On the seafront in Ramsgate — between the Westcliff Promenade and the Royal Harbour approach and descending to Military Road — stands a unique, crumbling and yet oddly beautiful Art Deco structure that, in another life, spent its days as a lift, known as the Western Undercliff Lift.
This 'interesting piece of freehold estate' — as it's described by Clive Emson, the auctioneers overseeing the sale — has a guide price of £20,000 on the lift shaft and engine house, complete with original machinery, both of which haven't been used (as the photos suggest) for decades.
It's thought that the Grade II-listed lift was built circa 1926 by Sir John Burnet and Partners, and the central shaft of coloured glass panels ranging from a deep midnight blue through to a sky blue and finally icy white, is typical of the Art Deco era in which is was built.
The main question, of course, is what would anyone do with it?
In its heyday the lift could hold up to 20 passengers — a far cry from the dilapidated state is now finds itself in. It's so dilapidated, in fact, that potential bidders can only view the structure externally.
It's a complete first for the property section of Country Life, and a far cry from our usual thatched cottages with charming country gardens, but the unique building certainly makes a statement, and it's fascinating to consider what sort of elevator pitch is needed to give this plot the facelift it so desperately needs.
There are no permissions in place, as reflected by the low reserve — but with the right new owner, the right financial backing and a good architect, there must surely be all sorts of wonderful things that could be done with this intriguing landmark.
Any new buyer would have to persuade the relevant authorities of the value of allowing changes to bring the lift back to life, but we'd hope (and, frankly, expect) that they'd be desperate to see this genuine curio put to use once more.
The Western Undercliff Lift is due to go up for auction via Clive Emson at a guide price of £20,000 — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
The otterhound — the story behind Britain's rarest breed of dogBred for centuries to hunt otters in icy rivers, these shaggy, web-footed hounds were once favoured by royalty. Today, fewer than 1,000 survive worldwide.
-
Five magnificent homes for sale, from Highland escape to a 17th century school, as seen in Country LifeWe take a look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life.
-
Five magnificent homes for sale, from Highland escape to a 17th century school, as seen in Country Life
We take a look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life.
-
A castle that's 'a masterpiece of the baronial revival' with 17 bedrooms, breathtaking gardens and its own miniature railwayMajestic, imposing, graceful, romantic... Ayton Castle is the very picture of
-
'One of the finest houses in Cheshire' blends Georgian architecture, modern exoticism and space to park your helicopterPenny Churchill looks inside Stretton Hall, an exceptional house for sale
-
Splendid isolation at four gorgeous properties for sale around the worldFor those craving a home that offers a true escape from the world, some wonderful properties are on the market right now. Here's our pick of some of the finest — ideal for nature lovers, those in search of tranquility and Bond villains alike.
-
The market for super-prime houses in England's biggest millionaire's playground is booming — and this £10m example is one of the bestWhirley Hall is a 17th century building that's a perfect example of how 21st century updates can transform an old home almost beyond recognition.
-
If I had to spend the rest of my life living underground, I would do it in this four-bedroom house for sale in the Peak DistrictThe aptly named Underhill is a 'a work of inhabitable art' that was built in the 1970s. And there's a swimming pool in the middle of it.
-
A micro estate for sale in west Wales shows that the best things come in small packages. In this case, three of themBrithdir is a remarkable collection of properties centred around a lake and just five miles from the sea.
-
This blissful converted mill has sweeping views, a breathtaking library and gardens by a Chelsea gold medallistPenny Churchill takes a look at Stanbridge Mill, one of the finest properties for sale today in the west country.
