A new-build home by the sea has caught the attention of neighbours – for going against the grain of the “DFL-grey” modern look.

Tankerton, near Whitstable, has a broad range of properties, from typical British terraced houses to more modern abodes defined by sharp lines of glass and metal.

Many residents often bemoan the design of new-builds in Kent – accusing them of being “goldfish bowl monstrosities” or all looking the same.

But those living in Castle Road – and hundreds on social media – say one of the recent additions has struck the right tone; clean-cut, while in-keeping with the style of adjacent homes.

“I think it’s lovely,” said Margaret Earles, who lives a few doors down from the soon-to-be-finished property.

“It’s got really nice brickwork and it has kept the character of the old house that was there before.”

Ms Earles says she enjoys how Tankerton houses come in all shapes, sizes and styles, but she likes certain looks better than others.

She is not keen on the “grey” homes which she says attract people moving “down from London” (DFLs) to the area.

“I don’t really prefer the ‘DFL-grey’ style you sometimes see around here with new-builds – I like something a bit more traditional," she added.

The new house takes the place of a Victorian-style semi-detached which had become structurally unsound over time.

Other homeowners in the street also agree that the new freehold is a good-looking building, but some care less about thematic uniformity and more about the general maintenance of homes.

Asked whether he preferred a mix of designs in the street or houses that matched, resident Alan Clayton said: “I like having the well-kept style in the neighbourhood.

“This new one looks to have been built to a very good quality. It certainly could have been a lot worse.”

People on a Whitstable Facebook group echoed neighbours’ views below a photo of the house shared with the caption: “Hats off to whoever designed and built this house in Tankerton”.

“This property is lovely – respectful to the area's heritage and a breath of fresh air,” the poster added.

“How some of the houses built recently ever got planning permission is a complete mystery to me – here is a beacon of hope in a rapidly changing landscape.”

On average, homes in Tankerton fetch more than £500,000, often selling to Londoners looking for spacious properties in a scenic location.

But locals complain these so-called DFL homes lack character and stick out alongside the traditional Victorian and Tudor-style houses commonly found in Tankerton.

Such houses, they say, are too modern in their design – typically being defined by metal panels, glass balconies and oversized front doors.

Online commenters largely agreed with Tankerton residents’ views.

“A welcome change from what is becoming a very formulaic design – big pointed roof, goldfish bowl windows and glass balconies,” remarked one Facebook user.

“It is very tasteful. Some of the monstrosities that have been built over recent years are not only ugly and don’t fit in, they probably won’t stand the test of time,” added another.

KentOnline approached those on-site at the new house in an effort to get the owner’s reaction to the compliments but was unable to make contact with them.