Hastings, East Sussex£650,000 Freehold

Tackleway

The house's elevated position produces far-reaching views across Hastings' patchwork of period architecture

Call us +44 (0)20 3687 3071

This pretty three-bedroom Victorian house sits on a quiet street within Hastings’ historic Old Town. It unfolds across four storeys, with the top floors commanding arresting views that stretch out as far as Beachy Head in the distance. A thoughtful restoration has paired gentle hues of paint with hardwood floors and elegant windows, allowing the house’s 19th-century origins to take stage. Unusual for the Old Town, the house has a large private garden, well-established and planted with perennials so as to provide year-round visual interest. Hastings is well-placed for travel along the Kentish coast and to the capital, with services running to London Bridge from the town’s station in around an hour and a half.

Setting the Scene

Hastings has a rich and varied history, starting life as a fishing village in the Middle Ages, when it was recognised as one of the Cinque Ports. Consequently, it is a patchwork of architectural styles, varying from Tudor structures to 19th-century fishermen’s cottages. Tackleway was one of the last areas in Hastings Old Town to be developed due to its tricky terrain on the cusp of East Hill and the Hastings cliff line. It paid off, however, with the sublime and far-reaching views from the street’s buildings.

This house has retained much of its Victorian charm, with its tall ceilings, original fireplaces and wonderfully weathered floorboards. Sweeping sash windows draw in a generous amount of light across each of its storeys. The current owners have sensitively reimagined its spaces with a palette of refined neutrals and, at times, pops of contrasting colour that add subtle contemporary flair.

The Grand Tour

Tackleway is a peaceful street lined with houses picked out in coastal neutrals and blues. This house is painted in a sable hue, its light tone offset by a wrought-iron fence that separates it from the pavement. Tall six-over-six 19th-century windows and a powder blue-painted front door punctuate its façade, each framed by a delightful mock-keystone flourish above.

Entry is to a hallway, where stairs descend to the lower-ground floor. They arrive at the kitchen, where navy blue units have been paired with a smart granite countertop. An black Rangemaster has been fitted within the former fireplace nook, and there is a handy utility room tucked to one side. Original pine floorboards run across the storey, complementing walls washed with the serene shade of Stony Ground by Farrow and Ball.

The reception spaces lie beyond in a partly open configuration that draws light to each corner. The sitting room is at the fore and is centred around a log-burning stove; a welcome and warming addition come wintertime. There are unobstructed sight-lines through a pair of arches to the rear orangery and the panoramic views beyond. Steps descend to the latter space, which sits beneath a pitched roof of green and blue-tinted glazing. It is currently used as a dining space, though its flexibility – and garden access – would lend well to a variety of configurations and occasions.

Three bedrooms are arranged across the two upper levels, though the front ground-floor snug would equally make for a brilliant fourth bedroom if required. The principal bedroom lies at the rear of the ground floor, with a cast-iron fireplace framed by a striking carved surround, its mantel a useful place to display favourite objects. French doors open to a balcony with room for a bistro set to sit and enjoy a morning coffee.

All of the bedrooms are grounded by original floorboards that have developed a comely patina over the years. Sash windows draw in a beautiful light throughout the day and enhance the elegant painting scheme employed throughout. All of the bedrooms are served by a charming navy-themed bathroom on the lower-ground floor and by a cleverly carved-out shower room on the attic level.

The Great Outdoors

A delightful garden unfolds at the rear of the house, with access granted from the orangery via wrought-iron stairs. The slight slope of the site provides wonderfully atmospheric views over the Old Town rooftops and a variety of period architecture.

There is plenty of plenty of brick-laid ground to place a dining table in the garden, along with some artfully potted plants. Along each side, a thriving miscellany of flowers and shrubs and a shed at the far end provides useful storage for garden equipment.

Out and About

Hastings, particularly the Old Town, has seen a vibrant revival in recent years due to those moving from London to the coastal town. Tackleway itself is a quiet street in the heart of Hastings Old Town, which has a thriving cultural, retail and gastronomic scene. Among the finest of the town’s eateries and pubs are The Crown, and The Albion, both of which specialise in locally sourced and seasonal cuisine, while Maggie’s Fish and Chips is a local stalwart. On the high street, Judges Bakery (founded 1826) and Penbuckles delicatessen are particular favourites.

The Old Town is full of antique markets and independent retailers. Some of the most respected are Made in Hastings, Hastings Antiques Warehouse, AG Hendy and Co and Warp and Weft. Art galleries are likewise abundant. The most significant is perhaps 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. There are long walks along the coastline, either along the promenade towards St Leonards by Sea or up East Hill towards Hastings Country Park, which connects to Pett Level Beach and leads towards Rye.

Hastings is known for its live music scene, and Sunday evenings are the best time to catch an act. The annual Fat Tuesday festival in February is a must for any music fan. The Stag on the East Hill holds lively folk nights, or for a more peaceful pint, The Jolly Fisherman has a fine selection of craft beers within its buttercup yellow walls. This is a town rich in culture and traditions live large; the raucously surreal Hastings Jack-in-the-Green celebrations in May are the largest of their kind in the country, and the town bonfire procession is equally evocative.

A direct train line to London connects Hastings to London Bridge in around an hour and a half. By car, the A21 leads to the M25 in just under 40 miles while the A27 connects across the South coast.

Council Tax Band: C

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. Inigo 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.