Granville Marina, Ramsgate, Kent

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 a nautical feel that combines with its hearty Victorian heritage. At the front of the house is a terrace, perfect for hosting in the warmer months.



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 central marina of Ramsgate curves around to the smaller and more picturesque Granville Marina. This home is the largest on a terrace of three buildings built into the cliff face, with a charming façade defined by scalloped tiling and monochromatic accents.



The Grand Tour



Two glass-paned doors, one on either side of the façade, open directly into the sitting room. This is a striking space with a double-height ceiling accentuated by the light reflected off the sea that floods through the windows. A Morso woodburner contrasts with timber-panelled walls, its flue extending the full height of the room. The room's layout naturally creates a more secluded area towards the back. 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. Designed in a galley style, it has timber 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 en suite 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, and there is a shower room accessed on this level.



There are three atmospheric bedrooms on the second floor, along with a wetroom and a bathroom where a free-standing bath has been positioned to overlook the sea.



The Great Outdoors



The ground floor opens via two sets of glass doors to the patio area. Facing 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 has an excellent cultural scene, with a variety of independent shops, restaurants and cafés. Local favourites include Little Ship, Flavours by Kumar and the Dining Rooms at Albion House. Sundowners are a must at the Albion House or the Royal Harbour Brassiere, located at the end of the harbour arm, both of which command fabulous sea views. The much-loved Union Café serves as a yoga studio and is an excellent spot for lunch.



It’s under an hour’s walk along the coast to Broadstairs, which has also enjoyed a palpable resurgence in recent years. The town has a thriving community of independent shops and restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Stark and renowned seafood spot Wyatt and Jones. The Funicular Coffeehouse is built into the old ticket office of a long-decommissioned clifftop funicular. The old town itself remains a haven of antique shops and cafés, and Morelli’s ice cream parlour is a wonderfully over-the-top institution on the seafront.



Margate is also close by and is home to the internationally renowned Turner Contemporary, along with the restored Dreamland amusement park. Head towards Sandwich for Delf Farm Shop, which sells locally grown produce.



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. Regular connections to London are provided by train from St Pancras and London Victoria and take an hour and 35 minutes and an hour and 45 minutes respectively.



Council Tax Band: A