The matt-black painted exterior sets the tone at this design-led boutique spot on the seafront in Eastbourne, East Sussex. It’s not like the other old-fashioned Victorian townhouses and hotels it neighbours, because inside it’s a Scandi dream with a muted colour scheme, pale wood furniture and lots of natural light. The reception has a cosy marble fireplace, monochrome objets d’art, chess and backgammon sets and cream Rico lounge chairs and sofas. A rotating collection of framed prints (sometimes local artists, sometimes tied to a nearby exhibition) give a real sense of place. Stylish rooms are split between sea and town views — bar the few family-friendly and dog-friendly options on the lower-ground floor.
Overall score 8/10
Main photo: unique design details make this chic seaside property stand out (Emma Croman)
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Rooms and suites
Score 8/10
There are just 19 rooms in this converted Victorian townhouse, each with a unique shape and size. The interior designer Imraan Ismail is behind the muted colour palette: pale pinks to reflect the pebbles of Eastbourne beach at the front, and pale greens for the South Downs at the back. Striped cushions, retro mini-fridges, dried bouquets and a selection of curated books are thoughtful touches. Those facing the sea are the pick of the bunch (request 6 or 17 for a freestanding bath; or 10, 11 or 16 for a loo with a view). Upper-floor rooms have less street noise (there’s a fairly busy road in front) and more interesting vistas, but do expect lots of stairs. The Studio Apartment is the largest and most luxurious — along with its deep bath on terrazzo flooring, you will find binoculars for watching the birds, a Crosley vinyl record player and waffle robes. Family rooms are equipped with a single sofa bed or a pair of bunks. All come with supremely comfortable Hypnos mattresses, powerful showers with Faith in Nature toiletries, smart televisions and USB charging ports. Service is particularly friendly, though note there isn’t an overnight porter from Sunday to Thursday.
Food and drink
Score 8/10
Breakfast is a continental affair but elevated: posh butter, lovely flaky mini-croissants, homemade granola and coconut yoghurt, along with eggs and bacon made to order. There’s a bar with cocktails, English wines and hot drinks, as well as crisps and nuts. The kitchen is open (apart for breakfast) only on Sundays to serve cosy and creative roasts — Sussex wagyu rump of beef is paired with carrot puree, tenderstem broccoli and a boozy Marmite-y gravy.
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What else is there?
Score n/a
A small terrace out front for sundowners in warmer months.
Where is it?
Score 8/10
On the seafront in Eastbourne, just east of the pier and Gelato Famoso (the location of your nearest scoop is always important intel in a seaside town such as this one). You will find contemporary exhibitions and quirky cinema programming at the Towner, a 30-minute walk away. There are several excellent hearty hikes on your doorstep to Beachy Head and, further on, the Seven Sisters cliffs (a bus can bring you home from East Dean or Exceat if you time it right). The train station is a 20-minute walk away, or there’s parking on Royal Parade included as part of your stay.
Price room-only doubles from £95
Restaurant breakfast £15; Sunday roast from £19.50
Family-friendly Y
Dog-friendly Y
Accessible N
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