Cliff collapse near home on edge of cliff days before failed sale

By Tom Bevan

A huge cliff fall took place near a stunning home perched on the edge — just days before it failed to sell at auction for $325,000.

The three-bedroom thatched cottage saw its value plummet after it lost part of its garden to a cliff fall in 2024 and was left just meters from a massive drop.

But the owners have been forced to take a massive hit after they paid $900,000 in June 2011, and its normal market value is listed between $1.4 million and $2.1 million.

But just three days before it went up for auction, a further cliff fall happened on the beach below the cliffs — engulfing vacationers with a swarm of red dust.

Its precarious position, despite a listing that described the unique detached home as having "some of the finest panoramic sea and coastal views" in the country, saw it fail to reach the reserve price and it remains unsold.

The home, located on Sidmouth's coastline in Devon, now sits roughly 40 feet (12 m) from the cliff face looking over a 390-foot precipice.

But fears of further erosion were heightened after a huge section of cliff tumbled onto the beach it overlooks, sending an enormous cloud of red dust sweeping across the shoreline.

The collapse happened at Jacob's Ladder Beach in Sidmouth at around 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, as families, swimmers and dog walkers enjoyed the warm weather along the Devon coast.

No one was believed to be injured, but the incident echoes the numerous cliff falls in the area in recent years, with the council regularly having to close beaches below.

It was witnessed by Kirsty McGregor, who said: "I was on the beach with my 7-year-old son and husband. At the time they were about 100 meters away in the opposite direction exploring the rock pools.

"There was an almighty crash/clap sound, which I initially thought was thunder. It made me look up, which was when I saw the huge plume about 200–300 meters to my right.

"There were some people very close to the point at which the dust and rubble fell and pretty much everyone on the beach turned to look.

"I have heard that a few people were very much covered in the orange dust, but as far as I'm aware, no injuries were sustained."

During the 2024 incident, the rockfall that took away some of the property occurred days after a large portion of the cliff collapsed a few hundred meters away, also at Jacob’s Ladder Beach.

Drone footage shows an enclosed and manicured garden with a wooden gate leading out onto the precarious edge.

It also reveals large sections of the Jurassic Coast cliffs, famed for their fossils, which have collapsed.

The coastline is made of soft, unstable red sandstone and is prone to sudden and unpredictable collapses.

The property was listed by Bradley's Estate Agents and went up for auction on July 21 with a guide price of $325,000.

The property attracted three bidders with a top offer of $323,000. It is understood the owner is now seeking offers and may return it to auction at a later date.

The listing also noted that the area has suffered from coastal erosion, stating: "The property has in recent years suffered a cliff fall within the very far boundary of the garden.

"A full cliff survey can be seen within the legal pack."

The listing added: "Occupying a spectacular cliff-top position, this unique detached thatched residence enjoys some of the finest panoramic sea and coastal views in East Devon, stretching along the Jurassic Coast.

"Designed and built in the 1960s for renowned novelist R.F. Delderfield, this distinctive home features an imaginative circular design that maximizes natural light and captures the breathtaking outlook from many of the principal rooms.

"Beautifully presented throughout, the accommodation includes a bespoke integrated kitchen, an impressive sitting room with French doors opening onto terraces, a versatile dining room/bedroom three, two generous first-floor bedrooms, a contemporary bathroom and an ensuite.

''The mature landscaped gardens provide exceptional privacy and seclusion, with terraces, ornamental pond, lawns and colorful planting all enjoying stunning coastal vistas. A garage and extensive driveway parking complete this rare opportunity to acquire one of Sidmouth's most iconic and beautifully positioned homes.''

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