Edith Road, Ramsgate, Kent

The interiors of this three-bedroom Georgian townhouse in Ramsgate, Kent have been beautifully reimagined with a masterful eye. Lively patterns, subtle textures and impressive craftsmanship work to enhance the home’s period charm. Ramsgate’s sandy beach, independent shops and train station, where services run to London St Pancras and London Victoria, are all a short stroll away from the house.

Setting the Scene

Set on the eastern coast 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 in c.1850. This spurred its emergence as a popular seaside resort with a plethora of guest houses, restaurants, and a long promenade. Ramsgate’s resort status was also helped by early royal patronage, with Princess Victoria having favoured the historic Albion House hotel. For more information, please see the History section below.

The Grand Tour

The stucco accents of this double-fronted Georgian house have a gentle, sand-toned wash. The façade is wide and inviting, with stone steps that ascend to a front door crowned with fanlight.

A patterned floor traverses the entrance hall, where stripped architraves and staircase add texture. Time has smoothed the bannister’s original handrail, polishing it to a soft patina.

South-facing light from the large bay window bathes the living room in light. A geometric take on traditional cornicing traces around the room’s ceilings, complementing a dark green picture rail below. The rest of the room is pared back, with soft timber boards underfoot and limewashed walls. There are shelves on either side of the fireplace, perfect for storing books or freshly cut flowers. At the rear is a light-filled conservatory with access to the garden.

Across the hall, the dining room has the same cornicing as the living room, here presented in red tones. The chimney breast has been returned to exposed brickwork, with mid-century-inspired shelves on either side. A second bay window with original shutters scatters light across the room.

A rust-coloured door opens to the kitchen. Slender timber panels lining the walls have been painted in neutral tones, complementing red square tiles running beside the kitchen counters and in a large alcove with a Rangemaster Elan Deluxe range. Pots, pans and bouquet garni can be hung from a rail above and units are formed of dark, shaker-stye cabinetry and granite worktops. There is also a large larder and store cupboard.

Upstairs, the primary bedroom has been finished with limed plaster and painted with ‘Hoar Frost by Bauwerk. Another bedroom has an exposed brickwork chimney breast, and one wall has been papered in a vintage tick stripe. The third bedroom has wood-effect panelling to dado rails, adding to its atmospheric feel.

The bathroom is lined with sea blue tiles, and a free-standing sink sits on top of a repurposed teak cabinet. Light streams in through a reeded glass window, and a walk-in shower has a rainfall shower head.

The Great Outdoors

Surrounded by a wall, the spacious garden feels quiet and secluded. Much of the garden is laid to lawn, with a designated patio area for a table and chairs surrounded by tall rushes. The current owners have planted the garden with wildflowers that bring a whimsical, natural feel to the space. There is also a greenhouse where tomatoes currently grow, and a sweet outdoor pond, home to wildlife like frogs, dragon flies and pond skaters.

Out and About

Ramsgate is swiftly developing quite the cultural scene, with a variety of independent shops, restaurants and cafés within walking distance. 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.

It is less than a 10-minute walk to the historic harbour for wonderful fresh fish as well as new cafés. A nearby boutique hotel, The Falstaff, runs a locally-beloved coffee shop and deli on Addington Street. Other 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 recently opened Union Café 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. Waitrose is only five minutes’ walk from the house.

It’s under an hour’s walk along the coast to Broadstairs, which has 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.

Nearby Margate is also experiencing an exciting period of change and is home to the internationally renowned Turner Contemporary along with the recently restored Dreamland amusement park. Head towards Sandwich, about eight miles south, to check out Delf Farm Shop for locally grown produce and Updown Farmhouse for a luxurious staycation or gourmet meal (or both). Both are accessible by car in less than 20 minutes. Only a few minutes further is The Dog at Wingham, a gastropub and boutique hotel.

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. Edith Road is a short walk from Ramsgate Station, which runs fast direct services to London St Pancras in approximately 75 minutes.

Council Tax Band: E