For Megan McCluskie and her partner Gareth Williams, moving to the coast wasn’t part of the plan. Having recently extended their two-bedroom flat in south London, they fully expected to stay put. But a spontaneous day trip to Folkestone changed everything. ‘We quickly fell in love with the town and the idea of raising our children by the sea,’ Megan recalls.
Weekends soon turned into regular visits and, before long, the pull of coastal life proved too strong. ‘Eventually, it just felt like the right moment to take the leap. It’s a decision I’m incredibly grateful we made.’
Their search led the couple to a four-bedroom Edwardian semi perched high on East Cliff. ‘The homes we liked were selling quickly, so we went to see it without having any expectations,’ Megan says.
‘But as soon as we walked in, we loved it. It had generous proportions and retained many of its original features, including fireplaces and sash windows. Then, when we noticed the sea view from the top bedrooms and the house’s east-facing position, we were sold. The sunrises here are incredible.’
Although the house had been well cared for, the interiors felt dated, with heavy carpets and woodchip wallpaper throughout. ‘The layout worked really well and the bones were great,’ Megan explains, ‘so once we moved in, it was more about updating and making it feel like us.’
A full rewire gave the family the opportunity to rethink the lighting, while replacing windows, restoring fireplaces and sanding back the original floorboards helped to reintroduce a sense of character.
What to Read Next
At the heart of the house, the kitchen is now a hardworking space. Redesigned by Megan, it balances function with personality, shaped by both budget considerations and a desire to create something individual.
‘I wanted it to feel practical, but also to be somewhere we would enjoy spending time,’ she explains. Shaker-style cabinetry painted in soft tones is paired with Mandarin Stone tiles, and a vintage island sourced from Ebay gives the room a relaxed, lived-in feel.
One of the most transformative changes came about almost by accident. What had been an unused lean-to was incorporated into the main living space at the last minute, creating a dining area that has become central to family life. ‘It completely changed how we use the house,’ Megan says.
A large antique table sits at its centre, surrounded by collected pieces, while a gallery wall and decorative plates add personality and playfulness. ‘We gather here together every day, and it has become one of the most enjoyable spots in the home,’ she adds.
The process wasn’t without its challenges. Megan was pregnant during the main phase of the renovation, welcoming her daughter during the works. ‘It was quite an intense time,’ she admits. ‘There were moments when it felt overwhelming and it ended up costing more than expected, but we focused on the bigger picture: creating a home that felt both considered and comfortable.’
Throughout the whole process, Megan embraced a slower, more instinctive approach to decorating, allowing each room to evolve naturally over time. ‘I’ve realised that it’s okay to keep changing things,’ she says. ‘Not everything has to be finished straightaway.’
That relaxed mindset is reflected in the thoughtful layering of art, books and collected objects. ‘I find so much joy in the quieter details, from our restored fireplaces to vintage finds and treasures the children have discovered,’ she adds. ‘It’s the little curated corners that bring me the most happiness.’
Introducing more colour into the house has been key. ‘It’s probably been the most successful change,’ Megan confirms. From soft coastal hues in the living room to more playful palettes in the children’s bedrooms, each space feels cohesive while retaining its own identity.
Upstairs, the main bedroom has been pared back to create a calm, restful retreat, with simple white walls, green-toned woodwork and carefully chosen vintage furniture. A reclaimed fireplace adds character, while the ensuite has been thoughtfully reworked with a clawfoot bath and antique details that subtly reference the coastal setting.
The children’s rooms, meanwhile, are full of personality, each designed to reflect its occupant, with colour, artwork and collections that have the potential to evolve over time. ‘I wanted these rooms to feel fun and personal,’ says Megan. ‘Spaces where they can grow and express themselves.’
Life outdoors naturally revolves around the coast, and the family enjoy spending days by the sea and fossil hunting at the Warren. ‘It’s something we’d always dreamed of,’ continues Megan.
And now, four years on from that spontaneous decision, the house has become exactly what she and Gareth hoped it would be – a home that reflects both their family and the life they wanted to create. ‘I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved here,’ Megan concludes. ‘It’s been a gradual process, but this place makes me happy every time I walk through the door.’
See more of Megan's home
