GuestHouse Hotels has unveiled the design for its upcoming English seaside property, No.42 by GuestHouse in Margate, opening in June 2023. Marking the third hotel for the group, following sites in York and Bath, the development takes cues from its location and will feature collaborations with some of the town’s creative forces.

Inside, the seafront hotel will comprise 21 guestrooms, a restaurant, rooftop bar and beachfront café serving healthy and organic food throughout the day, as well as a lounge space and spa. All of these spaces have been envisioned by GuestHouse’s in-house interior design team, drawing inspiration from the colourful character of Margate.

Celebrating what’s on the property’s doorstep, from Dreamland with its listed rollercoaster and menagerie cages to the unexplained shell grotto in Cliftonville, the team has given each room and public space a unique, distinctive flair. The areas are warm, inviting and spirited, positively lacking formality and pretension while embracing Margate’s humble background and lively social scene.

The rooms look and feel like that of a stylish friend’s townhouse, many of which have sea views and private balconies. Chalky whites and moody greens sit alongside warm golden yellows contrasted with hints of pink and red, while textures and movement associated with the ocean come through in the surface finishes.

In addition to all furniture being British-made, the interiors celebrate local talent, artists and skilled makers from Margate’s creative community, showcasing their work and giving the design a sense of place. Local artisans Jo and Jess of Margate Design Collective are creating the wardrobe drapery, inspired by Victorian bathing machines, as well as the decorative bed valances and the upholstered ceilings. The pair have a passion for fabrics and a love of both the traditional craft of upholstery and the use of modern materials in creative ways to make headboards and seating.

Around each bed meanwhile will be an entirely individual mural created by Laura Ann Coates, a local artist, illustrator and printmaker whose common theme is the use of a single illustrative line. Coates’ artwork will feature shells, leaves and wave formations. Other artists displayed in the bedrooms and lobby, all of whom are based in or originally from the Kent coast, will include Nat Maks, Catherine Chinatree, Sian C Morgan, Trix Newham, Lisa Illustrations and Margo Mc Daid. Vases by Harriett Ferris, based in Whitstable and Casa Curio, based in Margate, complete the rooms.

Other playful quirks include a record player – as is always the case across GuestHouse properties, alongside a vinyl library – a collection of books, beach towels and a beach bag. With sustainability and preserving the environment in mind, room amenities will include recyclable slippers, compostable coffee pods, Naturalmat mattresses and full-sized, refillable bathroom products.

The opening of No.42 Margate will be followed by a fourth GuestHouse site, launching in Brighton in late 2023.