Sussex Square, Brighton, BN2

Grade I listed to preserve its classic beauty, Thomas Kemp’s symmetrical masterpiece is one of the UK’s finest Regency developments framing verdant gardens for the residents and a sparkling expanse of English Channel. With access to the leafy enclosures at the front and its own private oasis at the back, this beautiful, two bedroom maisonette has been sympathetically improved to provide light and spacious accommodation ideal for a sociable, 21st century lifestyle. A gracious reception extends into a sunroom for dining, a well-planned kitchen and big bright bathroom both give food for thought and two large, quiet bedrooms have restful views of the leafy garden at the back – which also has a gate to the quiet road behind for bikes. This rare find has access to 7.5 acres of protected communal grounds with a tunnel to the beach to enjoy, and a scenic stroll along the seafront (or a swift cab ride) takes you to our international Marina or al fresco lifestyle of our legendary coastal resort.

Why you’ll like it:
A prime address in an eclusive area of our coastal resort, built as ‘Belgravia by the Sea’ 1823-1827 with the beach and landscaped gardens on your doorstep, this charming ground floor maisonette is a special find. Through a grand entrance now secured by answer phone, the communal hall impresses with fine period detail and at the far end, the front door to this apartment opens to a characterful hallway. A solid wood floor puts visitors at ease and the generous space has a large window, built in bookshelves and an area in which to work from home in comfort. A cloakroom is tucked away so guests do not need to disturb the bedrooms upstairs and ahead, the wood floor continues into the reception and sunroom ensuring a seamless flow out to the garden.

Lined with windows framing verdant views and with French doors to the picturesque garden, the reception is exceptionally inviting with plenty of floorspace in which to spread your wings and a Regency fireplace to enjoy. Used as an elegant dining room, friends and family can enjoy the garden at any time of year in the spacious sunroom, or can move out to the paved, lit terrace perfect for the al fresco lifestyle our coastal city is known for.

A few steps lead down to the private walled garden which faces east and is open to the south, the scented climbers, mature roses and fruiting vines hosting families of little birds including wrens, blue tits, great tits, sparrows and a blackbird. Skilfully planted for all year interest and seclusion it is easy to forget you are just a few minutes from the heart of an international coastal resort, and a secure back gate gives access to the quiet lane behind.

Returning inside, the kitchen is traditional in style in keeping with the age of the building and has a thoughtful, practical layout providing plenty of storage, user friendly working surface and a larder to keep everything clutter free. Although we all want the kitchen of our dreams, time is on your side as it is good to go with the gas hob, hood and electric oven integrated for you, plumbing in place for a washing machine and designated space for a tall fridge freezer.

At the top of a stylish, spiral staircase the modern bathroom could be very glamorous, large enough for both a bath with a shower attachment and separate walk in shower, with natural light and the w.c ingeniously hidden away behind a door. Across the hallway, the guest bedroom is a large double with custom made floor to ceiling wardrobes and restful views over the glory of the private garden. Next door the principal bedroom brings Regency romance to life with a broad bay almost filling the east wall to greet the morning sun and frame the leafy vista, with graceful handmade wardrobes to complete the room.

There is a further store room accessed separately from the apartment located directly above the bathroom which could be used for a multitude of uses.

Agent says:
“Sussex Square is a seafront garden square acknowledged as one of the best Regency developments in the UK with its Grade I listing. This elegant piece of history comes with a rare, private garden of its own as well as use of the Grade II listed gated enclosures for the residents. Ground floor garden apartments here do not appear on the market often – and sell fast -attracting professionals, international investors and even small families as our air is fresh, we are surrounded by 1, 627km2 of the South Downs National Park and local schools which include Brighton College, are good.”

Owner’s secret:

“We have been completely happy here right from the start. Neighbours are now friends, and those in the next door properties are considerate, which is important. With our own private garden we have still enjoyed the enclosures where residents have annual parties, and people always say hello so you won’t feel isolated if you’re new to Brighton. The tunnel to the beach is always good fun in the summer and it also means you’ve easy access to the Marina with its waterfront restaurants. Inside is instantly restful with light and quiet rooms as we are at the back of this substantial Regency building and visitors always remark on the lovely feel of our home.”

What’s around you:

Shops: Local 3 minutes, Georgian Lanes a 15- 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

Within walking distance of the Marina with its waterfront restaurants, health club, shops and cinemas, this spacious apartment has use of 7.5 acres of Grade II listed gardens which have a tunnel to the beach which local legend says inspired the rabbit hole in Lewis Carrol’s ‘Alice through the Looking Glass.’ For the exclusive use of the residents of The Kemptown Estate they are private and secure, and a social focal point of a vibrant, inclusive community. With local shops and cafés, a 15 minute stroll takes you to the fashionable café culture of Kemptown Village which hosts the County Hospital and Brighton College, the arts venues and famous al fresco lifestyle of the Lanes are a five minute cab ride and close to several bus routes, the city and station serving City Airport, Gatwick and London are easy to reach.