Grand hotel plan for historic House

AMBITIOUS plans to revive Ramsgate's Albion House as a four-star boutique hotel have been unveiled.

The rundown Grade II-listed property has been vacant for almost two years and is on a list of properties to be sold off by owners Thanet council.

Initial building surveys, for the couple behind the new plans, revealed that only part of the original structure remains and much of the refurbished elements would have to be replaced.

The eye-catching £2.2 million design would retain the character of the original remaining part of the building and its parlour for public meetings and receptions.

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The business plan for a 23-bed boutique hotel includes conference facilities and a hospitality training centre to create a centre of excellence for the local leisure and tourism industry.

The project is led by Ben and Emma Irvine, a couple who moved to Ramsgate two years ago after "falling in love with the fabulous architecture and wonderful harbour".

The couple run a string of Regency and Victoria properties in Ramsgate through their holiday letting company, My Seaside Luxury.

Mrs Irvine is an architect and passionate about period property restoration and feels the project would have a positive impact on the community.

She said: "There is a risk that this property could be sold of to a private developer to build flats or even convert it into a private residence which I think would be a big loss for the town.

"We want to create a high-quality hotel with conference facilities that can be used by the community."

Plans also include a spectacular roof terrace with views over Ramsgate harbour and even space for the camera obscura that used to sit on Ramsgate Pier.

The building was built in 1789 and has a rich royal heritage and was used as a holiday home by the Duchess of Kent and Princess Victoria in the 19th century.

It was the seat for the borough council until the creation of the district council in 1974. The building has been empty since Ramsgate Town Council moved to the Custom House in Harbour Street in spring 2010.

The house is one of the highlights on a list of 29 unwanted assets for sale by Thanet council.

The plans for a boutique hotel were universally welcomed by Ramsgate Town Council when members were briefed on Wednesday.

The deadline for bids for Albion House is December 21 with the new owners hope to take over in the New Year.