De Courcel Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2

Built in extravagant Renaissance style in 1895 as a convalescent home for French Nationals, this landmark Grade II listed building is set back from Brighton’s seafront behind large south communal gardens and a gated car park with an allocated space by sep neg. Sensitively converted in 2000, the historic chapel became this luxury 2 bed apartment with unique period features where original arched doors open to a spacious, south terrace with a glimpse of the sea and a gated court at the back is private. There’s a local café culture and both the vibrant waterfront restaurants and bars of the Marina, and the al fresco lifestyle of Kemptown are close by, and Brighton Station’s direct trains to Gatwick and London are 10 mins approx. by cab. Inside, sunlight streams through this stylish refuge where the stunning living/dining room with a high end kitchen offers a sophisticated open plan lifestyle, and perfect for guests the first quiet double room and chic shower room are in their own ‘wing’. Quiet and comfortable, the principal bedroom is a serene sanctuary with ample storage in place and its airy en-suite is large enough for a bath.

One of Brighton’s best kept secrets, this quiet enclave is very convenient with the picturesque Lanes at the heart of the city are a scenic 25 mins walk along the promenade or about 7-10 by cab - and now is the time to buy with substantial improvements taking place along this stretch of the beach, including restoring historic buildings and the opening of a new Lido.


A unique celebration of French Renaissance revival, this magnificent, listed building set behind glorious sunny gardens faces the English Channel and looks to France for whose nationals it was built, and these sought after apartments simply don’t come onto the market often. Designed for peace of mind, the grounds are set within gates and there is a choice of entrance. At the front of the building, broad steps sweep up from a quiet street to a stained glass door secured by a video system where the hushed hall has a lift, or there is a discreet, level entrance through the car park and gardens either through an arched colonnade decorated with the chapel’s stained glass windows, or through the chapel doors themselves which swing open to bring the Sussex sunshine into the heart of the home- the stunning living area.

Absolutely beautiful with a soaring ceiling with arched beams, classic wood underfoot and walls lined with painted panelling and glorious leaded glass, the altars arch now frames a sociable kitchen, and the chapel’s graceful doors open to palm trees and a south, sunny terrace for al fresco entertaining. A private retreat with ample space for friends and family to enjoy and ambient lighting levels, the kitchen is carefully tucked away from the social flow, and in its own space, doesn’t dominate the whole room. Skilfully planned for every day, but also perfect for parties this contemporary kitchen with gleaming granite surfaces flows around a central island and integrated appliances include a 5 ring gas hob and electric oven beneath a lit hood.

To one side, a hallway with great storage leads to the ‘front’ door of the apartment close to the lift and colonnade and it is here that you will find the quiet guest bedroom, so they can come and go without disturbing the main rooms of the apartment. With subtle glamour, this inviting space is dipped down from a leafy street so it is not directly overlooked, and the far wall of this room has a bank of windows to frame the courtyard outside, which is a blank canvas waiting to become a secluded oasis of your own. Across the hall, the fabulous shower room has a dual head shower fitting – and a designer finish.
Tucked away beyond a hushed inner lobby, the principal suite is blissfully private. An inspiring inner sanctum focused on relaxing in peace and quiet it is light and airy with simple, restful decoration. A bookcase has an original chapel door, there is a large closet in the dressing area and the spacious en-suite is a dream, large enough for a bath with a shower above it, a lit mirror above the hand basin and a sleek vanity below.

Agent says:
“You can walk to the beach, golf club and waterside restaurants of the Marina or just enjoy the manicured communal gardens with glimpses of the sea from this private, luxury home, which also has its own sunny terrace as well as a sheltered courtyard for entertaining.”

Owner’s secret:
“We have loved returning home to our unique, quiet sanctuary with beautiful original features and gracious, restful proportions. We lead an extremely busy lifestyle, so we needed somewhere which offered security as well as swift access into the city for the station or out of it for the airports, and it is always a relief to return to easy parking, peace and privacy – although the big, light living room is also perfect for parties and there is plenty of room for family or guests to stay, which is useful as they don’t seem to want to leave!”

Where it is:
Shops: 2 minutes, Marina 10 minute walk
Train Station: Mainline 15-20 minutes by bus
Seafront or Park: Seafront 2 minutes, Park 5 minutes on foot

Closest Schools:
Primary: St Mark’s, Queen’s Park
Secondary: Varndean or Dorothy Stringer
Private: Brighton College, Brighton Steiner, Roedean

Brighton & Hove has beaches, the South Downs National Park, arts festivals and international shopping – but also a unique history, picturesque cultural centre and warm, inclusive community. We attract professionals and families seeking fresh air, good schools and a vibrant lifestyle. Tucked away from the tourists but close to the beach, schools, park and golf course, this property has plenty of local shops, bars and cafés to choose from and both Kemptown (which hosts Pride) and the Marina’s waterfront restaurants are within a short walk although there are buses, which go to the station in about 15-20 mins too! For those who need to commute by car, access to the A23/A27 is swift, there may be gated spaces available on site upon separate application although there are plentiful permit places available just by the site and zone H has no waiting list.