believed to have written several of the Bond books in Mermaid Cottage - including Moonraker.

Estate agent Strutt & Parker said the cottage has an "irresistible lure" - and offers an "exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a stylish home with direct access to the beach".

At the same time as its "rich history of famous connections", the home has also been completely renovated by its current owner - modernized over almost 20 years with an interior of "pared back luxury".

The main reception room overlooks the sea and the library has double doors opening to a sheltered patio.

A bespoke Smallbone kitchen is fitted to the rear of the house - and the master bedroom, on the first floor, has a wide balcony with the "constant soothing noise of waves lapping the shore."

Outside, the home has an outbuilding fit with a gym, workshop, and store, as well as a terrace, courtyard, and gardens landscaped by an RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner.

Describing the location, a spokesperson said: "St Margaret’s Bay is a sheltered haven, with a clifftop mainly in the care of the National Trust providing some delightful walks and the shingle beach offering a popular café and an inn, The Coastguard.

"There are golf courses at nearby Kingsdown and Deal together with St George's at Sandwich.

"St Margaret's village provides a range of local amenities, with further leisure, educational and shopping facilities in nearby Deal, Dover and Canterbury."

The property is also said to have good links to the M2, London St Pancras station, and the Continent via the Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover.