Westward Ho! 'Haunted House' project

Aim

This is a project to raise enough money to purchase the 'Haunted House' in Westward Ho! Devon.

Our Crowdfunding project is raising funds  to purchase  Seafield House, also known as the 'Haunted House' in Westward Ho! Devon  

Seafield House, in Merley Road, Westward Ho! is believed to have been built circa 1885 as a summer residence for Brinsley De Courcey Nixon, a London banker from County Limerick in Ireland.

During the 2nd World War the house was used by the MOD as the officers' quarters with Italian prisoners of war accommodated in nearby fields.

It was purchased in the 1950's and owned by the same family until now.  At one point, Seafield House was trading as a Bed and Breakfast, until it closed and became a private home.

Seafield boasts high ceilings and a majestic winding staircase which spans three floors. There is an intact stunning stained glass window which dapples colours over the staircase, floors and walls. 

Entering Seafield gives you a sense of bygone times - you can imagine the grandeur of  guests sweeping down the staircase from one of the twelve bedrooms to attend elegant dinner parties.

 The house has recently come onto the market for the first time since the 1950's with a guide price of between £400k and £500k

Extensive renovation would be needed to restore this beautiful property to its former glory.

Many members of the local community and surrounding areas have shown interest in the house and expressed concern about the future use of this building. 

There are fundraising events being organised  - two such examples are Kevin and Terry Thorpe who have kindly opened up their Beach Hut (near Seafield House)  to serve teas, coffees and cakes on Saturday 30th April (details on our Westward Ho! 'Haunted House' Community Group Facebook page) and there is a musical busking day (date and venue to be announced) being organised to showcase local musical talent whilst raising money for our project.

We have been astounded by the the support offered by local tradesmen - including electricians, builders, a French polisher, an accountant and surveyors all alongside us mere mortals who are prepared to offer our time and elbow grease! 

This really will be a Community venture and will bring together the people of Westward Ho! and the surrounding areas.

If we are successful in purchasing Seafield, the intention will be to restore the house to its former glory.  

Once restored, Seafield will be used  to benefit our Community.  There will be heavily discounted rates for local organisations to use the facilities.

We have a vision of opening up the Bed and Breakfast side of the business to support different functions and events. Some suggestions have been; themed garden parties, 'haunted house' stays and local groups using Seafield as a venue for their events and meetings.

We aim to have exemplar staff running the business and provide Work Experience and training for the disadvantaged in the area. 

The success of this project would offer employment for local people, an increase in business for other nearby establishments and benefit the Community by providing an alternative and very attractive venue for a multitude of uses.

Why is this project so important to the Community of Westward Ho!? 

Seafield House has been a part of Westward Ho! history since 1885.  It is one of the oldest buildings in Westward Ho! and has long retained an air of mystery about it. 

There is even a 'Mysterious Seafield House' Facebook page with reminiscences from guests who have stayed at the Bed and Breakfast and lots of photos and interesting facts. 

Local people have been fascinated by Seafield and judging by the comments raised on social media and 'on the ground' no one wants to see  the 'Haunted House' pulled down and replaced by another block of holiday flats. 

Lets keep this part of Westward Ho! history and give Seafield House the attention it deserves to restore it to it's heyday.   Seafield House will give as much, if not more back to the Community. 

The purchase and restoration will provide a huge boost to the Community - bringing together old and young, skilled and unskilled, advantaged and disadvantaged in a way never before seen in this area.  A Community project to which all of our community can contribute and benefit from for years to come.

Suoporting our project will help support the Community and bring us together. It will give us all access to the mysterious house on the hill and save a beautiful and proud building from being destroyed and replaced by more soulless holiday flats. 

Please join us and pledge today!! 

Note: to anyone who is thinking of making a pledge,  this project is an 'all or nothing'  project and unless we can raise the £400k within the time remaining, no money will be drawn down.  Any money raised via fundraising activities will be donated to local charities should we fail to reach target.

This project closed unsuccessfully on 22nd May 2016