Library Cottage

The beautiful Grade II listed Library Cottage is one of the most admired buildings on Marine Parade, particularly noted for its thatched roof, bay windows, historic leadwork and salmon pink hexagonal slate-hung walls. Originally built as two cottages in the Regency seaside style in approximately 1834, it opened as The Marine Circulating Library in 1839. Circulating libraries were extremely popular in wealthy seaside resorts in the 18th and 19th century, making books accessible to more people at an affordable price.

Scottish architect Arnold Bidlake Mitchell altered the property in 1937, making it into a single dwelling and changing the roof material from slate to thatch. A renowned architect of the Arts and Crafts movement, Mitchell worked on many properties in Lyme Regis and designed the imposing four storey Sundial House which stands next to Library Cottage.

The outstanding ornate French lead pipework and rainwater cistern was added to the property by Mitchell who apparently transferred them from an earlier local building known as Little Cliff on Sidmouth Road. They are believed to have originally come from Amiens. Mitchell's stunning original plasterwork ceilings remain inside the building.