Fyrsway, Fairlight

“Whitewashed surfaces and tongue-and-groove panelling emulate a distinctive beach-hut aesthetic”

This elegant home sits on the edge of Fairlight Cove, a coastal village in East Sussex, close to Hastings overlooking the English Channel. The current owners have designed the house to be full of light with an essence of calm throughout, using a palette of tonal whites across two double bedrooms and numerous spots to curl up with a book. A landscaped garden echoes the same peaceful feel, with bursts of colour from perennial blooms and a series of scenic viewpoints.

Setting the Scene

The historic centre of Fairlight has been dated back to 1180 with St Andrew’s Church. Later on, during the 18th and 19th centuries, the remote, shadowy cliffs and valleys around Fairlight made it a popular spot for smuggling along the English Channel. The dramatic local scenery also inspired artists, famously featured in William Holman Hunt’s 1852 Pre-Raphaelite painting ‘Our English Coasts’ exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1853, depicting Lover’s Seat, a romantic viewpoint on the cliffs overlooking Covehurst Bay.

The Grand Tour

From the street, a private driveway leads to the house, with space for several cars. A few steps through a young orchard and an enchanting perennial garden lead to the front door, opening onto a bright central hallway.

Throughout, the interiors are a picture of serenity: walls are washed in airy white tones, and white-painted floorboards run underfoot, amplifying the sense of light and space. Bespoke French doors and windows on all sides deliver natural light throughout the day, bringing the outside in.

The hallway opens out onto a free-flowing kitchen and living room beyond, forming the heart of the home. Bespoke internal glass partitions and windows on both sides allow light and a gentle sea breeze to permeate through, creating a welcoming space for communing and entertaining. The kitchen occupies one side, with bespoke joinery and a sizeable walk-in pantry, and opens onto the rear garden, with intimate spots from which to enjoy a morning coffee with sea views.

Just beyond, two steps descend to a delightful book-lined study room with a separate door to the garden.

Two well-composed bedrooms are on the opposite side of the hallway, with the same tonal palette applied as the living spaces. The main bedroom is at the rear, with an en suite shower room and walk-in wardrobe, and French doors through to the garden, while the second bedroom features built-in wardrobes and is served by a spacious shower room off the hallway.

The Great Outdoors

A cottage-style garden and young orchard front the house, with landscaped perennial borders and sweeping views of the sea. At the rear, a series of decked terraces provide several spots to read or dine in the warmer months. A summerhouse provides shade for hosting guests when the sun is at its peak.

Out and About

Fairlight Cove occupies a peaceful position surrounded by countryside and coastal views. The house neighbours the vast Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with a secret entrance just up the road for immediate access to coastal walks and dramatic paths leading through Fairlight Glen down to the secluded shores of Covehurst Bay.

At the heart of the village, The Cove serves as a popular local gathering spot, featuring a relaxed bar, restaurant, and coffee shop. Nearby, the historic estate of Fairlight Hall hosts seasonal events, open gardens, and classical music performances throughout the year. For everyday amenities, there is a local supermarket, farm shop, and Stonelynk Organics. Hastings and Rye provide broader shopping. The neighbouring village of Pett has traditional country pubs, while nearby Pett Level provides a wide expanse of beach popular for coastal walks.

To the west is Hastings Old Town, with independent boutiques, seafood shacks, contemporary galleries like the Hastings Contemporary, and historic net huts along the beach. To the east, Rye offers cobbled lanes, antique shops, and renowned dining spots, including The George in Rye and The Mint.

Transport links connect the village easily via the A259. Direct rail services run from both Hastings and nearby Three Oaks or Winchelsea, providing connections toward Ashford International and London St Pancras or Victoria.