Grotto Hill, Margate, Kent

A host for artist residencies, this well-composed house sits on a conveniently located street close to Margate’s Old Town. It has been thoughtfully finished throughout, with original architectural details that have been sensitively added to by new kitchen appliances and whimsical café-style curtains. A courtyard garden extends from the rear of the house and features thoughtful planting, while the green expanse of Dane Park is a short walk away.



The Tour



Grotto Hill takes its name from the nearby Shell Grotto, Margate’s enigmatic subterranean monument. Set back from the street, the house is within walking distance of Margate's seafront and characterful Old Town.



Entry is to a narrow hallway, where neutral walls are paired with woodwork picked out in Atelier Ellis’ ‘Fallen Plum’. On the right side, a spacious kitchen and living room occupy the space, where a bay window at the front draws in natural light, and a log burner sits within an exposed brick fireplace. Dark timber boards line the ground, and cornicing frames overhead. In the kitchen, solid timber cabinetry runs along one side, arranged above and below a hardwearing work surface with a tiled splashback.



Positioned at the back of the ground floor is a second reception room, currently used as an art studio, with views of the courtyard. Here, composite materials are in the spotlight with a poured concrete floor and plywood planks that clad the walls and ceiling.



Stairs in the beautifully rich dark burnt red ascend to the upper floors. The principal bedroom, a second bedroom, and the main bathroom occupy the first floor. The principal is particularly spacious, lit by a bay window that provides added space for a snug seating area. Both bedrooms, as well as those situated on the floor above, are finished with exposed plaster on the wall, an ornament to the character of the house.



From the landing, a principal bathroom has been well-appointed with a walk-in shower and a roll-top bath; a palette of neutral, calming tones washes through the room. The third floor offers the potential of a fifth bedroom or a home office .



Outdoor Space



A private courtyard extends from the rear of the house. Pared-back and low-maintenance, this calm outdoor retreat has ample potential for personal interpretation and creates a quiet space that can be adapted, readapted, and enriched over time.



The Area



Dane Park is a nine-minute walk away and Margate seafront reachable under ten-minutes from the house. The nearby Shell Grotto is one of the town’s most enigmatic landmarks, while the galleries, independent shops and cafes that have shaped Margate’s recent renaissance are within easy reach. The acclaimed Turner Contemporary sits on the harbour arm, alongside sandy beaches and expansive coastal walks.



Margate's Old Town and Northdown Road are host to many independent shops and to some excellent restaurants, including Angela’s, a sustainable seafood bistro. Sargasso is a fantastic wine bar with a seasonally changing menu, and the family-run Bottega Caruso is known for its Italian fare. Other culinary highlights include specialty coffee at Curve Coffee and the monthly farmers' market.



Margate is also the setting of Dreamland, a vintage theme park with rides, musical events and a drive-in cinema. It also runs a rich and celebrated musical programme throughout the summer season. The Carlton in Westgate is a family-run cinema showing a mix of blockbuster and independent films across three screens.



The railway station is approximately a 15-minute walk from the house and runs regular services to London St Pancras, with journey times of around 90 minutes.



Council Tax Band: C