Cliff House

Cliff House is a house, with an attached former cottage, dating to circa 1768, with alterations from the early 19th century and a late 20th-century restoration. The exterior is painted render with a plinth and quoins, and a pantiled roof with flat stone gable copings. A painted brick chimney stands to the right, and a painted rendered chimney to the left. The building has an irregular plan. The main sea front elevation has two storeys and five windows, all sash windows with glazing bars and sill bands. A one-bay left wing features a double door set within a pantiled lean-to porch, beneath a tripartite sash window. The right entrance front has two storeys and three windows, plus a one-bay extension of one storey and an attic. The central entrance features a six-panel door within a flat classical doorcase, and sash windows with projecting stone sills and glazing bars.

The interior retains some original 18th-century features alongside early 19th-century alterations. The entrance hall has a 18th-century fire surround, with a later mirrored overmantel, along with original 18th-century cupboards and coving. The former customs office to the right contains original cupboards and a strong room, with an early 19th-century marble fireplace. The main reception room features shuttered windows, boarded dado panelling, and another marble fireplace. A smaller room beyond has 18th-century dentilated coving, boarded panelling, and shutters to the windows. A former courtyard now contains a large, early 19th-century staircase with stick balusters and a mahogany handrail. The upper-floor doors have fine door surrounds with fluting and patera. The main upper room has 18th-century shutters and later alcoves. A small room above the hall has an 18th-century fire surround and cupboards. A panelled room has 18th-century doors and a fireplace with a 19th-century overmantel and panelling. A back staircase has stick balusters and a moulded handrail. The former rear yard is now enclosed, creating a first-floor grotto or aviary. The cellar contains an iron-barred cell, possibly a bonded store, with neck manacles attached.

The house was bought in 1846 by Robert Arkwright, son of Sir Richard, for his wife, who was the daughter of the actor Stephen Kemble.