A harbourside home which was restored by artist Damien Hirst has been listed for sale for £1 million. The home in Ilfracombe, Devon, isn't just a living space, but partly a commercial opportunity too with a cafe premises on the ground floor.
Above the cafe is a four-bedroom family living space which features a 36ft-long living room and an upturned hull of a ship-like design. Previous owner Damien Hirst restored the 3,057 sq ft property in recent years, with a huge window installed to give impressive views across the Bristol Channel.
11 The Quay is described as a "landmark building in Ilfracombe" and "a very attractive and substantial property situated in one of the town's most sought after locations sitting immediately adjacent to the picturesque harbour".
Further improvements have been made by the current owner to transform the upper floors of the building to living accommodation.
The building could be rented out as a holiday let, and the income for the period between April and October 2021 was around £55,000 with the ground floor cafe premises during July and August alone producing £49,000 (just on the café, not boat ticket sales).
If the ground floor were to be let on a commercial lease, an annual rent in the region of £20,000 to £25,000 should be achievable according to the estate agents.
A spokesperson for Webbers estate agents said: "11 The Quay is somewhat of a landmark building in Ilfracombe being a very attractive and substantial property situated in one of the town’s most sought after locations sitting immediately adjacent to the picturesque harbour.
"The property was completely renovated and restored in recent times by previous owner and world renowned artist, Damien Hirst, who re-opened what was once the White Hart Inn as a high quality bistro/bar and restaurant.
"Further improvements have been made by the current owner to completely transform the upper floors of the building to form fabulous living accommodation."
Hirst's restaurant started his connection with Ilfracombe and was a highly acclaimed mainstay of the town's foodie scene since it opened in 2004. But the artist confirmed he would cease trading there in October 2018.
Speaking about the decision to close the restaurant, a spokesman for Hirst's company Science Ltd said at the time: "Damien is making changes at his company and has made the difficult decision to close The Quay and sell or rent all the properties he owns on the seafront, finding the right people to take them on.
"Damien has a long history with Ilfracombe and loves the people and the area."
The spokesman said it had been a very difficult decision for Mr Hirst to come to. They said he didn't consider himself a restaurateur and believed someone else would make better use of the prominent property.
