When Anna Deacon and John Taylor decided to downsize, Hastings’s art scene lured them to the coast where they have transformed a hillside property using their enviably creative approach to interiors.

TEST The half-glass coffee table and sofas in the drawing room are from Habitat. Next to the radiator, in a multi-tiered display case is a collection of blue and white ceramics by Janke Joubert

In a multi-tiered display case is a collection of blue and white ceramics by Janke Joubert

TEST The half-glass coffee table is from Habitat as are the two sofas

The half-glass coffee table is from Habitat as are the two sofas

TEST Hand-painted canvas bags from John and Anna’s latest project hang from hooks in the hallway

Hand-painted canvas bags from John and Anna’s latest project hang from hooks in the hallway

TEST Above a spectacular mid-60s sideboard hangs a 60s bank clock showing both time and date

Above a spectacular mid-60s sideboard hangs a 60s bank clock showing both time and date

TEST Glass shaded lights from Baileys Home illuminate the elegant retro Ikea table in the dining area. On the wall above the table is a collection of favourite paintings

Glass shaded lights from Baileys Home illuminate the elegant retro Ikea table in the dining area. On the wall above the table is a collection of favourite paintings

TEST John and Anna relaid the ground floor with herring-bone oak parquet

John and Anna relaid the ground floor with herring-bone oak parquet

TEST An immaculate valve clock takes centre-stage on the kitchen table

An immaculate valve clock takes centre-stage on the kitchen table

TEST Anna’s bedroom is flooded with light which has allowed her to opt for rich, dark walls without compromising a bright and airy space

Anna’s bedroom is flooded with light which has allowed her to opt for rich, dark walls without compromising a bright and airy space

TEST A clothes rail in Anna's room

A clothes rail in Anna's room

TEST Anna’s bedroom is home to one of the few pieces of dark wood furniture in the house – a very serious and beautiful Jacobean chest which once belonged to her grandmother

Anna’s bedroom is home to one of the few pieces of dark wood furniture in the house – a very serious and beautiful Jacobean chest which once belonged to her grandmother

TEST Mint green tiles give the bathroom a crisp, fresh feel

Mint green tiles give the bathroom a crisp, fresh feel

TEST A slim 1970s sideboard and an eight-drawer tallboy line one wall of John’s room

A slim 1970s sideboard and an eight-drawer tallboy line one wall of John’s room

TEST The hallway walls have been painted a Valspar acid yellow and the stairs spatter finished in a style not dissimilar to Jackson Pollock

The hallway walls have been painted a Valspar acid yellow and the stairs spatter finished in a style not dissimilar to Jackson Pollock

TEST John ensured that the studio was constructed from as much reclaimed material as possible. The wooden floors have been hand-painted with a geometric pattern and the walls and desktops are flooded with inspiring finds

John ensured that the studio was constructed from as much reclaimed material as possible. The wooden floors have been hand-painted with a geometric pattern and the walls and desktops are flooded with inspiring finds

TEST The studio is full of natural light

The studio is full of natural light

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

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