Coast House

Design for a life reimagined by the sea.

Seeking a fresh perspective and a better work–life balance, Sam and Faye made the decision to leave London behind and relocate to the Hampshire coast. They imagined a home that was both calm and sociable – a place to gather with friends and extended family, to slow down and enjoy coastal living to its fullest.

Their Victorian villa offered plenty of potential: double-fronted, set within a conservation area, and with a generous south-facing garden and swimming pool. But inside, the house felt disjointed – a series of awkward rooms that didn’t do justice to the scale of the plot or the family’s aspirations. It lacked flow, light, and a connection to the outside.

That’s where our work together began.

The brief

From the outset, we spent time listening. Not just to what Sam and Faye wanted from their house, but to how they wanted to live. They shared inspiration and images with us, which helped shape an early creative conversation around materials, mood and atmosphere.

We discovered a shared appreciation for contrast. Modern design that respected the character of period buildings. Their desire for something tactile, soulful, and distinctive set the tone for the whole project.

The design

We knew this project needed a clear design story – one that would restore balance to the home while making the most of its coastal setting. Working with the bones of the existing building, we reimagined its layout, flow and function.

The front elevation was extended in a way that echoed the proportions and rhythm of the original house, while to the rear, we introduced a bold new addition. A modern open-plan kitchen, dining and living space designed for easy connection with the garden and pool.

Large glazed openings frame views and flood the home with natural light. The layout now flexes beautifully for both everyday family life and large-scale entertaining

Materials and detail

The material palette was central to the design. We salvaged red brick from the demolition and paired it with charred black timber, creating a striking contrast that bridged old and new. Internally, the architecture embraces a light industrial feel, with exposed steelwork and warm natural textures layered throughout. Every detail was considered, from reclaimed materials to bespoke joinery and lighting.

Externally, we redesigned the garden to speak the same design language. We revived the pool and re-landscaped the area around it to create a social space centred around a polished concrete table, outdoor kitchen, sunken lounge and deck – all wrapped in red brick to bring visual harmony between house and garden.

The outcome

As with every Hobden Butler project, we placed great emphasis on understanding the brief and visualising it early. That clarity built trust, and helped turn ambition into reality. Returning to the completed home, we were proud to see how faithfully the finished spaces reflect the original vision.

“Hobden Butler designed an amazing house for us. We set the brief to create a place that felt boutique hotel, seaside and fun – and he delivered above and beyond. Now that it’s finished, it looks just like the computer images we were first shown. We couldn’t be happier.”

— Sam & Faye, Clients

Coast House is a home made for their way of life. Distinctive. Characterful. Designed with care, and made to last.