Family Beach Escape: Ballarat House, Margate

Summary:
Enjoy spacious Ballarat House, brilliantly situated near Margate, Cliftonville & the beach.
- Lovingly renovated home with 2 kitchens and 2 distinct living areas with wood burners
- Enjoy outdoor dining & relaxation in the charming walled backyard & lower garden patio
- Moments from glorious sandy beaches, 5-minute walk to Turner Contemporary
- 10-minute walk to Margate Main Sands, Margate Old Town & Walpole Bay tidal pool
- Book now for a memorable family and friend beach escape in Margate

The Space:
We love our guests’ reviews. Here’s one of our recent favourites:

“The house was magical. Beautifully decorated with thoughtful touches scattered round like fairy dust, transporting you to a world of wonder. The location was fantastic and you could hear the crashing of the waves by night. It helped there were local shops a stones throw away too.” Lew, Aug 2023

Come discover the charm of Margate with a stay at this vibrant coastal home, perfect for a family or friends getaway. This former piano shop has been lovingly renovated to create a spacious holiday home with a unique blend of quirky style, artistic touches, and cosy comfort.

Ballarat House is superbly appointed to ensure you have a relaxing, enjoyable and memorable stay in Margate.

Sleep in one of our colourful bedrooms on comfortable beds snuggled in hotel-quality linen with plenty of throws. Choose from three bathrooms, ensuring there’s never a big queue to wash.

Cook your breakfast on the range in the fully equipped kitchen and sit at the large wooden table or on the comfy sofas to catch up with your loved ones before heading out for the day.

Walk a few minutes to the coast in the morning to grab a specialty coffee at Forts Cafe, then peruse The Lido Stores' art gallery and boutique, and check out the famous Haeckels skincare store. When evening comes, you can hang out in the infamous late-night hangout Bar Nothing, then be home within moments.

Walk the other way up the road and saunter along Northdown Road for a taste of Cliftonville. Visit Cliffs for a stellar breakfast experience, grab a nutritious snack at The Grain Grocer, or check out the family-run Batchelor’s Patisserie for amazing cakes and Skinny Dip for bespoke Bodega sandwiches with coffee.

If you like art, why not take in the latest exhibition at Turner Contemporary on your way into town, then peruse the art galleries in the Old Town, sandwiched between independent boutiques and vintage stores. Eat out at one of the many outstanding restaurants in both Margate and Cliftonville, then spend the evening at one of our cosy pubs or quirky music venues.

When you get home, snuggle up in front of the woodburner in the cozy living room and watch Netflix or play some of our board games. The kids can watch their own programmes in the separate living room downstairs (with its own kitchen). Or stay in for the evening and enjoy a BBQ under the pergola in the secluded walled garden, surrounded by greenery.

Guest Access:
There is free parking on the street, usually within metres of Ballarat House. If there are no spaces available you can usually find a space on the nearby surrounding streets. Please note that there are a lot of steps into and within Ballarat House. You have private access to the entire building.

The Neighborhood:
Ballarat House is 5 minute’s walk from the famous Turner Contemporary art gallery, the enigmatic Shell Grotto, the Winter Gardens, the newly opened Margate Caves, the Walpole Bay tidal pool, The Libertines’ Albion Rooms and the thriving cafes and shops of trendy Northdown Road. Enjoy a clifftop wander with outstanding views out to sea, particularly the beautiful skies made famous by Turner: the sunsets really are breathtaking.

Walk a few minutes further to visit Margate Main Sands, Dreamland, the bustling Harbour Arm and all that the Old Town has to offer.

Getting Around:
The nearest major international airport is London Gatwick (LGW). From Gatwick Airport, you can travel to Margate by train, bus, or car. The journey by car or train typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. It is easy to take a cab from the station to Ballarat House.

Most places are within an easy stroll, or the Thanet Loop bus will take you further afield.

Other Things to Note:
Ballarat House is on a typically vibrant Margate street and can occasionally be noisy. Any disturbance is usually brief, but light sleepers should consider sleeping at the back of the property.

Please note that there are a lot of steps to climb into and within the home.

Free parking on the street is usually within a short walk of the home.

We provide luxury liquid soaps, bath gels, shampoos, conditioners and toilet paper in all bathrooms. Please note that these are not replenished during your stay. If you need anything else, you’ll need to purchase those items. And, for the luxury toiletries in the pump dispensers, we ask that you please leave what you don't use for the next guests. Thank you

The two bedrooms with twin beds can be arranged as two king-size beds if you prefer. They are arranged as singles by default, so please let us know if you would like kings well in advance.

If you would like a mid-stay cleaning, it can be arranged for a fee. Please let us know in advance.

Guests will need to sign a Rental Agreement upon booking confirmation and must do so prior to arrival.

Security cameras are used on the exterior of the property for guest safety and security reasons only.

Firewood can be provided at an additional cost. A full basket of wood will be supplied for £15.

We kindly ask all guests to abide by these house rules:
- You must be at least 25 years of age or older to book.
- No smoking of any kind is permitted inside the property. Do not leave cigarette butts in the garden. Failure to comply will incur a £300 penalty.
- No parties, events or illegal activities are permitted. Excessive noise is not tolerated, especially after 9 pm, to respect the neighbours.
- No more guests than those listed in your reservation are allowed unless a prior arrangement has been made.
- Guests agree to cover any charge related to damages that occurred during their stay or extra-cleaning charges if needed after their stay.
- Guests may be required to provide a government ID on the day of check-in or during their stay.
- Please use LED candles only. They are surprisingly effective.
- Pet-friendly property with a pet fee and these conditions: two dogs (no larger than a Labrador) maximum; must be house trained; are not allowed on the beds or furniture; must never be left alone in the house; and any mess must be cleared by guests or incur an additional cleaning fee.

Interaction with Guests:
Access to the property is via self-check-in using a code to the lockbox to access the keys. The access code and instructions will be provided to you before your arrival.

You’ll have complete privacy during your stay, but we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, should you need anything. Just send us a message.