Shirley Drive, Hove, East Sussex, BN3

Looking out over the city to the sea, this substantial five-bedroom family home sits perched on the hill in unarguably the most prestigious location in Brighton & Hove. Tree lined roads hosting impressive, detached houses have come to characterise the area between Hove Park and Dyke Road Avenue, with this house ideally placed to enjoy the best of the views. It has a large plot where the original house from 1958 once stood. Two decades ago, the current owners almost completely re-built their home, creating an architectural masterpiece over three generous floors, offering versatile spaces for both family time and entertaining.

Of the five bedrooms, three are en suite with a fourth family bathroom easily accessible. Entertaining is a breeze in the top floor cinema room with full surround sound, Lutron lighting systems and a projector. The ground floor then opens seamlessly to the glorious south facing garden where you can spill outside for dining alfresco or stay inside for large family gatherings in the generous reception spaces.

For dog walking, rambling, cycling and anyone with a love of the great outdoors, the South Downs National Park is within walking distance, or several beauty spots are just a short drive away, as is the Dyke Golf Club and some of the cleanest beaches on the South Coast, giving you the best of all worlds.
Perfectly positioned in the catchment for several high-achieving primary, secondary and private schools; with Preston Park and Hove Stations just a 20-minute walk away, and the A23/A27 just moments away by car, you remain well connected to the city and beyond. With off street parking, an integrated double garage and so many beautiful internal features, it is sure to attract those looking to live in luxury and comfort by the coast and countryside.


Style: Mid-Century detached house (redesigned in 2005)
Type: 5/6 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (3 en suite) + WC, 1 living/dining room, 1 kitchen breakfast room, 1 utility room, 1 cinema room/reception/bedroom 6
Location: Hove Park
Area: 3494.27 sq.ft.
Outside: south facing rear garden
Parking: hardstanding for 3-4 cars plus integrated double garage
Council Tax Band: G

Why you’ll like it:
Unique within the road, this house stands out from its neighbours in its contemporary design. While the renovations and remodelling took place almost two-decades ago, it feels fresh with timeless features created using only the finest materials and craftsmanship. The attention to detail is simply stunning from the moment cross the neat brick driveway and enter the applewood double front doors. It was built as a forever home, to evolve perfectly for the current owners as their children grew into young adults. Many modernisations have taken place since the family moved in to include a new kitchen and bathrooms, and a sustainable Freerain freshwater collection tank which provides the water for the garden taps and flushing every toilet in the house. Many of the original modifications look as new, however, from the solid oak staircase with glass balustrades, to immaculate floor coverings and integrated technologies.

Externally, the house is striking on approach with a tall window rising to the gable, echoing the multi pane feature on the front doors. Outdoor lighting illuminates at night for easy parking both inside the garage or on the drive, while gracious palm trees add colour and shape to the space while providing some privacy from the street.
Kitchen Breakfast Room:

Built into the hillside, the house is split-level with a few steps leading down to the main reception rooms spanning the rear of the house. To the left, the kitchen and breakfast room offers a sociable space with a deep breakfast bar for informal drinks and dining. Dove-grey Shaker cabinetry runs along each wall to include a beautifully crafted larder cupboard with easy reach pull down shelving. The clever design continues with drawers concealed within the kick boards to maximise storage and dual self-cleaning ovens are elevated within the units for easy access. A large induction hob sits aside a two-wok burner below an efficient extractor, while the dishwasher, separate freezer and wine chiller are integrated, leaving space for an American fridge freezer. Aluminium framed doors open to the garden decked terrace which becomes an ideal extension of the home as the weather warms.

Nearby, the utilities have a room of their own with additional storage, space to iron and a deep sink for hand-washing delicates. Next door is a ground floor WC – ideal in any shared space.

Sitting Room & Dining Room:
The main reception room and dining room encompasses the rest of the ground floor with two further sets of bi-folding doors linking the house to the garden, providing a lovely circular flow which is fantastic when entertaining guests. Karndean flooring compliments the neutral tone to the walls which will suit many styles of furnishing. The southerly side of the room is devoted to relaxation with a wall mounted TV for cordless entertainment, and charming views over the garden. The near side is for formal dining with a designer pendant light illuminating the table and bespoke cabinetry with concealed lighting to house glassware, ornaments and other items, nicely tucked away.

Garden:
The garden is wonderfully large, yet it is surprisingly low maintenance. The lawn is lush and green, while the pressure treated softwood decking is easy to maintain during all weather. Deep flower beds have been left and protected by woodchip at present, so it would be easy enough for someone to add colour and scent to suit their needs. Facing south, the garden is a real suntrap during summer, yet a weeping willow and a silver birch tree provide dappled shade during high season. The space is ideal for families with children looking to enjoy ball games or a trampoline, but also for summer gatherings and barbecues, sitting out until the sun sets over the hill. For those with green fingers, a garden shed and a greenhouse are already in place – or they could be replaced with a home office as the bottom of the garden is perfectly tranquil, and has side access for clients to visit should you wish to run a business from there – all food for thought.

First Floor Bedrooms & Family Bathroom:
An open tread timber staircase rises to the first-floor galleried landing where soft wool carpet leads the bedrooms positioned peacefully on each side of the house. Throughout the house, sensor activated low level lighting can be found in all the corridors and hallways, fitted for safety during the night when little feet are finding their way.

Bedroom two sits to the front of the house up a couple of steps. It is a tranquil double room with an en suite WC with a separate shower room opposite. From here, a short corridor leads back through the house to bedrooms four and five which sit side by side alongside the family bathroom. These twinned rooms are ideal for siblings looking to be close to one another while enjoying personal space; both enjoying the first stunning views across the city to the sea below open skies. The family bathroom has a large, sculpted bath, just right for bathing little ones, with a contemporary rainfall shower and dual basins below a large, well-lit mirror. Bedroom three has had a multitude of uses over the years, as a playroom, art room and now as a homely guest room. It is a well-presented double en suite with a modern shower and steam room which will stay. All showers are powered by a Tribune water pressure system ensuring all have high pressure, even when running at once.

Principal Bedroom Suite:
The epitome of luxury, the principal bedroom suite enjoys sensational views looking out to open skies above the rooftops and trees of the city to the sea. Such a joy to wake up to, or for stargazing as you drift off to sleep. As the largest bedroom, even a queen size bed feels dwarfed allowing for seating and several pieces of freestanding bedroom furniture. All clothes are tucked away within a bespoke walk-in wardrobe offering clothes, shoes and accessory storage for two. Opposite, the en suite wet room is wonderfully spacious with aesthetically pleasing, circular coiled wall and towel heaters and fully tiled walls and floor below a large rainfall shower head. An LED lit wall mirror and streamlined cabinetry completes the contemporary scheme which will stand the test of time.

Cinema Room:
Elevated higher on the second floor, the cinema room becomes another social space, ideal as a gaming room, teenage den or movie theatre. A high-quality projector beams onto a large screen concealed in the ceiling, while surround sound MK speakers and Lutron lighting provides the atmospherics – all controllable from your phone. Large comfortable sofas provide ample seating for party time – or maybe you’ll find another use for the space. A yoga room, gym, library or a stunning home office with the best views in the house. From here, your line of sight takes you along the coast on a clear day, to the bay in Worthing in the west and on occasion, you can see the Isle of Wight. The i360 peeks out above the skyline, reminding you just how close to the coast you are here, while on New Years Eve and Bonfire Night, the skies light up with fireworks, all to be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.

Agent’s thoughts:
This house holds prime position on the street enjoying some of the best views in the city. It is a home which immediately feels homely and welcoming while also feeling luxurious in its design and many bespoke features. No corners have been cut in its creation as the house was designed by the owners to suit their family’s needs perfectly. Every room has a fine quality finish, so you can move straight in with ease.

Owners’ thoughts:
“This house was a huge labour of love as we started the rebuild with three toddlers in tow. Since completing the house almost 20-years ago, it has been the most wonderful, fun-filled home to raise our family. We have made so many happy memories here celebrating birthdays, enjoying garden parties and more. It is going to be a huge wrench to leave as it was such a personal design for our family, but we only hope another family moves in and enjoys it as much as we have. We simply no longer need so much space and are looking forward to our next chapter.”

Where it is:
Shops: Local 5 min walk, city centre 10-15 min bus ride
Train Station: Preston Park Station/Hove Station 20-25 min walk
Seafront or Park: Hove Park 10 min walk, seafront 10 min drive
Closest Schools:
Primary: Westdean Primary School, Blatchington Primary
Secondary: Hove Park, Blatchington Mill, Cardinal Newman RC
Sixth Form Colleges: BHASVIC, Newman College, Varndean College
Private: Brighton College, Brighton Girls, Lancing College

Sitting within minutes of the South Downs National Park, there are many green, open spaces nearby, to include Hove Park and Hove Recreation Ground. Fashionable Seven Dials are within walking distance offering a wealth of amenities, bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants and wine bars, and the city centre shopping districts and beach are also within easy reach. For commuters, this home also offers easy access to both Hove Station and Preston Park Station, plus the A27/A23 which have direct and fast access along the South Coast and to the airports and London for those requiring them on a daily or weekly basis.