Royal Crescent II, Ramsgate, Kent

This three-bedroom apartment on the second floor of Ramsgate’s Grade II-listed Royal Crescent takes in a magnificent maritime setting. Spectacular views over the Port of Ramsgate and the English Channel beyond are framed by expansive sash windows. The apartment spreads across 1300 sq ft and maintains the grand proportions of the Georgian Regency building, which has been recently restored with a tranquil white palette, oak joinery and terracotta tiles that meld with the period architecture. Trains run to London from Ramsgate in under 90 minutes, making this apartment a wonderful seaside retreat.

Setting the Scene

Designed by Mary Townley and built in 1826, the Royal Crescent occupies a commanding position on Ramsgate’s West Cliff. The building stands as one of few sea-facing period terraces in the town, and an elegant example of Regency architecture. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

From St Augustine’s Walk, a door opens to a communal entrance hall with intricately laid monochrome ceramic tiles and soft-grey painted panelled walls. The private entrance to this apartment is on the first floor, opening to a generous corridor with oak woodblock flooring that echoes the building’s Regency fabric. The corridor bisects the plan: kitchen, dining and living room are arranged on one side, taking in views across the communal gardens, the port, and the ocean beyond; on the other side lie three double bedrooms that take on a private and cosy atmosphere.

Light floods the kitchen, pouring through two south-facing, six-pane sash windows. Along one wall, oak cabinetry is finished with a matching oak work surface and fitted with solid brass fittings and a Belfast sink. A Carrara quartz-topped kitchen island in the centre of the room makes a wonderful space for cooking or simply sitting with a morning coffee and admiring the view. A living room opens directly from the kitchen, which makes a seamless arrangement for entertaining guests, preparing dinner and serving drinks. Whilst ocean vistas take centre stage, a wood-burning stove with a minimalist surround and terracotta-tiled hearth makes another wonderful focal point in the room.

Striking, three-over-three sash windows with white timber panelling, cornicing and ceiling roses have been restored to characterise each of the bedrooms in the apartment. An arched sash window in the primary bedroom is a particularly lovely feature. This room, which is accessed down a small flight of steps, has an ensuite shower room, fitted with a rain head shower, behind a sliding pocket door.

At one end of the corridor there is the apartment’s main bathroom, with honed Alpina marble flooring and brass trims. At the other end there is a handy storage and laundry cupboard, perfect for storing beach towels and picnic blankets.

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, which features stunning sea views. The recently opened Union Cafe serves as a yoga studio and an excellent spot for lunch. The Modern Boulangerie is known for its 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 relaxing 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, arriving at St Pancras and London Victoria.

Tenure: Leasehold
Underlying Lease Length: 123 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £1891 per annum
Ground Rent: approx. £250 per annum
Council Tax Band: B