Home Style: Sustainable Outlook

Debra and John Egan have created an eco new build on the East Sussex coast – a robust yet natural-looking property, perfectly designed to withstand the harsh and changeable seaside conditions 

Debra and John Egan were already familiar with the beautiful stretch of coast at Camber Sands in East Sussex when they got wind of a run-down beach- front property that was going on the market. The couple used to visit friends in the area and had fallen under its spell and so were thrilled when they secured the prime spot at the beginning of 2015. 

They then set about getting plans drawn up to replace the existing three-bedroom dwelling with a sleek, eco new build. Psychotherapist Debra and retail consultant John are now reaping the rewards of three years of hard work and, along with RX Architects, have created a modern masterpiece, which won The Sunday Times British Homes Awards Small House of The Year award in 2019. 

The four-bedroom home is the perfect retreat for the Egans, who divide their time between Camber Sands and a flat in London’s Marylebone. It also offers plenty of space for their grown-up children, Charlotte and Lizzie, to visit, along with their partners and Charlotte’s young daughter Florence. 

“We knew that we wanted to create something environmentally friendly and sustainable,” said Debra. “We had previously lived in a contemporary house in Switzerland, featuring lots of wood, and we wanted something along those lines.” 

The buying process was a fraught one, culminating in a bidding war. After completion the duo, deter-mined to use local companies where possible, began their search for architects in East Sussex. Rye-based firm RX cropped up, and their contemporary design appealed. “Top of our list of priorities was to maximise the views from inside the house,” recalled Debra. The end result is simple, self-sufficient luxury, with plenty of large windows for enjoying the vista. “I looked at how Scandinavians do beach houses and I think we have achieved that.” 

Also of utmost importance to the couple was to create something that worked in harmony with the beach landscape. “We were very keen to build something with a focus on sustainability that fitted with the environment and exposed nature of the site,” explained Debra. “We have used natural materials as much as possible. We also have solar panels, a fresh-air circulating system and a ground-source heat pump. The energy efficiency means that the bills are unbelievably low.” 

The couple’s brief included an open- plan space with a good flow downstairs. “You can have a lot of people in the kitchen and no one gets in anyone’s way,” said Debra. As well as all the usual mod-cons, the kitchen features a built-in steam oven and a Quooker boiling-water tap. Debra and John love to cook and make use of the abundance of fresh produce available in the vicinity. “We can’t believe the quality of the fresh fish and meat you can find in the area,” enthused Debra. 

A must for John was a big TV so they created his ‘man cave’, complete with media system. Then there is a larder and wet room/cloakroom, but otherwise the downstairs is totally open plan. There is also a self-contained studio in the courtyard. Upstairs, the couple wanted to continue the Scandi feel, using a neutral palette and natural materials. The first floor has three bedrooms (with one en suite), additional sitting area, utility and family bathroom. The top floor, meanwhile, houses the master suite. “When the tide is high it almost feels like being on a boat,” said Debra. 

Planning was pretty straightforward but, when it came to the build, the conditions were a continuous battle. The site was exposed and the weather was very unpredictable. During the winter months it was challenging, so there were a lot of delays. But luckily Debra and John were on the same page when it came to the design. The one thing they argued about, however, was the complicated sound system. “I didn’t want it, but I gave in – in the end,” smiled Debra, “and now I still can’t work it!” 

The house has transformed the way the couple live. “When we are at the flat in London, I can’t wait to get out of the city and visit the beach house,” said Debra. “The summer is simply magical and I love to swim in the sea. The previous owner lived here her entire life and swam in the sea every single day.” 

Although they love being down by the sea during the warmer weather, the windswept winter months are also a draw. “I love the roaring fire and the wild sea outside,” stated Debra. What’s struck them most about the position of the house is how much of a conversation piece it is. “It is amazing how many people who walk past on the beach that want to chat about the house,” laughed Debra. 

She admits that this took a bit of getting used to at first, but the house offers plenty of spots to retreat to. “If you want to be sociable you can be on the patio or in the garden but if you want some privacy you can escape to the retreat of the first-floor balcony or top-floor terrace,’ she explained. 

Spending time in their seaside retreat never fails to lift their spirits. “Everyone who comes to the beach is in a good mood, it’s a very happy place!” 

Visit the-seahouse.com for availability to stay 

Photography: Richard Gadsby/Living4media 

Words: Amy Maynard/Living4media