A place for quiet contemplation, in Margate

Number 31 Hawley Square, aka The Reading Rooms, is Margate's newest - and arguably most sophisticated - B&B.  The stunning five-storey Grade II listed Georgian town-house has been renovated by Louise Oldfield and Liam Nabb, and was featured in the Channel 4 series ‘Ruth Watson's Hotel Rescue'.  Tucked away behind Margate's seafront, Hawley Square, with its grand terraces and peaceful communal green, is a complete contrast to the bustle and noise of the high street and modern feel of the main town. 

Although undeniably neglected and forlorn in parts, with closed-down shops and boarded up arcades, Margate is experiencing something of resurgence. Quirky boutiques and individual cafés and tearooms are popping up in abundance, and the skyline is dominated by cranes working on a new art gallery, the Turner Contemporary, which is being built in celebration of the painter JMW Turner and his association with the town.

The gallery is part of a larger project of regeneration, which also includes plans to re-open the Dreamland theme park as a visitor attraction centering on historic rides, including the existing Grade II-listed Scenic Railway roller coaster, built in 1920.

The Reading Rooms' prime position, just 10 minutes' walk from the station, and minutes from the sea, makes it an ideal base to explore all that Margate has - and will have - to offer.

I checked in on a rainy Saturday afternoon, and despite arriving bedraggled, soaked and dripping water into her hallway, proprietor Louise greeted me with a warm welcome and offers of a hot drink before showing me to my room via a quick tour of the rest of the property.

Although they've carried out a huge restoration project, Louise and Liam have preserved the integrity of the house's classic Georgian heritage; innovative design touches like bare walls - stripped back to reveal centuries old plasterwork - dovetail effortlessly with their freshly painted counterparts.  Combined with ornate chandeliers lighting the endless run of staircases, wooden floors, cast iron radiators and sash windows, the overall look is rough-luxe with full on wow factor.

The three letting rooms are huge, dominated by stunning reproduction antique French beds, dressed in crisp white bedlinen. Every part of the house oozes a luxurious feel, juxtaposed with a shabby chic charm, but for me, it was the wonderfully appointed en suite bathrooms that really stood out.

"We did not want to compromise bedroom space in order to squeeze in a shower room," Louise tells me, "So all the en suites are full sized rooms."

The enormous walk in showers, roll top baths and twin wash basins combined luxury with practicality, while Ren toiletries, soft white robes, slippers, and an abundance of fluffy towels add a touch of indulgence.

My room on the top floor was minimalist but equipped with everything I needed. A kettle, and tea tray with a variety of teas, coffees and hot chocolate (and real, fresh milk!) was in one corner, and a discreet, flat screen TV was unobtrusive in another.  There was a bistro table and chairs next to the window,  which made an idea spot for reading, writing or indeed taking breakfast - for which an enticing menu had been left. The huge windows swamped the room with light and offered fantastic views across the square and to the sea beyond. 

Nothing seemed too much trouble for Louise and Liam; their local knowledge was flawless, and they gave me maps of the area and made recommendations for dinner, booking me a table at the nearby, award-winning, Indian Princess restaurant. 

Saturday night Margate was a hive of activity, with many bars and pubs attracting people to its centre, but I was keen to make the most of staying in such a beautiful house, and so returned after dinner to chill out in my room and indulge in a wonderful night's sleep.

Breakfast was served in my room the following morning, and I elected for a vegetarian full English. It arrived cheerfully dispensed by Liam and Louise at my chosen time of 9am, on a tray stacked with other goodies - fresh fruit salad, toast and preserves, and a huge pot of tea.

One of Louise and Liam's aims with the Reading Rooms is to provide a place of quiet contemplation for writers and artists. "Margate has a history of welcoming visiting creatives and we'd like to revive that," Louise told me, "But it's just an element of it. Ultimately, we are a luxury bolt-hole for everyone, a retreat for a weekend or overnight stay."

I couldn't help but agree. And I'll definitely be going back. 

Find out more
 

The Reading Rooms, 31 Hawley Square, Margate, Kent, CT9 1PH, Rooms from £110 per night. Call 07932 713292 or 01843 225166 or email info@thereadingroomsmargate.co.uk for more information

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