Swan Avenue, Hastings

Positioned in the peaceful setting of Swan Avenue in the heart of Hastings Old Town is this refined, late 19th-century house. Designed by Henry Ward and constructed in 1890, the property sits above a unique 800-square-feet vaulted cellar. Formerly serving as the coach house to the Royal Swan Hotel, one of the finest buildings on the south coast at the time, the vaults are now of local historic importance. Swan Avenue offers a quiet contrast to the bustle of its surroundings, with elevated views over the memorial gardens towards the East Cliff from the rear, and the lawned gardens to the front.

Inside
Sympathetically restored, conserved original details with modern touches run throughout. Air purifying paints and lime plaster work together with large timber sash windows and tall celling heights, adding to the sense of space and light. Entry via a timber door gives way to a bright hallway with exposed floors running underfoot, and stairs rising to the first floor. Bipartite reception rooms are defined by colour, with a pairing of primary yellow and blush pink. To the front, a log burner provides a focal point to the room with pretty views of the communal gardens. The second reception room is currently used as a dining area, with large opposing sash windows at either end allowing light to filter through the space.

The kitchen sits separately at the rear, arranged around a stainless steel sink, freestanding units and geometric tiles complement the cork flooring. A glazed timber door extends to the large courtyard garden.

Exposed boards continue across the first floor, with a small reading area at the end of the landing, bordered by a white balustrade.

The principal bedroom is positioned to the front of the plan. An original cast iron fireplace and column radiator provide a contrast of texture, while the central sash window gives elevated views of the lawns and elegant terrace opposite.

Adjacent, a generous bathroom with fuchsia walls and cerise floorboards are complemented by a reclaimed ceramic bath with matching basin on a chrome washstand. Bottle green wall tiles are coupled with a period appropriate fireplace, adding to the sense of playfulness.

Currently used as a study, the second bedroom is located to the rear of the plan. Near floor-to-ceiling freestanding wardrobes run the length of the room, while a tall sash window provides views of the memorial gardens, St Clement’s Church and beyond.

Outside
A generous raised courtyard garden provides a vantage point for year-round Old Town festivities, with a charming north easterly aspect of the surrounding rooftops and up towards the East Cliff. A set of skylights tucked under a window provide natural light to the vaults below.

Vaults
Accessed via a concealed staircase from the dining room the cellar below is steeped in history. Divided into four individual vaults spanning over 800 square feet, each with high brick arches and flint cobble flooring. Original ironwork and remains of brass light fittings give a glimpse of its previous function as coach houses, now providing an environment to incorporate a subterranean garden, studio, gym or additional living space. At the far end two skylights allow natural light from the courtyard above.

Area
Well-appointed to enjoy the many notable restaurants, bars and independent traders, with popular George Street and High Street moments away. The beach is a short stroll with Rock a Nore, the East Hill and Hastings Contemporary all within close proximity. Hastings train station is a fifteen-minute walk, giving direct access to central London.