This sustainably designed, four-bedroom house occupies an elevated position overlooking the unexpectedly bucolic coastline of Hastings. A departure from the surrounding Victorian terraces, the detached home’s unique cylindrical form, which is made from aluminium, is a result of designer, Michael D Hall’s deft handiwork, marrying contemporary design with impressive eco credentials. The Juliet balcony on the top floor offers a beautiful vantage point to enjoy the sea views, while a raised private garden sits just behind.

Environmental performance

The house’s environmental impact has been carefully considered and forms the crux of its design. An air source heat pump powers the underfloor heating and hot water while a Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery System (MVHR), ensures there is plenty of airflow. Triple glazing maximises solar gain and ensures there is an even temperature inside all year round. Walls have been k-rendered and there is an aluminium roofing profile. There is also a 10-year structural guarantee warranty.

The Tour

Designed to take advantage of the expansive views opposite, the house is arranged partly in reverse: two bedrooms sit on the ground floor, while a further two lie on the top floor.

Entry is to a long hallway with a bedroom on either side. Both have generous glazing, drawing in a wonderful degree of natural light that is further enhanced by bright, white-washed walls. Light fittings are cleverly positioned for bedtime reading.

Next door is a shower room, laid with colourful terrazzo tiles with contrasting matt black fixtures. Timber-framed doorways and ash parquet flooring run throughout (warmed by underfloor heating), bringing a sense of flow and continuity between spaces.

A staircase ascends to the open-plan living, kitchen and dining rooms, which occupy the entirety of the middle floor. Bifold doors open onto a Juliet balcony, inviting a further sense of intimacy with the house’s seaside location. A smart monochrome kitchen sits on the garden side of the house and features a large central island topped with cool swathes of quartz. Cleverly designed to maximise space, the connecting hallway between the living and kitchen areas also has a well-placed breakfast bar.

Curved, vaulted ceilings add a sense of volume and movement within the main bedroom, which also has an en suite shower room. There is also a larger bathroom with a deep oval bath for soaking and an additional double bedroom bedroom on this floor.

The house has an adjoining drive with an off-road parking space for one car.

Outdoor Space

The house has several private outdoor spaces. Glazed sliding doors in the kitchen open directly onto a generous balcony laid with smooth steel. It’s convenient positioning next to the kitchen means that it’s perfectly placed for entertaining or eating alfresco and can easily house a table and chairs. The garden lies opposite, reached via a wooden staircase and enclosed by mature hedgerows. It’s raised, east-facing position means it receives the best of the morning sun.

The Area 

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

Hastings has a thriving cultural, shopping and food scene, including The Crown, Albion and The Rock A Nore Kitchen, all of which specialise in locally sourced and seasonal cuisine. For fish and chips, Maggie’s is a much-loved stalwart, while 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 several notable art galleries; the most significant is Hastings Contemporary (formerly the Jerwood Gallery) by HAT Projects. However, there are others of note too, including Rebel Gallery, Lucy Bell Fine Art and The Memorial Gallery.

East Hill is a nature reserve within walking distance of Hardwicke Road. Next to the seafront, it has wonderful cliff-top walks across to Pett Level as well as a funicular, which ascends from beach level for easy access to the wonderful views from above.

Ore Station is a 12-minute walk from the house and runs services to London Victoria in just over two hours. Quicker connections run from Hastings Station, a 7-minute drive away, to London Bridge in around an hour and 20 minutes, and Charing Cross in around an hour and 35 minutes.

Council Tax Band: TBC

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.