Victoria Mansions, Ramsgate, Kent

Set on Ramsgate’s historic Victoria Parade, this four-bedroom apartment occupies a position on the lower ground floor of a handsome, Grade II-listed Victorian era townhouse, constructed in the 1860s. The sea-facing stuccoed façade is decorated with moulded string courses, bracketed cornicing and ornamented window heads. Throughout the apartment, which spreads laterally across almost 1,400 sq ft, the integrity of its Victorian fabric has been carefully maintained by the current owners, and a palette of deep blue and rich green compliments its maritime setting. The apartment is only a few minutes' walk from the beach, and services to London Victoria and St Pancras run direct from Ramsgate station, making it an ideal seaside sanctuary. 

Setting the Scene 

Ramsgate emerged as a popular seaside resort in the mid-18th century, and has long been favoured by monarchs as their coastal retreat. Ramsgate is now home to the country’s only Royal Harbour, a status that was bestowed by King George IV in 1821. Victoria Parade, which runs along the East Cliff, is named after Queen Victoria, who spent many of her holidays at Townley House and at Albion House. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

Set into the smart cream-coloured façade is the front door of the townhouse. Recessed into the deep rusticated walls, it opens to a communal hallway. A staircase leads to the building’s lower ground floor, where the private entrance to this apartment sits. The door opens directly to a living room with grand proportions and a soaring ceiling height. At one end of the room, a canted bay fitted with original three-over-three sash windows makes a bright corner for enjoying a book. Here, the walls are painted in 'Downpipe' by Farrow and Ball, a shade of deep lead-grey that compliments the dark-toned original pine floorboards. In the centre of the room, a wood-burning stove in a surround of honeycomb tiles makes for a warm and cosy atmosphere on stormy days.  

From the living room a wide archway opens to the kitchen and dining room, where the grey colour palette continues. A four-ring gas hob and double-basin sink are set into cabinetry painted in 'Railings' by Farrow and Ball and topped with a stainless steel worktop. Original sash windows, sitting over the sink, offer views over a courtyard. In the middle of this voluminous room, there is space for a large dining table; the seamless connection between the kitchen, the living room and the courtyard make the apartment a perfect setting for preparing and hosting dinner parties. 

To the left of the kitchen is a hallway, around which two double bedrooms and a family bathroom are arranged, all set behind original doors with brass door furniture. In the first bedroom, a painted engineered timber floor runs underfoot, to match the tones of the dark walls and timberwork. Light fills the room, falling through a large 12-pane sash window. The second bedroom has a different atmosphere: floorboards here are painted white, as are the door and window frames. This bedroom has an en suite shower room, characterised by a high barrel-vaulted ceiling. Porcelain tiles line the shower, which is fitted with brass fixtures that echo the apartment's Victorian origins, much like the ceramic sink, which sits atop an antique cabinet.  

The family bathroom, accessed from the hallway, is also dressed with brass fixtures and reclaimed taps, and the timber boards that line the floor and the bath are reclaimed from the Walthamstow dog track.  

Tucked to the rear of the plan is the primary bedroom. 'Hague Blue' by Farrow and Ball has been used for the walls, and light catches their lustrous surface to make for a luxurious feel in this generous room. Leading from here is another barrel-vaulted room used by the current owners as a snug, but which could make for another cosy bedroom. Also to this side of the apartment is a handy utility room. 

The Great Outdoors  

Accessed from the kitchen is a central courtyard, around which the apartment’s bedrooms are arranged. White-painted brick walls line the space, and a self-seeded tree provides a splash of green. The paved courtyard makes a perfect extension of the kitchen for al fresco dining or a morning coffee. 

Out and About

For the culinary-minded, Ramsgate has seen a flurry of new restaurant openings of late. Among the most popular are Little Ship, Flavours by Kumar and the Dining Rooms at Albion House, which features stunning sea views and is known for hosting the young Princess Victoria shortly before she was crowned Queen. The Modern Boulangerie is known for its freshly-baked bread, while Sorbetto serves authentic Italian ice cream.  

In nearby Broadstairs, there is the Michelin-starred Stark and Wyatt and Jones, while Margate is home to Angela’s, a sustainably-minded seafood bistro, and their sister restaurant, Dory’s, a fantastic fish bar that works closely with Kentish fishermen and independent growers to source produce for its menus. The apartment’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. 

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: Share of Freehold
Underlying Lease Length: 990 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £1800 per annum
Council Tax Band: A