Despite its quaint seaside charms, Hastings Old Town on a grey blustery day, is, well, just that, grey. But as I step over the threshold of Maggie Alderson’s handsome Georgian house, it’s rather like when Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz sets her feet upon the Yellow Brick Road and everything turns from monochrome to glorious technicolor. The house is absolutely drenched in vivid, scintillating colour. 

the fauteuil-style chairs are covered in Designer’s Guild devoré velvet. Maggie made the window curtain out of her large collection of silk scarves

The fauteuil-style chairs are covered in Designer’s Guild devoré velvet. Maggie made the window curtain out of her large collection of silk scarves

one of the pink playroom walls is papered with favourite pictures

One of the pink playroom walls is papered with favourite pictures

the kitchen cupboards were designed by Maggie and made by a local craftsman

The kitchen cupboards were designed by Maggie and made by a local craftsman

these metal factory chairs, dining table and old meat safe were shipped back from Australia

These metal factory chairs, dining table and old meat safe were shipped back from Australia

the landing is painted in pale ‘Green Verditer’ paint

The landing is painted in pale ‘Green Verditer’ paint

the bathroom sofa is covered with quilted throws and floral cushions

The bathroom sofa is covered with quilted throws and floral cushions

the loo, which doubles as a library and art gallery is Maggie’s favourite room in the house

The loo, which doubles as a library and art gallery is Maggie’s favourite room in the house

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

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