To an estate agent it was a charming fisherman’s cottage on the Kent coast. To anyone else, it was the two nuclear power stations next door that were the main feature. The cottage in Dungeness was highlighted recently after agents found no space in the “for sale” advert to mention the power plants, which were nowhere to be seen in accompanying photographs either.
Though the agents have not been accused of any offence, some viewers were appalled to discover the perimeter fence 100 yards from the front door when they arrived. “It was unbelievable. I had seen the property online and thought it looked just right for me and my family,” said Alex Robertson, 32.”The photos make out it is an isolated cottage with nothing surrounding it — but that could not be further from the truth.
“These power stations are literally at your front door. There is no escaping them, they are gargantuan.”
He added: “I didn’t need to look inside the house. One look at the power station and I was on my heels and off.”
The website of the estate agents, Geering & Colyer read: “Located on the Dungeness National Nature Reserve is this exceptional detached fisherman’s cottage set in approximately half an acre. The property offers three bedrooms, two receptions, loft room, conservatory, kitchen and bathroom. This is a property not to be missed!”
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When the omission was pointed out to them, a spokesman said: “Anywhere on Dungeness is close to the power station. Anyone who wants to know the location of any property in relation to it can just go on to Google Earth.”
Another agent, Calcutt Maclean Standen, praises the “origainal matchboarding to the floors and ceilings”, but also omits mention of the plants. A spokesman said it did mention the power station when prospective buyers telephoned.
Soon after the cottage hit the headlines, the owners accepted an offer said to be close to the original asking price of £247,000.