The house

A renovated former piano shop, Ballarat House has colourful interiors and bedrooms supplied with hotel-quality linen, extra pillows and blankets. Two twin bedrooms are set up as singles by default; each can be arranged with a king-size bed if requested well in advance.

The main living room has a woodburner, Netflix and board games. A separate downstairs living room has its own kitchen. The main fully equipped kitchen has a range and a large wooden dining table, with an oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, kettle, coffee/tea maker, utensils and cooking basics. Outside, a secluded walled garden has a pergola and barbecue; a balcony is also available.

Facilities include Wi-Fi, a laptop-friendly workspace, washing machine, dryer, drying rack, heating, TV, iron, hair dryer, clothing storage, room-darkening shades, hot water and a bathtub. Family equipment includes a baby crib, travel crib, high chair, children's dinnerware, children's books and fireplace guards. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a first aid kit and fire extinguisher are provided. The home is suitable for children and infants.

Guests have private access to the entire building through a private entrance. Self-check-in is available, luggage drop-off is allowed, and support is available around the clock. Long-term stays are also allowed. Free street parking is usually available nearby, but spaces are not guaranteed.

The coast is a few minutes' walk away. Turner Contemporary, Shell Grotto, Winter Gardens, Margate Caves, Walpole Bay tidal pool, The Libertines' Albion Rooms and Northdown Road's cafes and shops are a five-minute walk away. Margate Main Sands, Dreamland, Harbour Arm and the Old Town are a few minutes further on foot. There are many steps into and within the home, and the street can occasionally be noisy.