History

Babbacombe Cliff was built in 1877, designed by John Ruskin and decorated mainly by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris. It was commissioned by Lord and Lady Mount Temple. Lady Mount Temple was a distant cousin of Oscar Wilde’s wife, Constance, and they both stayed at the house where Oscar wrote some of his famous work – A Woman of No Importance, Salome and Lady Windemere’s Fan. When Constance went to Florence, Oscar invited the Marquess of Queensbury’s son, Bosie, to stay. It was here that they started their love affair which led to the downfall and subsequent jailing of Oscar Wilde on the charge of gross indecency.

The building was converted into a hotel in 1928 and in the early 2000s, was converted into the complex that stands today, consisting of 9 apartments in the original building and 3 town houses that were constructed as part of the development. The original building is Grade ll listed.

Features

Babbacombe Cliff is a private gated community and just before the electronic gate you’ll see the blue plaque commemorating Oscar Wilde. There is an intercom system so the gate can be opened from inside the property or remotely from your phone. Each property has an allocated parking space and there are several visitors parking spaces to the left. You’ll walk under the archway, and above is the room where Oscar Wilde wrote his plays which he referred to as ‘Wonderland’. At the main entrance, there is an intercom system and on walking through the main door, you’ll see the tiles which were designed by William Morris beneath the post boxes. Another door which is always locked and operated by the intercom takes you into the communal hall area to the impressive staircase. Up the stairs and on the first landing is the door to the Coach House. Just to the right of the door is a beautiful window designed by Ruskin. All the communal area are heated, lit and cleaned which forms part of the service charge. There is also a fully tested and maintained fire alarm system throughout the building.

The Coach House is split over two levels and there is also a back entrance with steps down into the first car park. It should be noted that a new boiler was installed a couple of years ago and is serviced annually. 

The complex benefits from landscaped, terraced gardens which all residents have the equal right to enjoy. There is a locked gate that takes you onto Walls Hill Rd near Babbacombe Downs and also one at the bottom of the gardens that takes you onto Beach Rd, towards the Cary Arms. The gardens are fully maintained which again is part of the service charge. In the gardens just near the main house, you may notice an empty plinth. It was here that stood a statue of Lady Mount Temple which has since been relocated to near the entrance of Babbacombe Cliff Railway. Nature lovers will love the fact that the building has been declared a bat roost.

The Management Company

The Coach House is leasehold with approximately 976 years remaining and the freehold is owned by Babbacombe Cliff Management Company which was formed to manage and maintain the buildings. All 9 apartments and 3 towns houses are members of the management company and have an equal interest in the running/maintenance of the complex. The company is managed by Carrick Johnson Ltd which is a locally based, well respected family run property management company. There is an AGM to which all owners are invited to and the directors of the company hold regular meetings after which the minutes are distributed.

The current yearly service charge is approx. £3,726.80 and £25.00 ground rent, split into two equal payments due in January and July. Whilst this may appear excessive it needs to be remembered that this is Grade II listed building which needs to be kept to a high standard and preserved. Carrick Johnson have a pro-active approach to maintenance to prevent deterioration, as well as always responding and dealing promptly to any other issues that arise. All work is undertaken by professional and trusted tradespeople. The charge also covers buildings insurance. maintenance of the gates, fire alarm system, cleaning, utilities and gardening as previously referred to. All accounts are transparent and available.

DESCRIPTION

A spacious maisonette situated within a renowned period residence. Located in the wooded slopes of Babbacombe Bay, the property accommodation comprises, entrance hall, lounge/diner, kitchen bathroom and two double bedrooms.  A gated entrance opens to a car park with one allocated space to the Coach House, large communal gardens extend along the cliff side with beautiful sea views. Viewing highly recommended. 

HALL

Door to rear, under stairs storage, radiator, stairs to first floor. 

ENCLOSED ENTRANCE HALL

Ceiling light point, smooth finish ceiling, doors to lounge 

LOUNGE/DINER - 6.81m x 7.06m (22'4" x 23'2")

LOUNGE AREA - Smooth finish ceiling, two windows, TV point, two radiators. 

DINING AREA - Windows, radiator, ceiling light point, smooth finish ceiling. 

KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM - 3.71m x 3.66m (12'2" x 12'0")

Range of matching wall base and drawer units, inset stainless sink and matching drainer, roll edged work surfaces over, tile splashbacks, vinyl tile effect flooring, built-in four ring hob, oven below, space and plumbing for washing machine, directional spotlights, smooth finish ceiling, window to side, ceiling light point, display shelving. 

LANDING - 2.87m x 2.16m (9'5" x 7'1")

Smoke detector, wall light, ceiling light point, smooth finish ceiling. 

BEDROOM ONE - 4.27m x 2.95m (14'0" x 9'8")

Double bedroom, sky light, window to front, ceiling light point, smooth finish ceiling, radiator.

BEDROOM TWO - 3.58m x 2.64m (11'9" x 8'8")

Double bedroom, ceiling light point, smooth finish ceiling, radiator, window to side.

BATHROOM - 2.34m x 1.65m (7'8" x 5'5")

Low level close coupled WC, pedestal wash hand basin, bath with mixer taps and shower attachment, heated towel rail, ceiling light point, shower light and point, part tiled walls, vinyl flooring. 

PARKING

There is one allocated parking space with the property.