Set on a winding street in the heart of Hastings Old Town, this lofty former church house has been exactingly restored, creating an expansive three-bedroom house and a separate two-bedroom apartment. The building’s beautiful original timbers have been carefully restored and left on full display in the vaulted triple-height living space. Well-placed Crittall-style windows allow light to pass throughout the plan and open up inviting sightlines. A private terrace extends to the rear with the Old Town, seafront and East Hill nature reserve just a few minutes walk away.

The Tour 

Formerly an ancillary building to the nearby church, this house on Croft Road has been fully restored, retaining the original red brick façade and windows. A pointed arch announces the entrance to the house, which is set within a covered porch. The restored double doors make for a grand sense of arrival to the lofty central living area. Light cascades through triple-height windows filling this voluminous space which has a horseshoe mezzanine and herringbone parquet floors.

The open-plan kitchen and living space have been designed for a flexible layout. The walls are panelled up to the dado rail and painted soft grey. Anthracite steel radiators have been used throughout. The kitchen and pantry sit at the back of the plan, delineated from the living and dining area by a deep kitchen island. Bespoke driftwood cabinetry and cork connect the home to its coastal location. Doors open from here to the rear terrace.

At the opposite end of the plan, a hidden snug is concealed behind broad concertina doors. A wonderful retreating space, its inviting dark tones create a meaningful separation from the double-height layout across the rest of this floor.

Wooden stairs lead to a playful gallery visually connecting the ground and first floor. This bright space, bound by an elegant iron balustrade, links the bedrooms on the first floor. Characterised by thick oak beams and vaulted ceilings, the rooms have been demarcated by full glass walls and dramatic Crittall-style glazing. The main bedroom sits under the eaves with pointed arched windows. A circular window forms the focal point in the second bedroom, framing views of the street and the church. The third bedroom has a full-height glass wall. The adjacent family bathroom has tactile terrazzo floor tiles.

A separate two-bedroom apartment is accessed through a private entrance on Croft Road. Street-level steps lead down into a generous open-plan light-filled living space. Mirroring the finishes of the main house, herringbone parquet floors and bespoke cabinetry pair with the calm palette used across the walls.

Both houses are sometimes rented out as holiday lets, commanding a strong income.

The Area 

Hastings is a wonderfully popular seaside town with lively cafes, restaurants and independent shops within its bustling Old Town. The beach runs from the sandy Rock-A-Nore beach to the popular shingle beaches beside the Stirling Prize-winning Hastings Pier.

Hastings has a thriving cultural, shopping and food scene, including The Crown, The Albion and The Rock A Nore Kitchen, all of which specialise in locally sourced and seasonal cuisine, while Maggie’s Fish and Chips is a local stalwart. The family-run Rock-a-Nore Fisheries, on the seafront, smokes local fish on-site. Beautifully tempting local shops include Made in Hastings, AG Hendy & Co, Warp and Weft and Ode Interiors, along with a plethora of antique shops. The town has a number of notable art galleries; the most significant is Hastings Contemporary (formerly the Jerwood Gallery) by HAT Projects. However, there are others of note, including The Rebel Gallery, Lucy Bell Fine Art and The Memorial Gallery.

East Hill nature reserve is a stroll away for cliff-top walks across to Pett Level. The seafront is only a few minutes away and winds towards the Funicular, which connects to wonderful cliff-top walks.

Trains run from Hastings to London St Pancras in one hour and 20 minutes, to London Bridge and Charing Cross in one hour and 30 minutes and to London Victoria.

Council Tax Band: X

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.