When a couple looked for a low maintenance coastal property on the UK West Sussex/Hampshire border, they never imagined living so close to the water. But when JP Clark and his husband John spotted a group of black and white buildings in the harbour, they were hooked.
Designed in the 1960s, the deckhouse was the brainchild of retired Admiral Philip ‘Percy’ Gick, who purchased a former tide mill converted into a logging pond and wanted to turn it into a yacht harbour and marina. Gick commissioned architect Vernon Gibberd to design 50 deckhouses with support from RSJ to raise the property above flood level.
Deckhouses on the site are rarely sold, but after speaking with an owner, an introduction was made, and three weeks later JP and John completed a private sale of one of the original seven marina-facing deckhouses.
The property’s no-nonsense mid-century architecture, combined with its enviable location and now stunning interior, makes it one of the finest residences in the world and well worth a visit. Plus, there are plenty of tips and inspiration to glean about how to design and arrange furniture when space is at a premium.
Kitchen – Monochrome Minimalism
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
The deckhouse has remained untouched over the years, so JP and John thoughtfully reimagined and brought the 1960s gem back to life.
Wall and roof cavities have been re-insulated, white UPVC windows have been replaced with black powder-coated aluminium framing, and leaky cement panels face the smart white powder-coated aluminium exterior. Inside, these spaces have been brought back to their original bones, with new full-height windows and French doors now connecting the main living area to the balcony.
The property was rewired and resurfaced, then plastered, painted, and finishing touches added. Cristal white walls replace magnolias, and a custom kitchen creates a luxurious feel in the open-plan living area. JP was inspired by the deckhouse renovated by the late local architect Paul Hinkin, which features the same monochromatic palette but with a more relaxed Scandi style.
Anyone looking for kitchen ideas for a smaller space will find inspiration in the sharp, minimalist style of this open kitchen dining room. Striking handcrafted kitchen cabinets balance custom storage with open shelving display.
Dining area
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
If you’re looking for restaurant ideas, this quiet, peaceful place might inspire you. In an open-plan room like this, a round dining table is a neat space saver. Rattan pendant lights add a coastal vibe and complement the grass inside and out.
Indoor and outdoor living
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
The open-plan living area leads to a furnished outdoor deck, enhancing the feeling of indoor-outdoor living. JP loves to sit here overlooking the marina and write his award-winning interior design blog @jpslifeandloves.
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
striking medieval architecture
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
Working with a local contractor, the couple renovated the exterior and added a new outdoor deck area overlooking the marina. The renovations enhance the simple beauty of the deckhouse’s original architecture.
Scandi style living room
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
Living room ideas for smaller spaces like this revolve around keeping it simple, with a slim sofa and occasional armchair that looks just as good on the deck as it does inside. Here’s a particularly neat space-saving trick: The “art” above the sofa is actually a clever hot plate that replaces the radiator. In a room like this, with more full-height windows than wall space, this is the perfect solution.
coastal bedroom
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
Reclaimed floors have been used to create a feature headboard reminiscent of salt-washed driftwood. Vintage paddles further reference the rowing position. These bedroom ideas are well worth considering if you want to create a coastal scheme.
guest room
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
Using repurposed site materials, the wall between the two bedrooms and bathroom was slightly repositioned to allow the second bedroom to be upgraded to a double, while the bathroom was enlarged by extending into the old tank closet. Painted in a dark green seaweed hue, the back wall adds an unexpected pop of color to the otherwise whitewashed interior, and a framed botanical print completes the scheme.
Smart black and white bathroom
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
The monochrome scheme gives the bathroom a modern feel. bathroom ideas Inspirations include Metro tiles, steel-edged shower screens and smart black sewer pipes, all of which contribute to the modern aesthetic of the bijou shower enclosure.
To book accommodation at The Harbour Deckhouse, visit jpslifeandloves.com/the-harbour-deckhouse/
Original feature Ali Heath | Photo by Brent Darby
