Coastguard Cottages, Ramsgate, Kent

This delightful three-bedroom cottage has been finished with colours and materials that respond beautifully to its seaside setting. It forms part of Ramsgate’s Coastguard Cottages, a Grade II-listed Victorian terrace built to face open to the town’s expansive seafront. The views are exquisite, and the location is fantastic, with the centre of town and its railway station a short walk away.



Setting the Scene



Coastguard Cottages were built in 1865 as part of a broader network of coastal defence. The development replaced an earlier set of coastguard buildings nearby, which had been built in the first quarter of the 19th century in the wake of smuggling. With an unobstructed sea view, this site was an ideal spot for the construction of watchtowers.



The houses were designed in the Gothic style and constructed using red brick and stone. This home lies towards the end of the terrace and has a smart dove-grey front door that opens to a neat porch. The views from the front are sublime, capturing the sun as it rises and sets across the water.



The Grand Tour



Beyond the porch entrance is the living room, a serene space with surprisingly tall ceilings and understated white-painted walls. The ceiling height created an exaggerated sense of volume, and a large tripartite window ushers in a soothing coastal light. On one side, an original cast-iron fireplace is framed by a timber surround.



Beyond lies the hallway, where the same Moroccan-inspired tiles used in the porch appear again. A door slides open to reveal the kitchen, which has beautiful navy-blue cabinets topped with wooden countertops. Appliances include a gas hob, sleek black oven and integrated fridge-freezer. There is open shelving for ceramics and the like. A window rises behind the sink and overlooks the rear garden. The kitchen and bathroom are fitted with underfloor heating as well as radiators.



At the rear of the ground floor are cupboards, a bright bathroom with slate-grey metro tiles, and a separate WC. A door provides easy access to the peaceful rear garden.



There are three double bedrooms upstairs and a smart shower room behind another sliding door. All of the bedrooms have the same gentle sensibility as downstairs. The larger two have original fireplaces, while the slightly smaller third room is used as a guest bedroom. Both of the front rooms have captivating views out to sea.



The Great Outdoors



Set over three levels, the rear garden is a private, oasis-like haven, with plenty of mature plants and trees, including rambunctious ivy and wild grasses that add to the sense of the space as hidden and wild sanctuary. The lower section is gravel laid and has a built-in bench, while the upper part is lawned. A tucked away bright dining terrace sits between. A shed here provides handy garden storage.



Out and About



There is a delightful variety of independent shops, restaurants and cafés within walking distance of the house. The Union Café serves as a yoga studio and an excellent spot for lunch, while boutique hotel, The Falstaff, runs a locally-beloved coffee shop and deli on Addington Street. Other local favourites include Penelope, Paraphernalia, Flavours by Kumar, Staple and Dining Rooms at Albion House. Sundowners are a must at Royal Harbour Brassiere, which has a fabulous view of the sea and the lights of the harbour at night.



The Kent coastal path provides scenic access to other popular seaside towns, including Broadstairs, which is within an hour’s walk along the scenic route. Broadstairs is awash with excellent eateries, including the recently Michellened Kebbells and the nostalgic 1950's ice cream parlour, Morelli's.



Margate is closeby and home to the internationally renowned Turner Contemporary art gallery, along with the restored Dreamland amusement park. A short drive away, Sandwich is home to Delf Farm Shop, which has brilliant locally grown produce, and Updown Farmhouse for a luxurious staycation or gourmet meal (or both).



Ramsgate is well connected to the rest of Thanet by train and road, meaning that the towns of Margate, Deal and Canterbury can all be accessed in under 30 minutes. Ramsgate station is just over a mile from Ramsgate station, which runs fast direct services to London St Pancras in approximately 75 minutes. The Channel Tunnel is easily reached from nearby Folkestone.



Council Tax Band: B