THE visionary Lord Mayor of London, Sir William Heygate, who proposed Southend’s first wooden pier 180 years ago, would have been proud of what a modern young couple have achieved with one of the legacies of early 19th-century Southend.

Ed Findlay and Barbara Corti Findlay, both 37, have combined passion with deep historical research to refurbish a guest house in Royal Terrace, overlooking the Victorian pier.

Sir William would surely pour himself a congratulatory glass of port on discovering a room in the elegant Pier View is named in his honour. And he is in good company.

Princess Caroline, the Prince Regent, Lady Hamilton, Lord Nelson and pier engineer James Brunlees have all had rooms named after them, out of respect for their patronage of the town.

Ed and Barbara’s work in refurbishing the hotel is especially significant, following the news of the Royal Hotel’s closure.

The Royal title was conferred on the terrace and hotel following visits in 1803 on medical grounds by Princess Caroline and her sickly daughter, Charlotte.

Royal Terrace, built in the 1790s, shaped the beginnings of “New South End”, and gave the place credibility as the ideal location for “taking the waters”. Meticulous historical research was applied by Ed and Barbara in their renovations of the Grade II listed building at 5 Royal Terrace, before they opened Pier View to guests.

They were determined to harness and bring back to life all the Georgian features.

Original Regency fireplaces, which had been boarded up in many rooms, were once more fully exposed, along with cornices and coving.

The couple viewed the refurbishment as a labour of love.

The fascinating research trail took in 19th-century censuses, visits to Southend Museum and discussions with local people whose families have lived in the town for generations.

Their research unearthed the fact the property was for many years a lodging house, with a cook and servants. Most of the residents were women.

Barbara is passionately interested in retaining culture and heritage. A translator and interpreter, she met husband Ed in the travel industry in London ten years ago, and both feel privileged to have acquired such a historic gem in the centre of the town.

‘We used to walk along Royal Terrace, and it was always a dream one of the properties would come up for sale,” Barbara recalls.

“When this came on the market it was snapped up, but six months later it was back on the market and that was when we bought it.

“The position was most important. It’s in the heart of the town, just a short walk from the beach.”

The couple were particularly excited by the view.

Ed adds: “It was a real thrill to see the pier from this historic site. We felt there was a real magic about looking out over the estuary from a place of our own. We are proud to be involved with a unique historic place in such a wonderful setting, and running it as a guest house means we are able to share it with lots of people.”

The Royal Terrace has been called “Southend’s answer to Bath”, and Ed and Barbara were determined to live up to this description when they restored Pier View to period glory. But it also had to be fit for the demands of 21st-century guests.

“We had to integrate this Grade II listed property, highlighting all the Georgian glories, but also providing innovations like wi-fi and LCD TV,’ says Ed.

The entire renovation process took nine months.

After consulting closely with architect Nick Kenney, Ed and Barbara quickly realised they had to adapt to the unique features of the building, with its uneven floors, original Georgian fireplaces and exquisite covings.

“It was a fantastic feeling for us when the original fireplaces were uncovered in most of the rooms after being boarded up,” says Ed.

“We thought it was vital to keep all of the features, because we wanted the history of Pier View to be kept alive.”

He is quick to point out that Barbara’s eye for detail has enabled the project to be brought in at an affordable price.

Working with designer Chris Aylott, she has sourced all materials and furniture to create an authentic late Georgian feel.

The look was achieved by bringing in various furnishings including chairs, tables and mirrors from places like Battlesbridge and local antique and second-hand shops.

Some pieces have also been reclaimed from five-star hotel refurbishments.

The town’s history also unfolds on the walls of the guest house via old photos and postcards, provided by Southend Museums service.

“We are pro-Southend and pro-culture,” says Ed.

Pier View has already been awarded five stars for food hygiene, plus four stars and a silver award for comfort, hospitality and cleanliness by Visit Britain.

Guests have already been flocking from around the world.

“Some overseas tourists would rather stay in Southend as the nearest seaside resort to London and go up to London on the train for day trips,” adds Ed. “The internet means people can book their own weekends away, and the recession and the strength of the Euro means more people are looking for short breaks in this country.”

The late Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman, whose name was given to one of the pier trains, admired the Royal Terrace, and described it as “Bath-by-the-Sea”. Barbara and Ed are determined to ensure Royal Terrace continues to be worthy of his words.

www.pierviewguesthouse.co.uk