Surrey Homes | SH43 | May 2018 | Restoration & New Build supplement inside

Previous page: The main living space is in what was
originally the ballroom of the house. The paintings
are by house owner Ed Williams, inspired by the
Soviet-era artworks in the nearby Baker Mamonova
Gallery This page: The couple restored the original
stone staircase and wrought iron bannisters. Original
drawings by Gerry Whale
Houses by the seaside always have a special
atmosphere. It might be the marine light
and big skies, or perhaps it’s the sense
of finality to the view, knowing that nothing will
ever replace the seascape that ebbs and flows in
perpetual motion outside. Maybe it’s the collective
holiday memories of generations of Brits, lured
to the kiss-me-quick candyfloss of good times.
Whatever the reason, it was the pull of the East
Sussex seaside that first drew architect and artist
Ed Williams and leadership consultant Moyra
Weston to Hastings and its shingle-lined seafront.
The couple’s impressive six-storey terrace is located
on the grand row of houses that is the Marina in St
Leonards-on-Sea. Designed by architect Decimus
Burton in the early 19th century, when the town
was the pleasure ground of the British aristocracy,
the building is the couple’s latest seafront acquisition
as the once run-down town rapidly transforms.
But more than just a savvy investment, it’s a
home to which the couple plan to move full time,
as soon as their busy lives in London will allow.
“It’s so bizarre,” says Moyra. “About
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