Pierremont Hall

Pierremont Hall is a Georgian villa in Broadstairs, on the Isle of Thanet in Kent, built in 1785 as a seaside residence. Today it is a listed building that serves as a venue for weddings and other events, and it is one of the best-known historic houses in the town.

What is Pierremont Hall?

The house began life as a marine villa, a type of country house built for owners who wanted to enjoy the sea air and views of the coast. It was commissioned by Thomas Forsyth and designed by Samuel Pepys Cockerell, an architect well known in the late eighteenth century. Pierremont Hall is listed on the English Heritage register, which recognises its architectural and historical value.

Who lived here?

Over the centuries the hall had a succession of notable owners. Forsyth sold the property shortly before his death in 1810. Thomas Watkinson Payler held it until 1816, after which Edward Fletcher bought it and made major additions to the building. In the 1820s and 1830s the house became a holiday address for the Duchess of Kent and her daughter, the young Princess Victoria, who stayed here between 1826 and 1836.

In 1896 the house was sold to Leonard Posnett, who used it as a school. The building then stayed in private hands until 1927, when it was sold, together with the remaining park, to the local Urban District Council. By that time most of the original grounds, about thirty acres, had been developed for housing, which is why the hall now stands among streets of homes in the middle of town rather than in open countryside.

What can you do there today?

The hall is run as an events venue. It hosts weddings and other private and public gatherings, and it has taken part in Heritage Open Days, when historic buildings open their doors to visitors. If you want to see the interior, check the dates of such open days or the venue's own announcements, as access depends on what is booked.

The house sits in Pierremont Park, a green area that offers a pleasant stop on a walk through Broadstairs. You can admire the exterior and the grounds even when the building itself is closed.

Where is it?

Pierremont Hall is in Pierremont Park, Broadstairs, postcode CT10 1JX, in the Thanet district of Kent. It lies in the heart of the town, within walking distance of the centre. The coordinates are roughly 51.3591 N, 1.4375 E.

Frequently asked questions

When was Pierremont Hall built? In 1785. A few local leaflets give 1792, but most sources, including the heritage listing information, point to 1785.

Who designed it? Samuel Pepys Cockerell, for Thomas Forsyth.

Who owns it now? Since 1927 it has belonged to the local council, which began as the Urban District Council.

Can I get married there? Yes, the hall is used as a wedding and events venue. Contact the venue for availability and conditions.

Did Princess Victoria really stay here? Yes. The Duchess of Kent and the young Princess Victoria holidayed at Pierremont between 1826 and 1836.

Is it open to the public? Not as a regular museum. It opens for events and on special occasions such as Heritage Open Days.