Using one-off pieces from music halls to movie sets, Laura and Stuart McKay took an eclectic approach to the interiors of their renovated coastal retreat in East Sussex
Words & stylingMANDI MILLARPhotographyFIONA WALKER-ARNOTT
L aura and Stuart McKay were sourcing items for their beachside bolthole in Camber Sands long before they even found the property. ‘We really enjoy renovating, so there’s always been an excuse to grab interesting pieces whenever we see them – even if we don’t know how they’ll eventually be used,’ explains Laura. ‘We’ve collected everything from a piano used at La Folies Bergerès cabaret in Paris to antique shutters from the set of Brad Pitt’s film Allied. We’ve also been known to spot unusual finds in skips – though of course we always ask permission first!’
The couple knew they’d eventually need to find a place to showcase their ever-growing collection of fabulous finds, and had been searching for a coastal retreat when they finally spotted this chalet-bungalow. ‘We’re mainly based in London, but had been looking in the East Sussex area for a property where we could spend weekends away from the madness of the city, and create a home with the things we’d amassed over the years,’ says Laura.
She admits, however, that when they first spotted the property, it was fairly unremarkable. ‘The bathroom was located downstairs and there was no heating, but we instantly fell in love with its beach location, and knew this could be something special for our family,’ Laura says.
‘Being able to rent the chalet out as a holiday let when we weren’t using it was also a big draw,’ continues Stuart, who wasn’t put off by the renovation work the bungalow needed. ‘We knew it would all have to be stripped back, but we were both up for the challenge.’
Although the couple had renovated properties in London before and had a proven army of tradespeople, they were especially keen to keep this job local, and so used recommendations from suppliers and neighbours to put together a dream team. Laura and Stuart’s specific aesthetic also meant that virtually everything they were putting back into the property was reclaimed. ‘We designed and planned every detail meticulously, sourcing items from at home and abroad,’ explains Stuart. ‘We worked closely with our team and they really got behind the whole concept.’’
