Guest Testimonials

An idyllic seaside location

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Kiora is like something out of a novel, especially on a wet and wild weekend when the rain is lashing down and the sea is crashing on the shore. At Kiora you can sit snugly at a window watching the weather and waiting for a break in the clouds to run out to the beach literally on your doorstep and walk the short distance to Whitstable harbour and the town. The house is stunning, with high ceilings and spacious rooms beautifully decorated, perfect for hosting a big family gathering. The kitchen is well stocked with everything you might need, including supplies of tea, coffee and other essentials. Jez, the owner, is a fantastic host who couldn't have been more helpful. He even baked us an absolutely delicious summer fruits drizzle cake, the last slice of which came home with us. Our 6 year old son was thrilled with the secret room of toys in his bedroom; we were thrilled with the space, the light, the view, and how immaculate it all was - the attention to detail is second to none. I'm finding it hard to strike a balance between telling everyone every wonderful thing about this house, and leaving it a surprise as there is so much joy in the discovery. We enjoyed every second of our stay and just wish it could have been longer.

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April 2024

Magical home by the sea

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We rented Kiora for my 40th birthday. It is a truly special house - secluded yet right on the beach. You can see the sea from almost every window, and the light and ever changing views were magical. It was clean, and so so well equipped. The best thing about it was the feeling that we were in someone’s home rather than another bland holiday rental. There were other lovely touches. The fires were all laid ready to be light, fairy lights that came on as it got dark, candles everywhere and a delicious home made cake. Thank you. We would love to come back.

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March 2024

An incredible spot

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Jez's house is such a find. RIGHT on the beach but hidden tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Whitstable in its own self-contained garden with off-street parking, you really have the best of both worlds of being near the action but at times it feels as if you're on your own private island with views out to the sea and the famous tidal spit of sand known as 'the Street' revealing itself at low tide. The house itself is oozing with character but is still super comfortable with generous comfortable double beds and a really decent, well equipped kitchen and bathroom. Incredible views out to sea from every room on the front. And a grand piano/open fire in the cozy sitting room and a separate atmospheric library/dining room! So refreshing and delightful to find after endless soulless Airbnbs stuffed with IKEA furniture decorated with only mass-produced prints of the Brooklyn Bridge or Eiffel Tower. Jez was also so easy to deal with, and super kind and welcoming. I even left my coat behind and he offered to post it back immediately. Couldn't be more highly recommended and can't wait to go back in the summer!

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December 2023

Perfect house, perfect location

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The place is perfect, you would struggle to find a better location. Everything is perfectly laid out and considered in Kiora. We spent a long weekend catching up and cooking (for 8) and this was the ideal location. Jez was very helpful throughout, a great stay!

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December 2023

Fairytale house in magical setting

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A magical house in the most beautiful setting. Sitting on the promenade with phenomenal sea views from all of the top floor bedrooms . Lie in bed watching and listening to the waves . Incredibly well appointed inside , lovely wine glasses , a well stocked cupboard of spices and oils , home made cake , tea, coffee and milk . Quirky sloping wooden floors and a garden full of places to investigate for children and dogs alike . A really special place.

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April 2024

It's like going to stay with a dearly-loved friend

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Kiora is a remarkable place. The location could hardly be more perfect (ON the beach; stunning views - no seawall to get in the way; lovely large garden with remarkable summerhouse) but much more than that, it's like going to stay with an old and dearly-loved friend who has just popped out for a bit. The house is full of poetry and art books, paintings, games and toys as well as wonderfully comfortable sofas and fires and a really lovely piano (much played during our stay). Jez had done everything to make us feel welcome and comfortable for our pre-Christmas break: the whole house was dressed for Christmas in a really tasteful way; the house was warm - and there was delicious home-made CAKE! If you are after a stream-lined minimalist modern vibe with endless ensuite bathrooms (and level floors) then Kiora probably isn't for you, but our multi-generational party (including three grandparents and a toddler) had a wonderful time and are very much hoping to be back - many times! Thank you Jez!

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December 2023

A truly magical Victorian beach house

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My girlfriend and I had a beautiful stay at Kiora. A truly magical Victorian beach house, literally a stones throw from the beach, yet serenely tucked away behind its imposing frame and secluded garden. It was like something out of a novel, or a Netflix show. And with the Christmas tree all lit up when we arrived in the evening, it felt like we'd wandered into our favourite Hollywood Christmas movie. Two kids giddily exploring the nooks and crannies and excited by what new wonder lie around each corner. It really does evoke the nostalgia of childhood, where everything feels that bit bigger and more magical. We wanted some time out from our hectic London lives and the house was a joy to relax in. We had coffee in the morning in the library room, plucking CDs from the shelves (the theatrical sultry sounds of Jacques Brel were very much on point!). Gazed out at the coastal skies during the day, and lazed cosily by the fire with our books in the evening. The house is so captivating we had to remind ourselves to actually head out 😅. We visited Whitstable, just a short stroll away. Where we had a roast at a local pub, wandered the historic lanes, and visited some cute shops along Harbour Street. One morning we got up with the sunrise and walked along the shingle spit (known locally as The Street), which protrudes out into the sea at low tide. What a unique experience to look back from the ocean towards the house. A big thank you to Jez for the thoughtful little touches and attention to detail (excellent communication, yummy homemade cake, fresh flowers on the table, candles, help with the parking, torches, and radio in the bathroom!).

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December 2023

A wonderful weekend at Kiora Whitstable with the family

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A beautiful house to stay in for the weekend ..Jez met us at the house with a beautiful cake and talked us through the house ,gardens and local area ....lots of room..very spacious ..4 decent size bedrooms with sea views ..well equipped kitchen with everything you could possibly need ...dining room with sea views and the living room complete with open fire and a baby grand piano ...the garden was well looked after but we didnt get to spend much time out there ..would 100% recommend am hoping to go back next Summer ..

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November 2023