Building of the Month October 2023: 56 Grosvenor Place, Margate, Kent CT9 IUW

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Exuding charm and historic character despite its very poor condition, this house is one in a grade II listed (LEN: 1203569) terrace standing in a narrow street, a stone's throw from the beach.  In fact, this early 19th century house retains the most interesting original features of all of those in this listed group as noted in the listing entry, which mentions the curved bow window at ground level and original area railing details with urn finials.  It also retains (just) its cast iron balcony.  It stands in the central Margate Conservation Area and its current condition is having a negative impact on the surrounding historic environment. 

The building has been unoccupied for a long time and very clearly neglected.  We understand that the council is working to bring the house back into use and the enforcement team has been involved.  Any repair work would of course require listed building consent and, at the time of writing, this has not yet been applied for.   In order to be able to save the original features and preserve the character of this charming Georgian seaside treasure, time is running out and a solution needs to be found soon. Given the continued growth in the popularity of this Kent seaside town, it would be sure to be in demand as a wonderful project.