Custom House With Forecourt

The Custom House, built in 1893-1894, is located on the north side of Ramsgate Harbour Parade. This building features deep red brick with matching terracotta details and a copper dome. It stands two storeys high on a plinth, with a moulded string course and quoins leading to a modillion eaves cornice topped with a balustraded parapet. The dome is adorned with a lantern and a columned drum, featuring a lion's mask frieze, a dome, and a weather vane. The front of the building has five bays, with projecting surrounds that create a 1:3:1 rhythm. The segmentally headed sash windows, which have glazing bars on the upper leaves, are set within Ionic columned surrounds, with a balustrade above the first-floor windows. The central entrance consists of double panelled doors with a segmental fanlight, all framed in a keyed and moulded surround. There is a simple railed forecourt. Inside, the original staircase hall and offices are still intact.