St Marys Terrace, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34

Interior & Architecture
Occupying a distinguished position in Hastings’ celebrated Artist Quarter on West Hill, this handsome double-fronted Georgian house with three large bedrooms and one smaller bedroom and a study with an outstanding view, two reception rooms, snug and downstairs shower room and upstairs family bathroom has the easy confidence of architecture from an era when proportion mattered and decoration was exercised with restraint.

From its elevated position, the property enjoys one of the great pleasures of seaside living: a constantly changing prospect across rooftops to the English Channel, with Beachy Head appearing on the horizon. The view is both theatrical and calming; a daily reminder that geography can be a luxury.

Behind its elegant façade lies over two floors of adaptable accommodation rich in period character. Original floorboards, fireplaces, sash windows and generous ceiling heights provide the architectural grammar, while thoughtful modern interventions ensure the house functions for contemporary life. At its heart this is an elegant cottage with a beating Georgian heart.

The principal reception rooms are particularly appealing. The sitting room, centred around a wood-burning stove set within an exposed brick fireplace, possesses the sort of atmosphere that estate agents routinely describe as “cosy” but rarely achieve. The dining room is equally engaging, with its own fireplace and a delightful surprise: a concealed doorway leading to a snug. Such features are the architectural equivalent of finding a secret chapter in a favourite novel.

The kitchen is large enough to be genuinely lived in rather than merely cooked in. It accommodates breakfasts, conversations, family gatherings and all the small rituals that increasingly define how successful houses are used. Beyond lies a practical utility room and shower room, ensuring that elegance is not achieved at the expense of usefulness.

Upstairs are four bedrooms and a study. The principal front-facing rooms enjoy spectacular sea views that elevate everyday life into something rather more memorable. Waking up to see the Channel stretching beyond the rooftops is a privilege that never quite becomes routine. The large rear bedroom has a quiet view over the charming garden. All bedrooms have pretty original fireplaces.

The garden is unexpectedly generous for such a central location and unexpectedly level in a location where so often the gardens rise up at sharp angles or in vertiginous terraces. Sandstone patio, mature planting and sheltered courtyard space create a sequence of small outdoor rooms ideal for entertaining, gardening or simply doing very little at all. The terrace catches the sun while the lower courtyard offers privacy and intimacy. Together they provide an enviable balance.

Practicalities have not been forgotten. There is private parking opposite the house, a genuine rarity in this part of Hastings, along with a useful basement offering substantial storage.

This property is offered chain free.

In the Neighbourhood
Location, of course, is everything. From here, the historic Old Town, independent galleries, cafés, restaurants and the atmospheric streets that have made Hastings one of the South Coast’s most interesting cultural destinations are all within easy walking distance. The wonderful open spaces of West Hill are moments away, providing panoramic views and open green space.

Connections & Transport
Hastings railway station is a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk from the house with regular services to London Charing Cross, London Bridge, Waterloo East, Canon Street and Victoria. Also trains to Ashford International and to Brighton. Buses take you into the heart of the town and the seafront. There is also a funicular lift nearby for more leisurely trips into The Old Town.

Material Information

• Property construction: Traditional Brick
• Heating type: Gas central Heating
• Utilities: Gas, electricity, water, sewerage & broadband
• Gas & Electricity Supply: Independently supplied by EDF Energy
• Water supply & Sewerage: Mains connected via Southern Water
• Broadband: Standard download speed 15Mbps, upload speed 1Mbps, Ultrafast available (d/s & u/s 1000Mbps). Source: Ofcom
• Mobile signal/coverage: Likely external cover on all major networks, limited internal cover linked to O2 & Vodafone. Source: Ofcom
• Restrictions: Located within Old Town Hastings Conservation Area
• Flood risk: Very low to no risk of any type of flooding. Source: uk
• Coastal erosion risk: Hastings (inc the Harbour 4C24 – Hold The Line. Source: uk
• Planning permission: None known at time of listing. Source: Hastings Borough Council
• Accessibility/adaptations: Not suitable for wheelchair users
• Coalfield or mining area: No. Source: The Coal Authority
• Flight path: Yes, Gatwick. Source: Flightradar24

 

EPC rating: D. Tenure: Freehold, Known building safety issues or planned/required works: None known at time of listing. Planning permissions: None known at the time of listing. Mobile signal information: Likely external cover on all major networks, limited internal cover linked to O2 & Vodafone