Sandringham Drive, Hove, BN3

Set within the prestigious and leafy residential area of Goldstone, this deceptively spacious three-bedroom home is perfectly positioned between the coast and the countryside. From its elevated position on the hill, it enjoys exquisite views of both from its first-floor bedrooms and balcony which spans the front of the house. It has been a much-loved family home for two-decades, ideal for both entertaining and family time which can spill out to the generous south-facing garden which stretches back almost 30-meters. This gives plenty of space to extend the ground floor if desired, without compromising the outside area, and planning permissions are easier to come by here as the neighbours have set a precedence. The integrated garage is also ripe for conversion to create a fourth bedroom if need be and potential for a loft conversion.

For commuters, Hove Station is just a 20-minute walk away and the A23/A27 are accessible in minutes by car with direct links to London and along the entire South Coast. There are several favoured schools within catchment and the delights of Central Hove and the coast are easy to access by bus, car or on foot. For families and those with a love of the countryside, Hove Park and the Three-Cornered Copse are a stroll away, the latter leading directly to the South Downs and on to Devil’s Dyke from the top of Dyke Road. For sport lovers, Withdean Stadium and Sports Complex, WaterKing Alfred Leisure Centre and Hove County Cricket Ground are 10-minues away by car, as is the Amex Sports Stadium for Premier League matches. Sitting within an exclusive, low-traffic residential area, with generous rooms, a garage and off-road parking, this house will appeal to many.


In brief:
Style: Mid-Century terraced family home
Type: 3 double bedrooms, 1 bathroom + WC, 1 living room and 1 dining area, 1 kitchen
Location: Hove Park/Goldstone Valley
Floor Area: 1257 Sq.Ft
Outside: South facing garden
Parking: Garage plus driveway for 2 cars and free on street
Council Tax Band: D

Why you’ll like it:
Since their construction during the 1950s by the Cook Company, the homes in this suburb have been hugely sought after by families and professionals alike. These leafy streets are characterised by attractive family homes with ‘regal’ place names – clearly popular at the time due to the Coronation. While Central Hove is within walking distance, you are also on the cusp of the South Downs National Park, so you get all the fresh air and country walks you need while remaining well-connected.

This house is set back from the road behind grassy verges, a neat front garden and a drive. Its Mid-Century architectural lines are softened by greenery hanging down from the front balcony, giving the house plenty of kerb appeal.

Stepping inside, a sweet porch has space for the family’s shoes and coats, while a second door opens to the entrance hall leading through to the living and dining room to the rear of the house, passing a ground floor WC cloakroom.

First to the right, however, is the country-kitchen which has been kept separate from the living space – although many choose to open it up to the living room for an open-plan feel. As it stands, the kitchen offers plenty of storage and tiled work space which has a pull-out extension when needed. While the oven and gas hob are integrated, there is space for a fridge freezer and a washing machine.

Spanning the rear of the house, the main reception room has clearly defined areas for formal dining and relaxation. The over-sized window frames views of the garden to bring some of the outside in, while filling the space with natural light and warmth from the south. This is a generous room with space for the whole family to gather together in the evening.

Stretching back over thirty-meters, the rear garden is the largest in the road and is as wide close to the house as it is at the far end. There is a shed at the end for storing gardening equipment and furniture, yet there would be ample space to erect a detached home office of cabin if desired. Apple, cherry and plum trees provide fruit in season and the remaining shrubs and plants are well-established surrounding the lawn, so it is a fairly low-maintenance garden for its size.

The original balustrade rises up through the double-height stairwell which is a feature in its own right allowing for pendant lighting and larger pieces of artwork on the tall walls. From the generous galleried landing, the bathroom is particularly spacious with classic blue and white tiling and a shower over the bath. It is a fine size for bathing little ones ready for bed or relaxing after a long day, plus the windows ensure it does not suffer with condensation.

All three bedrooms are double with deep built-in wardrobes and over-sized windows to fill them with natural light. To the rear, these windows now take in views across the roof and treetops of the city to a vast expanse of sea, reminding you just how close to the coast you are here. Bright’s newest landmark: The i360 rises up into the sky and the sunsets are simply breath-taking. The principal bedroom sits to the front of the house with access to the large balcony terrace which receives the last of the summer sunshine. It is peaceful and private from neighbours due to climbing plants making it the ideal spot to sit outside with evening drinks or your morning coffee and papers at the weekend.

Agent’s thoughts:
Wonderfully spacious and versatile with so many winning features including the large garden and fantastic views. While it is a substantial house as it stands, it has plenty of scope for further renovations and extensions which will certainly add value in such a prestigious location. For these reasons, it is sure to be snapped up.

Owner’s secret:
“This has been a really comfortable and happy house to live in for the last 20-years. We love the neighbours and the location is amazing as it is so peaceful, yet there is plenty to enjoy within walking distance. The views and sunsets never tire, and the garden is incredibly private, so it becomes an extension of the home during the summer. We will miss our time here, so it will be a wrench to leave.”

Where it is:
Shops: Local 3 min walk, Central Hove 10 min bus ride
Train Station: Hove Station 1.7 Miles, 5 min cycle
Seafront or Park: Hove Park 2.1 Miles, Seafront 2.4 Miles or 10 min drive
Closest Schools:
Primary: Hangleton Primary, Aldrington Primary, Bilingual Primary School
Secondary: Hove Park, Blatchington Mill, Cardinal Newman RC
Colleges: BHASVIC, Newman College
Private: Brighton College, Lancing Prep.

This spacious and bright family home is situated in a popular area with fantastic transport links throughout the South Coast and London. The South Downs National Park nearby with many National Trust sites, walking and cycling routes and sensational views for dog walks and picnics. The city centre shopping districts include Churchill Square Shopping Centre and Church Road in Hove which is home to restaurants offering first-class cuisine from around the globe, alongside boutique shops and artisan bakeries, delis and cafes. The area is also serviced by several supermarkets, to include Waitrose, Asda, Sainsburys, Tesco Lidl and Aldi, and there are plenty of local shops too for a paper and a pint of milk. For hospital workers, the private Neville Hospital is very close by, or alternatively the Royal Sussex County Hospital is approximately 25-minutes by car in East Brighton.

Hove Beach has some of the cleanest beaches along the South Coast popular with year-round sea swimmers and water-sport lovers, where there are several landmarks such as the i360 to enjoy. The City with all its delights is within easy reach with a bus stop at the bottom of the road, but this house also offers easy access to the A23/A27, Hove Station, Portslade Station, Aldrington Station and Preston Park Station which have direct and fast links to Sussex and Brighton Universities, Gatwick and London. For those travelling to the continent by ferry, Newhaven Port is a 30-minute drive along the A27.