The flat shingle expanse of Dungeness, with its looming nuclear power station, has an edge-of-the-world feel that some find a bit spooky. But not if you're staying at Fulmar. Sleeping four, its homely timber structure, wood-burning stove and sunny, open-plan kitchen are a good antidote to the stark surroundings ... Photograph: PR
Step outside, though, and you can spot fabulous wildlife, stroll past Derek Jarman's striking former cottage and garden, and take in great views over the English Channel from the Old Lighthouse.
• 01227 464958, mulberrycottages.com. From £580 per week Photograph: PR
Several of Kent's oast houses, built for drying hops, have been converted into cottages. This 16th-century one, on the outskirts of Sandhurst, sleeps four and is one of the best ... Photograph: PR
A huge but cosy kitchen, a dramatic master bedroom set in one of the roundels (there's an en suite wet room in the second roundel), a table under a tree in the garden for lazy summer dinners and homemade cake on arrival all add to the appeal. It's better, though, for groups of friends or older families: under-10s are excluded as access is via an open staircase.
• 01580 860840, bramleyandteal.co.uk. From £675 per week Photograph: PR
White paintwork, wooden floorboards, salvaged furniture, metro-tiled bathroom: this cottage ticks all the boxes of a tasteful Whitstable holiday let but packs a bit more character into the mix than some of its competitors ... Photograph: PR
Sleeping four, and within a pebble's throw of the beach, splashes of colourful paintwork, bright fabrics and one-off artworks add to its credentials.
• 01227 272998, placestostayinwhitstable.co.uk. From £495 per week Photograph: PR
Ramsgate may be emerging as a surprise outpost of arty cool but this Grade I-listed property, sleeping eight, is far removed from that scene. Built in 1843 by Augustus Pugin (in his trademark gothic style), as his own home, it was designed primarily around internal function rather than outward appearance ... Photograph: PR
So the exterior is little match for its wildly elaborate rooms, with their wood panelling and bright wallpapers. For more 21st-century distractions, watch boats bob in the harbour or book for dinner at Age & Sons (ageandsons.co.uk), a modern British restaurant with a Kentish twist.
• 01628 825925, landmarktrust.org.uk. From £1,187 per week Photograph: PR
Set near the top of Benenden's village green, in what were once the gardens of plant collector Cherry Ingram, this cosy hideaway sleeps just two but manages to fit plenty in – though the paddle steps up to a mezzanine bedroom mean it's not for everyone ... Photograph: PR
Stripped beams, fresh flowers and blue-and-white striped curtains give it a neat, country feel but the main attraction is the setting, with French windows opening onto the garden (guests get their own private corner, with summerhouse).
• 01580 720770, freedomholidayhomes.co.uk. From £320 per week Photograph: PR
