Designed by architectural duo Sarah-Jane and Giles Miller, this suspended glass marvel showcases modern design while celebrating its natural surroundings.
1 April 2023
Planning a trip that pleases a multi-generational group with different ideas of ‘idyllic’ can be challenging. Enter Woven, a four-bedroom glass house in Broadstairs, Kent, which I was thrilled to discover. Just over an hour’s drive from London, this property is secluded yet only a short distance from the ocean, surrounded by lush trees. It is undoubtedly a home away from home that you would find hard to resist.
The building is modern, suspended on steel legs, and imbued with natural elements. It represents the first venture into residential property for Sarah-Jane and Giles Miller from Giles Miller Studio, and it certainly won’t be their last, as expansion plans are already under discussion. Their professional expertise and spatial awareness are evident from the moment you pass the gated entrance, seen in the property’s angular structure and the comforting details within.
Externally, the steel-framed floor-to-ceiling windows reflect the garden’s greenery, creating a camouflage effect that contrasts the sharp, angular lines of the building. Additionally, this combination allows dappled natural light to cascade across the concrete floor, making the soft colors of the furnishings shift throughout the day.
This bright, airy atmosphere, combined with the open-plan layout on the ground floor, complements the sleek, all-black kitchen – the first feature to greet you upon entering. It’s fully equipped with everything you need for self-catering including coffee grinders, a nutribullet, baking trays, and stylish pans, making you feel inspired to whip up culinary delights. For us, the perfect recipe for this staycation was simple: home cooking, late-night board games, comfy sweatpants, and a much-needed mental reset.
There’s an undeniable calming ambiance at Woven; taking a deep breath and exhaling is almost instinctual as you sink into one of the reading chairs in the living area. The wooden accents, from the dining table to the staircase and bedroom walls, bring elements of the outside indoors, creating a serene environment free of clutter. With a little imagination, you might feel like you’re in the depths of a Scandinavian forest. Outside, there’s a sauna and an enclosed roll-top bath – perfect for relaxation after a refreshing swim at nearby Joss Bay, just a 10-minute walk away.
The lighting throughout the property is a notable highlight. Distorted orb-shaped pendants with warm bulbs serve as a striking focal point above the dining table, as seen in the living area and kitchen as well, creating a soothing atmosphere.
Each bedroom features equally plush, linen-dressed beds with soft lighting. Family disagreements over room choices are non-existent here. Two of the four bedrooms offer a roll-top bath/shower combination, while the other two come with separate bathrooms equipped with waterfall showers. Each option is a delight.
As tempting as it is to stay within this serene escape, venturing out to Broadstairs is rewarding. The charming beach huts, painted in a rainbow of colors, line the sand, and the town’s winding cobbled streets are filled with independent businesses. Whether you’re craving fish and chips, ice cream, or a traditional cream tea, Broadstairs is the perfect destination for enjoying a quintessential British seaside experience. Don’t miss stopping by the arcade on your stroll back, ensuring a comprehensive taste of local coastal life.
