The Water House is a stunning 14th-century, picture-postcard thatched cottage set within 5½ acres of breathtaking gardens and surrounding estate land. Originally three workers’ cottages, this beautiful beamed property has been thoughtfully restored and transformed into an extraordinary home rich in character, most recently enhanced by interior designer Shaun Clarkson in his unmistakable, maximalist style.

Opposite the house, a collection of traditional barns form an exquisite courtyard, thoughtfully planted and centred around a generous dining table seating up to fourteen. The house comfortably sleeps eight guests, featuring a principal suite with en-suite bathroom, two further bedrooms sharing a family bathroom, and an atmospheric attic room with its own private laboratory facility, alongside an additional ground-floor bathroom.

Designed for entertaining, the property boasts two welcoming reception rooms with inglenook fireplaces, ideal for relaxed evenings, celebrations and gatherings. At the heart of the home sits a characterful kitchen with Aga, oven and electric hobs, and a dining table for eight — perfect for long breakfasts or cooking with friends. A conservatory dining room within the courtyard, adorned with crystal chandeliers, provides a decadent setting for memorable meals. Throughout, extraordinary wallpapers, curated art, contemporary rugs and statement lighting create a richly layered, luxurious retreat.

Situated in the heart of Hastings’s most vibrant neighbourhood, House of Clarkson’s Georgian Russell apartment is the perfect choice for a relaxed seaside getaway. Arranged on two floors, this tongue-and-groove-panelled maisonette with three double bedrooms provides the ultimate base from which to explore everything Hastings Old Town has to offer. It’s so central, you can walk everywhere.

A stone’s throw from the seafront, pedestrianised Georgian Russell is Old Town’s prime spot for evening entertainment and daytime browsing. With many of Hastings’ best cafés, restaurants, bars, independent shops and vintage emporiums on your doorstep, you’re right at the centre of the action – yet safely tucked away in your private haven two floors up. And with three reception rooms offering plenty of space to chill out and spread out, you’ll be just as happy staying in, if the mood takes you.

House of Clarkson used a set of beautiful kilim rugs as the inspiration for the apartment’s joyous, fun, colour-saturated décor, summed up as “vivid ice cream shades and 1950s-inspired South American modernism”. Designed to make you smile, it’s all very Instragrammable, especially the show-stopping bathroom, in which everything – even the sink – is yellow.

The House in Hastings sits majestically on one of the town’s most historic streets, Croft Road on West Hill. This unbeatable location is a five-minute walk from the beach and George Street, as well as the harbour’s museums and art galleries.

Behind the house’s Regency façade lies a glamorous world of flamboyant decadence. Decorated in opulent yet comfy style, it has working fireplaces, vintage chandeliers and expansive entertaining spaces, including a lavish sitting room and a dining room that seats 10. The five-storey house sleeps 10 in five bedrooms – with spectacular sea views on every floor. It has four bathrooms and two further cloakrooms.

A magical space for entertaining – catering and service can be arranged on request – the rear Courtyard Terrace is flanked by the distinctive stone and caves of the West Hill and dotted with ferns and a living wall of ivy. The Pavement Patio at the front of the house, meanwhile, is the perfect sunny spot for an al fresco morning coffee.

Every detail is taken care of in this luxurious home-tel, with an integrated Sonos music system, smart TV, walk-in drench showers and roll-top baths. Not to mention some of the most spectacular sea views Hastings has to offer.

Located in a permanent mooring in the Limehouse Cut, Tolérance is a canal boat with a difference: a floating home-tel with luxurious décor reminiscent of a chic hotel suite. In its cleverly arranged living space, vibrant colours and 1950s and ’60s-inspired furnishings are teamed with African fabrics and wood panelling to create a unique and stylish ambience.

Enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine on the sun deck and soak up the unique feel of canal boat life. Tolérance is moored in historic East London, within a few miles of major London landmarks, and yet there’s a sense of being a tranquil and secluded natural setting, with stately swans gliding past and the added security of a private mooring with lockable gate.

Settle down in front of the log burner or take a stroll down the towpath to the pretty Limehouse Basin; enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the area’s acclaimed pubs and restaurants or visit the local craft beer brewery. Your cosy haven on the water awaits your return.