Donkey May Cottage, Broadstairs

Only two minutes walk from Viking bay beach, Donkey May Cottage is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in central Broadstairs, with station, restaurants, pubs, beaches and shops all within easy walking distance. A TV-free historic cottage that has been fully renovated. The space Donkey May cottage occupies an end-of-terrace location with light coming in from three sides of the house, making it a bright and airy property. The ground floor comprises of a living/dining room with a fireplace woodstove, two sofas and swivel armchair. There is also a dining table with five chairs. At the back of the ground floor there is a kitchen and small private patio with seating for two. Upstairs are two bedrooms. The front one contains two single beds and a pull-out floor mattress. The back bedroon has a double bed with desk and chair: ideal as a quiet workspace. At the back of the upstairs floor is a good sized full bathroom with bath, shower, toilet and sink. Why is it called Donkey May Cottage? The May family were well known in Broadstairs for some considerable time. A Thos (Thomas) May of the High Street, Broadstairs was listed in Pigotts Directory in 1840 as a baker and confectioner. In the 1926 directory the Misses May of Frederick Villa, Alexandra Road, were listed as keeping a boarding house, one of several on Alexandra Road. They were listed again in 1936. There was a nearby Mr May who was a builder and also Mr May, a brickmaker. At some time after this 1936 entry Mr May and his family (the family which owned the beach donkeys) took over the house - this would have been the whole building. People remember the donkeys being in the area at the side of the house. In 1968 no.33 was divided into 33 and 33a. 33a is called Donkey May Cottage to commemorate the much loved "Donkey May" and his donkeys. Guest access Before arrival, guests are given the code to a lockbox next to the front door containing the house keys. All open parts of the house are accessible, plus the small patio at the back. There is an attic and cellar to which guests have no access. Other things to note No TV. The upstairs floors are reached by carpeted spiral staircase which may pose a problem to guests with impaired mobility or small children (there is no stair gate)