Cliftonville House Renovation by Sonn — A Contemporary Coastal Extension in Margate

Cliftonville House is a refined and thoughtfully crafted renovation project by Sonn, transforming a traditional Victorian terraced home in Margate into a light-filled, contemporary family retreat. Located along the dramatic limestone coastline of southeast England, the project reimagines the 60 m² property through a carefully designed extension and a full interior reconfiguration, celebrating coastal materiality, sculptural forms, and modern living.

A Sensitive Transformation of a Victorian Terrace

The project extends the ground floor by replacing the outdated kitchen outrigger with a new, spacious, and naturally lit kitchen. Inside, the first floor is reorganized to introduce a master bathroom and a dedicated utility room, improving circulation and elevating the home’s overall functionality.

The renovation draws inspiration from Margate’s rugged seaside landscape—the eroded shells, limestone cliffs, and monolithic stone structures that shape the coastline. This local context is reflected in the home’s soft geometry and tactile materials. A distinctive curved ceiling, conceived as an architectural echo of rising waves, subtly differentiates the new extension from the existing Victorian structure while creating a sense of movement and spatial drama.

A Coastal Material Palette with Soft Sculptural Forms

The design emphasizes clean volumes and bold simplicity. The exterior façade blends minimal forms with refined details, while the polished concrete flooring connects seamlessly to the end block stone used in the outdoor spaces, extending the interior flow outward.

Tim Robinson, lead architect and director at Sonn, describes the vision: “The house is just a short walk from the beach, so we wanted to create a versatile space for a growing family. Every room, from the front to the rear of the property, has been opened up, but sheer curtains allow for flexible subdivision. The interiors are bathed in natural light, with a combination of warm yet durable materials that reflect the surrounding environment.”

This balance of openness and flexibility ensures the home remains adaptable while maintaining a strong architectural identity.

A Light-Filled Kitchen with Rich Textures and Coastal Warmth

The new kitchen serves as the heart of the extension. Sonn employs a restrained yet expressive material palette that adds richness without overpowering the space. The ALPI Sottsass veneer cabinetry introduces vivid texture, complemented by a Rosso Levanto marble worktop and splashback that brings deep, earthy tones into the coastal setting.

A stainless-steel kitchen island anchors the room, pairing effortlessly with the polished concrete flooring. The kitchen connects to the original house through two elegant arched walkways—one doubling as a discreet pantry. Above this threshold, a large roof light filters daylight into both the pantry and the adjacent snug, enhancing the calm, airy quality of the interior.

Curated Interior Details and a Spa-Like First Floor

Throughout the home, carefully selected finishes balance modern sophistication with coastal comfort. The ground-floor toilet features soft, curved corners finished in high-gloss burgundy, complemented by black and chrome fixtures that add dramatic contrast.

Upstairs, the master bathroom is envisioned as a serene, spa-like environment. A zellige-tiled bathtub occupies the center of the room, forming the focal point of the space. Along the wall, a double shower underscores the luxurious yet understated atmosphere. Brass fixtures warm the muted palette, while tumbled marble tiles introduce a subtle, organic texture that aligns with the project’s coastal inspiration.

A Contemporary Coastal Retreat for Modern Living

Cliftonville House by Sonn stands as an elegant reinterpretation of a Victorian terrace, enhancing its historic character through modern craftsmanship, rich materiality, and an intuitive spatial flow. The result is a home that feels deeply connected to its surroundings—an inviting, versatile, and beautifully detailed sanctuary for contemporary family life.

All photographs are works of Philippa Langley