Following the birth of their first child, Jon and Sara decided they would like to return to England from Stockholm to begin a new life. Having always talked about starting their own business, the couple decided on Hastings to begin their new adventure – running a B&B together.

TEST A white sofa and two Parker Knoll chairs flank a chunky white-painted coffee table topped with art books

A white sofa and two Parker Knoll chairs flank a chunky white-painted coffee table topped with art books

TEST Centrepiece of the drawing room is a white chimney-piece inset with an art nouveau tulip motif fireplace below a brass hood. Above it sits a model yacht – a reminder of Jon’s love of sailing

Centrepiece of the drawing room is a white chimney-piece inset with an art nouveau tulip motif fireplace below a brass hood. Above it sits a model yacht – a reminder of Jon’s love of sailing

TEST Two steel-framed trestle tables and benches draped with sheepskins provide cosy seating in the breakfast room

Two steel-framed trestle tables and benches draped with sheepskins provide cosy seating in the breakfast room

TEST Personalised stained glass panels provide a powerful pop of colour in the corridor that separates the bedrooms from the drawing room and dining area

Personalised stained glass panels provide a powerful pop of colour in the corridor that separates the bedrooms from the drawing room and dining area

TEST Nestled between the open shutters, a pair of window seats offer the perfect position from which to observe the goings-on in the high street below

Nestled between the open shutters, a pair of window seats offer the perfect position from which to observe the goings-on in the high street below

TEST Sara and Jon have created a bright, clean, clear haven where the stars of the show are the lovely Georgian spaces and windows that allow the light, sky and townscape to become part of the guest experience. Rather than overwhelming their rooms with seaside paraphernalia, they have peppered their rooms with a carefully chosen selection of coastal-inspired objects including a pair of oars mounted above one of the beds and a lovely framed anchor print

Sara and Jon have created a bright, clean, clear haven where the stars of the show are the lovely Georgian spaces and windows that allow the light, sky and townscape to become part of the guest experience. Rather than overwhelming their rooms with seaside paraphernalia, they have peppered their rooms with a carefully chosen selection of coastal-inspired objects including a pair of oars mounted above one of the beds and a lovely framed anchor print

TEST When they moved in, Sara and Jon opted to keep the striped carpet that featured throughout each floor. It now fits perfectly with the seascape blues, whites and greys that they have chosen

When they moved in, Sara and Jon opted to keep the striped carpet that featured throughout each floor. It now fits perfectly with the seascape blues, whites and greys that they have chosen

TEST “We set out to find a balance between the property being warm and welcoming but, at the same time, bright and uncluttered,” says Sara. And that is exactly the result they have achieved.

“We set out to find a balance between the property being warm and welcoming but, at the same time, bright and uncluttered,” says Sara. And that is exactly the result they have achieved

  • words:
  • pictures: David Merewether
  • styling: Lucy Fleming

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