Victorian seaside cottage on the East Anglian Coast, with interiors by Anna Haines, as featured in The English Home magazine

Words by Clair Wayman

This charming late 18th century coastal holiday home has been sympathetically extended, almost doubling the size of the property. The owners, Charlie and Louise Fraser explain that the idea was to preserve the character of the building and maintain a sense that nothing had actually changed, particularly from the outside. Interior designer Anna Haines introduced elements that had an aged quality and felt like they’d always been there. Her aim was to make the space feel comfortable, understated and welcoming but at the same time not overly prescriptive as a seaside cottage. This is a story about how the owners have done a remarkable job retaining the integrity of an old building whilst bringing it up to date. The house now provides a restful retreat for the London-based couple and their young family. Idyllic summer days are spent walking on the beach, sailing, and going for bracing swims in the sea.