Eastern Esplanade, Margate

Brickworks says

Set within the handsome Victorian walls of Walpole Heights, this two-bedroom, lower-ground-floor flat sits right by the sea. It’s one of the few surviving historic buildings on the Esplanade to have been successfully saved and retrofitted, earning a Town Pride Award along the way.

The open-plan kitchen, dining and living space sits on the eastern side, where parquet flooring and sash windows bring plenty of character. On the western side, two good-sized doubles offer a little separation from the social hub. One has an en-suite, and both open onto a sunken sunroom: a slim, skylit space that makes a lovely home-working spot or reading nook.

Cliftonville has its own particular rhythm, with independent staples rubbing shoulders with vintage shops and micro-galleries. Pick up groceries at the International Food Centre, head to Sète for wine refills, or settle in for a pint at The Last Light. But the real draw is Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, practically on the doorstep; sunset swims in summer, windswept walks in winter. Margate station’s not far, and offers high-speed trains to London St Pancras in around 90 minutes.

The owners say

We loved this flat from the moment we saw it. We bought it as a little escape from everyday life and it's been exactly that. A proper seaside bolthole, somewhere to switch off and relax. The location is hard to beat: Walpole Bay tidal pool is just moments away, while the cliff path starts practically on the doorstep, with miles of coastal walks and sweeping sea views. We've also enjoyed sharing it with holidaymakers over the years, and have taken great care of it throughout our ownership.

Points to consider

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC):
Current Energy Rating C
Potential Energy Rating B

Council Tax:
Band B in the borough of Thanet
£1,898.33 in 2025/26

Utilities:
Monthly costs are approx. £100.
This figure naturally changes seasonally

Tenure:
Share of freehold, with 104 years left on the lease. The freehold is jointly owned by all the flats in the building.

Outside space:
A walled and gated raised decking area to the front, with steps up to the street.

Service charge:
£1,800 per year. This covers building maintenance, communal decorating and gardening, and building insurance.

Ground rent:
£100 per year.

Ews1:
The building is exempt.

Neighbours:
In the building, there are nine flats in total.

Recent work:
The property underwent a complete electrical rewire in 2022, including the installation of a new consumer unit and firebox. All lighting was also updated to meet current regulations.

Getting around:
Margate railway station is within easy reach, with high-speed services to London St Pancras in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Local bus routes connect with Broadstairs, Ramsgate and the wider Thanet area, while the A28 provides easy access towards Canterbury and beyond.

Onward plans:
The property is being sold chain-free.

Anything else:
The coastline right by the flat is on course for improvements, as part of the Access Walpole Coastal Wellbeing project funded by the Margate Town Deal. The nearby historic, Grade II-listed, Art Deco lift that connects the top of the cliff to the lower promenade is due for refurbishment, and there's plans to introduce new sea-level lighting and beach-level community and café facilities.

The legal bit

We aim to provide accurate photographs, floor plans, and descriptions, but our marketing materials are intended as a guide only. We recommend that purchasers visit in person, ask questions, and verify all details. Brickworks is committed to our duty of care and takes reasonable steps to ensure the information presented is correct. However, we may rely on information provided by the seller or other sources. Please note that floor plan measurements may be rounded and distances are approximate.