The conversion of the former boutique hotel and restaurant at Downcliffe has begun in earnest, with scaffolding in place and re-roofing taking place. The building is being converted into apartments.

Downcliffe wrapped in scaffolding begins its conversion into private apartments

The plans will see the former hotel become two three-bed flats and three two-bed flats with an existing single-storey rear extension being demolished to make way for a four-storey extension that will house a communal stairway, lift, bicycle storage and a refuse bin room. Five parking spaces are being created, one dedicated for each apartment, and will include electric vehicle charging points.

Downcliffe was built as a Victorian house in 1840 for the developer of Filey’s Crescent, Birmingham solicitor, John Unett. It became a hotel in the mid-20th century and has received consistently good reviews. It was voted one of the top 10 seaside hotels in Europe by The Independent and won a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2021, ranking it within the top 10 per cent of businesses.

However, it was no secret that the hotel has been for sale for many years. It’s subsequent closure is a disappointment for the town as it leaves Filey with only one high-class hotel and restaurant in the shape of the White Lodge Hotel on South Crescent.

Downcliffe House Hotel, soon to be private apartments