Cliff House

TYNEMOUTH NZ 37 SE VICTORIA CRESCENT (East, off), Cullercoats 1022/5/140 Cliff House 23.12.71

GV II*

House, and attached former cottage. Circa 1768 with early C19 alterations, restored late C20. Painted render with plinth and quoins, pantiled roof with flat stone gable copings. Painted brick chimney at right, painted rendered at left. Irregular plan. Main sea front: 2 storeys, 5 windows all sashes with glazing bars; sill bands; one-bay left wing has double door in pantiled lean-to porch under tripartite sash. Right entrance front of 2 storeys, 3 windows and extension of one storey and attic, one bay, has central 6-panel door in flat classical doorcase; sash windows with projecting stone sills and glazing bars. INTERIOR, has some original C18 features and much early C19 alteration. Entrance hall has an C18 fire-surround with later mirrored overmantel, C18 cupboards and coving. Former customs office to right has original cupboards and strong room with early C19 marble fireplace. Main reception room has shuttered windows, boarded dado panelling and another marble fireplace. Beyond smaller room has C18 dentilated coving, boarded panelling and C18 shutters to windows. Former courtyard now contains fine large early C19 staircase with stick balusters and mahogany handrail, the upper floor doors have fine door surrounds with fluting and patera. Main upper room has C18 shutters and later alcoves. Small room over hall has C18 fire-surround and cupboards. Panelled room has C18 doors and fireplace with C19 overmantel and panelling. Back staircase has stick balusters and moulded handrail. Former rear yard now enclosed first-floor grotto or aviary. Cellar has iron-barred cell, possibly bonded store, with neck manacles attached. Historical note: bought in 1846 by Robert Arkwright, son of Sir Richard, for his wife who was daughter of the actor Stephen Kemble. Source: W.W. Tomlinson, Historical Notes on Cullercoats, Whitley and Monkseaton, 1893, pp 19, 117-120.

Listing NGR: NZ3641871461