A Hastings Haven
Coast|January 2020
This Victorian house on the south coast has been given a modern renovation by Emily and Gareth Rees, who have turned it from two separate flats into a quirky family home
Maxine Brady/Narratives
A Hastings Haven

When the Rees family swapped their London life for the East Sussex seaside town of Hastings, they also traded in their finished home for a huge renovation project that tested their design know-how and DIY skills.

‘We’d only visited Hastings twice before we moved,’ explains Emily. ‘But we loved the artistic atmosphere and the vibrant creative scene here. We knew it would be a good move for our family.’ The couple spotted this large Victorian house for sale, but it had been converted in the 1970s into two separate flats by two old ladies. ‘I’d been looking for a project to sink my teeth into,’ Emily says. ‘Each flat was a time capsule of 70s paint colors, threadbare carpets and it was riddled with damp and the smell of cigarettes. It was awful, but so much bigger than our Hackney home – the potential was huge.’ The couple decided to invest the money they made on the sale of their London home to renovate from top-to-bottom.

The layout of the house was broken up into a warren of rooms. Downstairs the flat had a poky kitchen, dingy bathroom, and nicotine-stained bedroom. Upstairs was larger but the bathroom leaked and unused rooms were full of clutter. There was no central heating and dodgy electrics. The two flats were divided with a stud wall that covered the wooden staircase. Despite the conversion, all the original Victorian fireplaces remained, hidden behind the 1960s gas fires, and the original moldings and cornice were almost intact.

MAKING THE MOVE

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Coast.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Coast.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM COASTView All
10 Best... Blue Health Breaks
Coast

10 Best... Blue Health Breaks

Make the most of the sea’s restorative powers on a wellbeing break by the coast – from wild-swimming retreats to mindful walking along the cliffs

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2020
10 Romantic Stays By The Sea
Coast

10 Romantic Stays By The Sea

Escape to our pick of cosy coastal retreats for a bonding break à deux

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2020
Coast

SOOTHED BY THE SEA

Retreating to a seashore hideaway could be the catalyst for recalibrating your life while truly resting a tired mind and body, says Jacob Little, who made the journey north to discover the simple solace offered by the Highlands island of Eilean Shona

time-read
6 mins  |
February 2020
OCEAN ADVOCATE
Coast

OCEAN ADVOCATE

Filmmaker and explorer Philippe Cousteau Jnr – grandson of one of the world’s first famous marine conservationists, the legendary Jacques Cousteau – is building his own legacy with EarthEcho International, his youth project dedicated to environmental education

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2020
Coast

TAKING THE SALT PATH

Brighton sea swimmers the Salty Seabirds have encouraged hundreds of novices to experience the glow of wellbeing following a dip in the ocean – and the rewarding sense of community that goes with it

time-read
6 mins  |
February 2020
20 HOMES to buy BESIDE the SEA...
Coast

20 HOMES to buy BESIDE the SEA...

From an Irish hideaway to a waterside manse in Scotland, here’s our pick of the latest properties for sale by the sea

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2020
EVERYTHING POINTS TO THE SEA
Coast

EVERYTHING POINTS TO THE SEA

coast editor-in-chief Alex Fisher tries a rejuvenating blue health break at the Scarlet Hotel & Spa in Cornwall

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2020
20 Homes To Buy Beside The Sea...
Coast

20 Homes To Buy Beside The Sea...

From a cliff-top home in Cornwall to a beach hut on the Isle of Wight, here’s our pick of the latest properties for sale by the sea

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2020
10 Best... Life-Enriching Travel Ideas
Coast

10 Best... Life-Enriching Travel Ideas

From building a boat to ballroom dancing – enjoy acquiring new life skills on a learning break by the sea

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2020
Inspired By The Coast
Coast

Inspired By The Coast

From their design studio near Newquay, Kara Wilson and Dave Barker make folk art wooden decorations, and Christmas is one of their busiest times

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2020