Seafeild House

Seafield House, Westward Ho!: A Forgotten Landmark on the North Devon Coast

A Grand Victorian Past

Seafield House stands dramatically on the clifftops of Westward Ho!, overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean, Bideford Bay, and Lundy Island. Built in the late 19th century, during a time when Westward Ho! was emerging as a fashionable seaside resort, the house was originally designed as a grand private residence. The town had gained popularity thanks to Charles Kingsley’s novel Westward Ho!, which had inspired both its name and its transformation into a coastal retreat.

‍

‍

Decline and Abandonment

In the later 20th century, Seafield House fell into decline. The exact reasons for its abandonment remain unclear, but as the years passed, the once-grand building became neglected. Now standing in a state of disrepair, it has become one of North Devon’s most infamous abandoned buildings. Its empty windows and weather-beaten façade have given rise to countless stories, cementing its reputation as a place of mystery and intrigue.

‍

‍

The Haunted House of Westward Ho!

Seafield House is widely known as "The Haunted House" among locals and visitors. Its eerie, derelict appearance, coupled with its remote location on the cliffs, has inspired numerous ghost stories. Many claim to have seen unexplained lights flickering in the windows at night or heard strange sounds from within the empty shell of the building. Some describe a chilling presence, with sudden cold spots and an unsettling atmosphere surrounding the house. Others have even reported seeing shadowy figures moving through the abandoned rooms.

While it is difficult to separate fact from folklore, these stories have only enhanced Seafield House’s mysterious reputation. Paranormal enthusiasts and urban explorers frequently visit the area, drawn to the house’s ghostly aura and its status as one of the most haunted locations in North Devon.

‍

‍

A Site of Photographic and Historical Interest

Despite its decay, Seafield House remains an important landmark. The striking silhouette of the house against the sky makes it a fascinating subject for photographers and artists. The combination of its dramatic setting, deteriorating structure, and haunting history creates a powerful image of faded grandeur.

Historians and preservationists continue to take an interest in the house, recognizing its architectural significance and its connection to Westward Ho!’s Victorian past. However, due to its dangerous state, public access is strictly prohibited, and visitors can only admire the house from a safe distance.

‍

‍

The Future of Seafield House

The fate of Seafield House remains uncertain. Over the years, various proposals have been made to restore or redevelop the building, but none have come to fruition. Many residents and heritage enthusiasts hope to see it preserved as part of Westward Ho!’s history, while others argue that its decay is part of what makes it so compelling.

As it stands today, the house is privately owned, and no immediate plans have been announced for its future. Whether it will one day be restored or continue to crumble as a relic of the past remains to be seen.

‍

‍

Visiting the Area

While the house itself is off-limits, visitors to Westward Ho! can still appreciate its commanding presence from the surrounding landscape. The clifftop walks along the South West Coast Path provide stunning views of Seafield House against the backdrop of the Atlantic. The nearby Kipling Tors offer further opportunities to take in the breathtaking coastal scenery, while Westward Ho! Beach below remains a popular destination for surfers, walkers, and holidaymakers.

‍

‍

A Lost Treasure of the North Devon Coast

Seafield House may no longer welcome guests as it once did, but it continues to capture the imagination of those who pass by. Whether seen as a historic treasure, a ghostly ruin, or an architectural relic of a bygone era, it stands as a haunting reminder of the Victorian heyday of Westward Ho! and the ever-changing nature of time and the sea.

‍