With stunning views over a prized sandy beach and the sea, you might expect a two-bed flat to set you back a pretty penny in today's booming market for seaside homes.

But one such property in trendy Margate could be snapped up for as little as £80,000.

The catch, if it can be called one, is that the flat is on the 14th floor of the Arlington House - not a tower block with many admirers for its architectural qualities.

It goes under the hammer next week at a Clive Emson property auction with a guide price of £80,000 to £85,000.

Auctioneer Kevin Gilbert says it offers rare stunning views over the town and sea.

He reports some interest but is only too aware that potential bidders like to keep their cards close to their chest.

He believes the leasehold flat - with a bit of cosmetic love and care - could make a fabulous home for a local or a pied-a-terre/holiday bolt hole for a Londoner.

"It's an executor sale and we have priced it sensibly," he said. "But it could reach just £70,000 or make £90,000 - you never know at auctions.

"There has been some interest but potential bidders usually keep their cards close to their chest," he adds.

"But with the growing popularity of Margate, anything can happen."

KentOnline reporter Jack Dyson visited the much-maligned, "brutalist" tower block last year and found many residents love living there.

"It is beautiful and the architecture is so extraordinary, said Jess Search. "Once you’re inside, it’s magic. There are 140 flats, and every single one has a sea view.

"These windows open so fully that you never feel like you’re cooped up on the inside – you feel like you’re absolutely part of the outside."

The film producer moved from London into the property with partner Beadie Finsie four years ago, paying £180,000 for the flat’s leasehold. They were so pleased with their acquisition that they decided to buy another four floors below, which is used as their office.

But she and other residents bemoan the unreliable lifts while another resident is in a constant battle with landlord Metropolitan Property Realizations over service charges and maintenance.

A bid was launched to have the Arlington site listed by English Heritage in 2011. It was snubbed by the charity, which reasoned the development’s significance in marking “a particularly ambitious phase in Margate’s post-war development, does not translate into historic interest on a national scale”.

Despite this, seventh-floor resident Simon Pengelly, 73, maintains it is deserving of listed status.

“I believe it should be listed. I think English Heritage made a mistake because the building was unique for its time,” explains the retired IT consultant, who has been living in Arlington House with wife Rita for the past 11 years.

“It brings controversy - but it’s a fantastic place to live. It really is a beautiful building – it’s beautifully iconic.”

The two-day auction is due to get under way on Tuesday.