In the coastal English town of Hastings, this medieval property is brimming with character and history – having previously been home to one of Britain’s most beloved artists, Quentin Blake.

Walden Hall dates back to the late medieval period, constructed around the 1450s and expanded and modernised in the 1600s and 1920s. At one point, it was known as Merry Christmas Beer House and offered accommodation for travellers in the early to mid-19th century. Blake bought the three+ bedroom home in 1972 and owned it until 2022, painting from its upstairs bedroom overlooking All Saints Street.

As the house predates mod cons like glazing, it is a hodgepodge of eras and influences, beginning in the 15th century with its rugged timber beams. Staircases, chimneys, and glazing were added in the 16th century, and the kitchen was added in the 1920s.

The present owners (who have backgrounds in the creative industries) have done a deep renovation of the Grade II-listed seaside property – listed freehold via the Unique Property Company for £950,000 – updating its plumbing, electrics, roof, and windows and repairing its chimneys.

The classic black-and-white checkerboard look of beams and plaster has also been given a colourful twist, with ‘Rose of Jechrico’ paints used to add colour while allowing the walls to ‘breath’. Bold patterned wallpaper is used elsewhere, adding to the house’s eccentricity.

Standout spaces include the sitting area, which has a vast inglenook fireplace containing a wood-burning stove, while the bedrooms each have a unique personality and view.

The East Sussex property is located within Hastings Old Town, a short walk from the beach.

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