Prospect Terrace, Ramsgate, Kent

Built for a sea captain, this romantic Georgian townhouse sits on Prospect Terrace, a sea-facing crescent next to Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour. It is thought to have been constructed during the 1760s and extends across over 3,000 sq ft across five storeys with three generous bedrooms. The home's period sensibility has been carefully upheld: bow-fronted bay windows, a Chinese pagoda-inspired canopied balcony, and ornamental fretwork combine with sensitive newer additions. At the front is a generous garden, while at the rear, a small courtyard is a sequestered spot to read and/or dine. Ramsgate station is just a short walk away, running regular and fast services to London St Pancras International in under 75 minutes.

Setting the Scene

Within Ramsgate's conservation area, Prospect Terrace exemplifies the ornate side of late Georgian style. Gossamer ironwork, railings and supports adorn the façade of the house, which combines architectural classicism with decorative ornament. Inside, its elegant proportions tie together light-filled, grand living spaces, while expansive glazing affords constant communication with the town’s marine history.

The terrace overlooks the Royal Harbour, built as a result of the Great Storm of 1703. It was constructed during a time of great patriotism brought about by the Napoleonic era, and originaly housed senior officers who were able to watch cavalry processions towards the harbour. Ramsgate was a busy garrison town, with tens of thousands of troops embarking and disembarking through the harbour to take part in overseas battles. Although little trace remains today, the town was previously fortified, with rifle shooting on the sands and drill parades in Spencer Square. In the later Regency Era, George IV departed Ramsgate Harbour for Hanover; upon his safe return, he was pleased to bestow a ‘royal’ designation on the harbour – the only one in the country to be honoured as such.

The Grand Tour

Entry to the house is via a large front garden and steps to the raised ground level. Its front door opens to a grand hallway, with exposed oak detailing and textured white wallpaper.

The grand double reception room is defined by exquisite and extensive oak panelling, completed by a local master woodworker in the mid-20th century. Of equal note are two Minsterstone fireplaces, one of which has a working fire that amplifies the room's welcoming atmosphere in the winter months. An elegant bow bay window captures views of the front garden and out to sea.

Concealed to the rear is a study area with a WC beyond, where sand-coloured 1950s tiles line the walls. The side hall is punctuated with arched, leaded windows that allow light to spill in from a courtyard beyond. There are cast-iron radiators throughout.

The kitchen and dining area is at the lower-ground level, where natural light enters through a large bay at the front. A yellow gas Aga takes centre stage in the kitchen, surrounded by timber cabinets and worktops. The dining area is in front of the window - a fantastic, somewhat lyrical space for entertaining with direct access to the front garden and coal stores beneath, currently used as bike storage among other things.

To the rear of the house is the old galley kitchen, now used as a useful utility room with direct courtyard access; it retains much of the work done during a mid-century renovation, including a double sink from the 1950s.

The principal bedroom can be found at the front of the house on the first floor, which would have originally been the piano nobile reception room. It has arguably the best of the home's constant sea views, along with access to a romantic balcony through timber-framed doors. It has a connecting dressing room that could easily be used as an additional bedroom, fitted with bespoke-built 1950s wardrobes and tall windows.

A separate 1950s bathroom is at the rear of this level, adorned with pink tiles and an elevated bathtub. A separate, botanic wallpapered WC is nestled in a private corner off the hall.

On the second floor are two spacious bedrooms, each with original Georgian wardrobe storage, Edwardian basins, carpeted floors, an original fireplace and plenty of light. Inside the front room's original wardrobe storage is the historic maid's quarters: a small nook tucked away for sleeping. An additional bathroom can be found at this level, with a circular tub by the legendary designer Godfrey Bonsack, whose designs warranted a dedicated area of Harrods' store; the 'Bonsack Bath' section, through the 1980s.

Accessed via a contractable staircase, an attic room is found on the top floor. The roof has recently been rebuilt and fitted with a dormer window looking out to sea – the perfect spot for working from home.

The Great Outdoors

A mature and well-planted garden lies at the front, with rich colour and texture. It is a wonderful spot to sit and watch the world go by - on land and sea.

At the rear is a modest courtyard at the rear of the house, with room for potted plants and a few chairs; it also has direct access to a rear passageway that runs along the back of the street.

Out and About

Prospect Terrace is 10 minutes from the beach, and three minutes on foot to the historic harbour for wonderful fresh fish. There are also some brilliant cafés close by, including Staple. For day-to-day convenience, Waitrose is only four minutes’ walk from the house.

Addlington Street has a wealth of independent spots, including boutique hotel, The Falstaff, which runs a locally beloved coffee shop and deli, and Seabird restaurant as well as Paraphernalia, an antique furniture dealer and Our Curated Abode, a contemporary interiors store.

Other local favourites include  Flavours by Kumar, Penelope's Wine Bar 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 Union Café serves as a yoga studio and an excellent spot for lunch, along with Sorbetto for its authentic Italian ice cream.

Nearby Pegwell Nature Reserve is an excellent place for a relaxing walk. Ramsgate's position means that other Kentish seaside towns - including Broadstairs, under an hour's walk away, and Margate - can be quickly reached on foot via an atmospheric coastal stroll. The latter is home to a wonderful art gallery, Turner Contemporary, Dreamland amusement park, and plenty of wonderful places to dine out. Head towards Sandwich, about eight miles south, to check out Delf Farm Shop for locally grown produce, or Updown Farmhouse for a luxurious staycation or gourmet meal (or both).

There is a range of schools in the area, including St Ethelbert’s Catholic Primary School, Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School. There are alternative prep and grammar schools in Canterbury.

Ramsgate is well-connected to the rest of the area of Thanet by train and road: the towns of Margate, Deal, and Canterbury can all be accessed in under 30 minutes. Ramsgate station runs fast direct services to London St Pancras in approximately 75 minutes, and the Channel Tunnel is easily reached from Folkestone.

Council Tax Band: E