Originally built as a place to spot smugglers, The Watch House now provides a tranquil environment from which to watch the world go by as it becomes a holiday let following its restoration You can always count on the British summer to throw a curveball. And although my first glimpse of The Watch House as I round the corner is through windscreen wipers, it still initiates a ‘wow’. Set on the beach of the Lepe Estate near Exbury, the property stands proudly out to sea watching the comings and goings of the Solent.
Built in 1828, the building was part of a coastguard station to combat smugglers. Emma and Michael Page are the current custodians of the estate which has been in Emma’s family since 1879. The Watch House was originally built to watch for smugglers.
(Image: Jason Ludlow) ‘At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Lepe was renowned for smuggling,’ explains Michael. ‘In December 1821, the officer in command of the preventive boat stationed at Lepe captured over 50 barrels of brandy from smugglers. HM Coastguard was created in 1822 and The Watch House was built to house the cutter (boat) used by the coastguard crew who lived in the cottages behind.
’ From the outside the building remains largely unchanged, but inside it has been renovated to create a unique home. Reached by a small path, a rather insignificant door hides the quirky interior. It’s no surprise that such an unusual property has an unusual floorplan.
The layout has been turned upside down wi.
