Lesser-known UK seaside village with rainbow houses as property prices will blow your mind

No two houses are the same (Image: Kent Live)

There's a lot to say about the relatively unknown village of Sandgate in Kent. Despite its small size, it boasts high property prices, rich history and captivating stories.

The coastal village is a riot of colour with its quirky, brightly painted properties. From lilac to green, turquoise to faded terracotta, every hue imaginable can be found here.

The buildings are certainly eccentric, coming in all shapes and sizes.

Brimming with unique features, this village is ideal for a leisurely afternoon walk, admiring the stunning homes and gardens along the way.

Rightmove reveals that the average property prices in Sandgate over the past year were £643,325 for detached houses, £387,000 for terraced houses, £271,528 for flats, and £308,333 for properties on Sandgate High Street, reports the Mirror.

The Boat House overlooks the beach (Image: Kent Live)

Some of the most desirable properties in the area are perched on a hillside overlooking the English Channel. Properties also extend along the Esplanade and reach inland.

It's a vibrant place with Sandgate's high street teeming with restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs.

Sandgate is alive with activity, with the high street serving as a hub of gastronomic delights and lively pubs. This charming coastal village may be small but it's bursting with character.

The High Street is packed with independent shops offering gifts, furniture and antiques, as well as a selection of quality cafes, restaurants and pubs. The expansive beach, popular with dog walkers, cyclists and joggers, offers views over the Channel, yet maintains a relaxed atmosphere despite its popularity.

Residents love the excellent quality of life and community spirit (Image: Kent Live)

"The rolling seafront hosts a variety of independently run artisan shops," commented John Page, Miles and Barr's branch director in Folkestone. "The quirky nature of the area means that no two homes are the same."

Indeed, the area is dotted with colourful and unique buildings. The properties, all different in colour, shape and size, add to the charm of the village.

The village boasts a rich history dating back to the time of Henry VIII. Guided walking tours offer insights into the fascinating architecture and the lives of its most notable residents.

The village also houses five Martello towers, including Sandgate Castle.

A stroll along the High Street soon reveals a distinctive blue building marked with a blue plaque - the birthplace of beloved English comedy actress Hattie Jacques, known for her roles in the classic Carry On films.

Toni Millen owns lifestyle and vintage clothing shop, Workshop Number 29 on the High Street (Image: Kent Live)

When it comes to dining, the options are plentiful. Whether you're after a light snack, traditional pub fare or a fine dining experience, there's something to suit every palate.

The picturesque town boasts an array of top-notch eateries, including the Boat House cafe, which has a flawless Tripadvisor record and serves up delicious breakfasts and lunches with a stunning beach view.

For a more traditional experience, The Ship Inn is a must-visit, with its cosy pub atmosphere, restaurant, and first-floor sun terrace offering breathtaking views of the channel. Meanwhile, the highly-rated Sandgate Vaults, located in a former bank building, serves up modern cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Other popular spots include The Little Fish Shop, a long-time favourite among locals and visitors alike, as well as High Street cafes like Loaf and Orchard Lane Coffee House.

Sandgate near Folkestone (Image: KentLive)

The latter, run by husband-and-wife team Jon and Joanna Lane, has been a staple in the community for over five years, serving specialty coffee from the UK's top roasters and a 100% plant-based selection of cakes and pastries made in-house.

Jon Lane said: "We focus on serving speciality coffee from the best coffee roasters in the UK."

"We also offer a 100 per cent plant-based selection of cakes and pastries made by the team in-house, and the famous Kanelbullar (Swedish buns) from Swedish baker Malin, in neighbouring Deal. We have lived in Sandgate for more than 10 years and were keen to share our passion for good coffee and friendly service with the local community.

"The village is a wonderful place to be year round, the locals are great, really friendly people and we enjoy sharing the street with other independent businesses. There's a definite sense of community here in Sandgate and we're pleased to be a part of it. It feels very safe."

Local business owner Toni Millen, who runs the lifestyle and vintage clothing shop Workshop Number 29 on Sandgate High Street, shared her affection for the area: "I love the human part of being a shopkeeper, remembering people's names and buying things that I know some of my customers will like."

The village offers great views out across the sea (Image: KentLive)

Sandgate near Folkestone (Image: KentLive)

"That is what it is like in Sandgate, everyone knows each other and looks after each other. It feels very safe, I know that my kids can go over to Orchard Lane, the coffee house across the road and they know my kids by name."

The sentiment of a strong community spirit was echoed by many in Sandgate, contrasting with the diminishing sense of community elsewhere. When asked about his favourite aspect of living in Sandgate, one resident simply gestured towards the sea and said "that".

John Page commented further on the appeal of Sandgate: "Sandgate is a beautiful coastal village in the Folkestone and Hythe area. With a wide breadth of excellent schools at both junior and grammar levels, the village has become extremely popular with families."

"With Folkestone railway station nearby, where travel time to London sits at just under an hour, Sandgate is also attractive to those looking to commute too."

The spectacular Sandgate Castle -a Tudor artillery castle and martello tower (Image: Historic England Archive/Heritage Images via Getty Images)