At the end of the Spa footbridge just at the entrance way to the gardens stands the only detached property on Scarborough sea front the imposingly beautiful Spa Chalet. This grade II listed building was the vision of renowned architect and landscape gardener Joseph Paxton who was also involved with the design of the nearby Spa entertainment complex. The Spa Chalet has occupied the sight since 1858 and boasts fantastic sea views over South Bay and out to Filey Brigg.
It’s a strange design to discover in Scarborough modelled as it is on the Alpine cottages more commonly found in the Swiss mountains. Constructed in brick and timber with an ornate balcony running around two sides it is one of the most striking and unusual seaside homes on the Yorkshire coast and well worth taking time to admire as you cross the footbridge.
The original occupant was the manager of the Spa complex but when ownership was transferred to Scarborough Council in the 1950’s so to was the Spa Chalet. The town clerks secretary, Jessica Bearpark, was the next to take up residence of the five bedroom home along with her mother who lived to the grand age of 103, when Jessica passed away in 2006 at the age of 93 the chalet was found to be lacking the modern amenities most people had come to expect and so a restoration plan was needed.
In stepped specialist conservation architects Denton and Denton to begin the process of sympathetic modernisation which aimed to keep as many period features as possible including an astonishing number of undamaged antique mirrors, period fireplaces and ornate woodwork both inside and out.
The Spa Chalet is now let out as a holiday home with the living area set out on the first floor to maximise enjoyment of the stunning sea views.
