John and Anna Carver’s bungalow in Camber, on the coast of Southern England, is not your average beach house. While most of the dwellings in the enclave have a coastal, shabby-chic vibe, Lark Rise, as the retreat is called, is painted black with eclectic, edgy interiors that defy expectation.

In designing their holiday home, the couple drew from trips to Marfa, Texas, and Montauk, New York—the latter draws many comparisons to Camber with its enviable beaches and water sports enthusiasts. “In the same way that Montauk was adopted by New Yorkers, Camber is being adopted by Londoners who want to surf and swim,” says John.

The Carvers are among the many couples buying old houses in Camber to turn into weekend getaways, although their approach is unique. “We wanted to create a kind of surf shack vibe that was incredibly relaxed, very open, and based around one-room living,” says John.

To their delight, they found an existing beachfront bungalow on the only pedestrian street in town. They knocked down walls to create a large living area with two small bedrooms.

Before: Facade

To their delight, they found an existing beachfront bungalow on the only pedestrian street in town. They knocked down walls to create a large living area with two small bedrooms.

“Everyone does shabby chic, white walls, and weatherboards,” says John. “We decided to mix things up.” The couple layered a mixture of styles, textures, and unexpected color choices, such as black paint for the exterior and the lofted ceilings. “That was a very conscious move,” he adds. “It makes it very comfortable rather than too austere and cold.”

After: Facade

Before: Living Room and Kitchen

After: Living Room and Kitchen

The expanded living room is a versatile space where nothing feels too precious or off limits. Antique finds, such as vintage water skis, reference the beach town. A central spiral staircase from Italy leads to a cozy lounge space for reading, watching a movie, or taking a nap. “We liked the idea of going somewhere,” says John.

In the kitchen, the cabinetry is simple plywood painted green and outfitted with drawer pulls by Philippe Starck that John sourced years ago. “A lot of the work is beautifully detailed, but it’s very simple in its execution,” he says.

Throughout the home and outside on the deck, the floors are layered with sanded-down scaffold boards sourced from a building yard. “As you go from the outside to the inside, it’s the same feeling on your feet,” says John “It looks really old and warm, but everything is very carefully considered.”

Shop the Look

Before: Bedrooms

After: Bedrooms

During: Studio

The Carvers built an additional studio and guest room in the backyard, cladding it in rusted, corrugated metal that John bought from a local farmer for $100. “We wanted to create an environment that looked like it had been there for a long time,” he says. “It immediately makes the place quite dramatic and established.”

After: Studio

Before: Garden

Outside, the back deck and garden are awash in sunshine all day. “We hang outside a lot because it’s a sun trap,” says John.

After: Garden

More Before & After:

A Storybook Cottage in L.A. Hits a Much-Needed Growth Spurt

A Yoga Teacher’s Growing Studio Spurs a Sensational Home Renovation

Project Credits:

Photography: Malcolm Menzies

Design & Styling: Carver & Carver

Building & Construction: Wittersham

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Before & After: A Bungalow on the English Coast Becomes an Eclectic Retreat