JP Clark and his husband John have thoughtfully transformed an iconic 1960s deckhouse into a peaceful waterside escape
FEATURE ALI HEATH
EXTERIOR
The couple worked with a local contractor to refurbish the exterior and add new outdoor deck areas, which overlook the marina.
VIEW TO DECK
Indoor-outdoor living is a key part of life at the deckhouse.
DINING AREA
A modern dining set is paired with a simple rattan pendant.
Since we met, John and I have harboured a desire to live by the coast,’ says blogger and online influencer JP Clark. Twenty four years later, married and with 10 renovations behind them, the sale of their former West Sussex home has made the dream a reality. ‘With each move we inched nearer to the sea,’ says JP.
The catalyst for the move was triggered in lockdown. ‘We had finished the renovation of our home and garden and despite loving it, realised the upkeep was a huge ongoing commitment.’ Coinciding with the slowing down of JP’s at-home hairdressing salon, thoughts turned to how he could diversify his career and combine it with his passion for property. The couple decided to sell up, downsize and reinvest by the coast. ‘We decided to split our budget between a boutique escape – that we could do up, rent out and also enjoy, along with a smaller main home project,’ he says. Combining JP’s love of interior decoration with John’s practical spatial planning, carpentry and electrical skills, the couple knew they could make their resources work hard. ‘Situated on the West Sussex/Hampshire border, we stumbled upon Emsworth by chance and were drawn to the village and surrounding coastal areas. With a butcher, fishmonger, deli and two Michelin Guide restaurants, it has a thriving community spirit that we immediately loved,’ says JP.
Walking around Emsworth harbour, the couple spotted a group of black and white structures in the distance and were intrigued. ‘We realised they were deckhouses on stilts and knew this was the spot for our waterside escape,’ says JP. Plots rarely came up for sale, but fortuitously they chatted with one of the owners and with his help, an introduction was made. ‘Three weeks later we completed on a private sale for one of the initial seven, built facing the marina.’
LIVING AREA
The curved table and antique bottles add a softer feel to the sharper edged elements.
