Built into the white cliffs of Ramsgate, this four-bedroom Grade II-listed house has commanding views over the English Channel. Extending over four floors, it is characterised by its nautical aesthetic that merges with its Victorian heritage. At the front of the house is a terrace, perfect for hosting in the warmer months. The house's location in the marina means that it is utterly peaceful due to its coastal setting yet, at the same time, close to the centre of Ramsgate.

Setting the Scene

Set on the eastern coast of the Isle of Thanet, Ramsgate is a 'Limb' of the Cinque Port town of Sandwich. Its heritage dates back to the Medieval period, but it developed into the town it is today following the completion of Ramsgate Harbour around 1850. This spurred its emergence as a popular seaside resort with a plethora of hotels, restaurants and a long promenade. The most historic hotel was Albion House, the residence of choice of Princess Victoria when she visited Ramsgate shortly before her coronation. This hotel is just above Granville Marina, and the staircase cut into the cliff face behind the house was used by the young Queen Victoria to access the beachfront. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

The central marina of Ramsgate curves around to the smaller and more picturesque Granville Marina. This house is the largest on a terrace of three buildings built into the cliff face. Its charming façade is defined by scalloped tiling and black and white wooden accents. On the ground floor, paved glass is interspersed with white wood panelling and roundels.

Two glass-paned doors, one on either side of the façade, open directly into the sitting room. This room is a striking space with a double-height ceiling, accentuated by the light reflected off the sea that floods through the windows. White wooden panelled walls offset by a Morso woodburner, its flue extending the full height of the room. The layout of the space naturally creates a more secluded area towards the back of the room, ideally suited to lounging; in contrast to the calm colour scheme at the front of the house, the walls have been painted an enveloping dark teal. From here, a small archway built into the rock face leads to a handy storage area.

The kitchen is accessed via two portals from either aspect of the sitting room. Cleverly designed in a galley style, it has wooden work surfaces that continue into the cliff face. A utility room leads through to the original caving system, originally built as a stone mine and, later, a stairwell to connect the houses to the beach; it has since been filled in and is now used as a games room.

A set of exposed white wooden stairs ascends to the first floor. Here, the main bedroom occupies a commanding position at the centre of the house, where three large sash windows frame views across the sea. Next door, the second double, is finished in teal and white, referencing the house's seaside position. Both rooms have a balcony, perfect spots to contemplate the ever-changing horizon.

Another flight of stairs leads to the second floor. Here, in the exceptionally large third bedroom, floorboards and half of the walls have been painted moss green, and a set of French windows opens to another beautiful balcony. A smaller room is currently used as a study but could also serve as a single bedroom. On the third floor, winding stairs open to a wooden panelled room reminiscent of a ship's cabin. Further steps lead to the eaves with its small cubby hole.

Various bathrooms are dispersed across the multiple floors. The principal bedroom has an en suite fitted with a waterfall shower and, on this first floor, there is also a shower room. On the second floor is a bathroom where a free-standing bath overlooks the sea, and there is an additional wet room with a shower fitted with encaustic tiles.

The Great Outdoors 

The ground floor opens via two sets of glass doors to the patio area. Facing to the east, it is best enjoyed in the morning sunlight, but in the summer, it is perfect for eating alfresco after the heat of the sun has subsided. Running down the side of the house is a long storage space ideal for keeping bikes, surfboards and other outdoor gear.

Out and About 

Ramsgate is swiftly developing quite a cultural scene, with new restaurants opening all the time. Among the most popular are Little Ship, Flavours by Kumar and the Dining Rooms at Albion House with stunning sea views. The recently opened Union Cafe serves as a yoga studio and an excellent place for lunch. The Modern Boulangerie is known for its small batch of freshly baked bread, while Sorbetto serves authentic Italian ice cream. Further afield in neighbouring towns is many great restaurants, such as in the neighbouring Broadstairs, where there is the Michelin-starred Stark and Wyatt and Jones.

The house's setting on the Kent Coastal path means it is possible to walk along the promenade to Margate and beyond or stroll along the endless sandy beaches when the tide is low. Pegwell Nature Reserve is also an excellent place for a bracing walk. There is plenty to do within the town, including visiting the Victorian tunnel system or going to one of the many art galleries that have opened on the other side of the harbour. Ramsgate Festival of Sound in late August turns the town into a buzzing setting.

Ramsgate is well connected to the rest of the area of Thanet by train and road, meaning that the towns of Margate, Deal and Canterbury can all be accessed in under 30 minutes. Regular connections to London are provided by train from St Pancras and London Victoria.

Council Tax Band: A