Sussex Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2

Uniquely private and very quiet, this beautiful 2/3 bed maisonette in Kemp’s Grade I masterpiece Sussex Square is opposite 7.5 acres of listed gardens for the residents with a tunnel to the sea. Inside elegant period features include detailed friezes and leaded windows, whilst glorious Regency proportions deliver a sophisticated lifestyle. Just 10 mins drive from Brighton Station’s direct trains to Gatwick and London and about 7 by cab (or a scenic 25 min seafront stroll) from the picturesque cultural heart of the city, this property spans 2 spacious storeys with 130.7m2 (1407sq. ft.) of restful rooms in which to spread your wings.

Embracing views over the grand buildings of the square and the leafy gardens, sensitive improvements to the magnificent living room include a fireplace in classic style where the open chimney has been swept but not lined, possibly offering opportunities worth exploring stnc. There’s an easy flow to the high-spec kitchen breakfast room and the secluded study, sometimes used as a guest bedroom, is next to a chic w.c. Downstairs, the inviting guest bedroom is generous and private looking over a central courtyard, the luxury bathroom has underfloor heating and design-led fittings whilst the peaceful principal is a hushed retreat of restful design with all the custom made wardrobes you could dream of.

Ideal for professionals, investors or a family, there are friendly local shops, cafés and bistro bars close by, and both the County Hospital and Brighton College are about an 8 min walk. Historic Kemptown has an al fresco lifestyle and plenty of amenities including a weekly farmer’s market, local beaches have café bars, volleyball courts, a Lido and yoga centre and the area is well served for green spaces which hold events during our legendary festivals.


In brief:
Style Ground floor maisonette in Grade I Regency garden square 1823-27
Type 2 double bedrooms, 1 bathroom + gf w.c., living room, study/bed 3, kitchen breakfast room
Area Kemptown
Floor Area
Outside Space Central courtyard, Grade II garden enclosures with tunnel to beach, bike store
Parking Permit zone H no waiting list
Council Tax Band: D

Why You’ll Like It:
Conceived by Thomas Kemp and built by Thomas Cubitt between 1823-1827 as Belgravia by the Sea, Grade I listed Sussex Square is recognised as one of the of the UK’s most important Regency treasures and is one of only a few in our coastal city which have private gardens for the residents, and is possibly the only listed Regency, garden development on a south facing seafront.

The Communal Entrance Hall:
This private apartment is in a magnificent building opposite the first of two gated gardens for the residents where the west and south facing terraces meet. Hidden away on the corner with an impressive entrance, inside the communal hall is a beauty with original plasterwork overhead, leaded windows added by Edwardians and a fine example of a Regency staircase which rises beneath a restored roof light of handmade and hand cut glass.

The Reception:
This apartment is on the ground floor where ceilings soar in the magnificent reception of 7.05 x 4.5m (23’1 x 14’9) – so ample room to entertain as well as painted panelling to enjoy. Solid oak with thick underlay is underfoot whilst high overhead, delicate Regency friezes and a ceiling rose remain unspoilt. Twin windows bring in historic views and leafy gardens whilst their original wooden shutters ensure peace of mind if you’re away. A classic fireplace has a flame effect fire which could stay, subject to circumstance, and investigations, stnc., could be made about the chimney which has been swept but we are told is not yet lined for use.

The Kitchen Breakfast Room:
Along the hallway, an inner door opens to a well-proportioned lobby lined with leaded windows believed to have been installed in the Edwardian era as well as bespoke cabinets for plates, glasses etc made more recently in keeping with the age of the building. On the right, the spacious kitchen breakfast room is well planned with midnight blue shaker units topped by practical wood surfaces and a layout which flows from the high-spec Miele touch induction hob and oven beneath a CDA fan. Other integrated appliances include a fridge and a freezer, plumbing is in place for a washing machine and there is a large window on one side of the room and oval, leaded window on the other to ensure this space is always welcoming.

The Study/3rd Bedroom:
Tucked away at the heart of the ground floor, the secluded study is light and inviting with a window which stretches to the glorious frieze above, fitted shelving and space for an occasional bed. Next door, a stylish guest w.c. blends contemporary fittings with a beautiful leaded window.

The Lower Floor Bedroom, Principal Room and Luxury Bathroom:
On the lower floor of a building built in an age reliant on natural light, these lower rooms are bathed in light with a central courtyard of 3.09 x 2.33m (10’2 x 7’8) at the foot of a light-well and west facing windows to the front.

Absolutely stunning, the marbled bathroom has a Regency influence in the high end Burlington fittings which include a fabulous, free standing roll top tub with nickel taps and shower head. The glamorous walk in shower also has high end, dual head nickel fixtures and the hand basin rests on a traditional Burlington cabinet – but there is nothing old fashioned about the designer finish which includes a lit mirror, underfloor heating and discreet warming rails for towels.

Calm and comfortable, the first of the quiet, generous double bedrooms with a window which almost fills the far wall is a relaxed refuge of 4.56 x 3.46m (15’0 x 11’4) which is not directly overlooked.

Spanning the whole of the west front of the building, at 5.35 x 5.18m (17’7 x 17’0), the hushed principal bedroom is all about relaxing in a uniquely private, peaceful setting. A delight to return to it is beautifully decorated in soothing historic tones, the ceiling rises to a restful height, there’s a classic fireplace to enjoy and an entire wall of custom made wardrobes deliver all of the organised storage you could dream of.

Agent says:
“In a prime, quiet location with secluded outside space as well as gated gardens which lead to the beach, this magnificent 2 storey home would suit professionals, families or investors. The integrity of the building and beautiful Regency features have remained unspoilt and the building is well managed by a small number of SOF residents within it – so no expensive management fees, and pets are also allowed subject to discussion.”

Owner’s secret:
“The square is beautiful, and you can be sociable in the gardens or entertain privately inside. The apartment is unusually private and peaceful with a light, easy flow and plenty of space for people to mill around in- and to stay over- and the neighbours are lovely as well as friendly. This is a special, historic setting set around manicured gated enclosures with direct access to the beach – and we have plenty of permit parking with no waiting list! There is always something to enjoy here whatever you’re into and whatever age you are. Local amenities within walking distance include a High Street as well as popular café Marmalade and bistro bar Busby & Wilds around the corner, the nearby park leads to the open countryside of the Downs and there are new beach bars/cafés, a Lido, and a yoga centre to explore on the Kemptown seafront.”

What’s around you:
Shops: Local 3 minutes, Georgian Lanes a 20-25 minute walk, 7-10 by cab
Train Station: Brighton about 15 minutes by bus
Seafront or Park: The beach is reached through the tunnel in the gated gardens

Closest schools:
Primary: St Mark’s, Queen’s Park
Secondary: Varndean or Dorothy Stringer
Private: Brighton College, Brighton Waldorf School, Roedean, Brighton & Hove High

In one of Brighton’s most glamorous locations within walking distance of the Marina with its cosmopolitan waterfront restaurants, health club, shops and cinemas, this beautiful apartment has use of 7.5 acres of Grade II listed gardens which have a tunnel to the beach said to have inspired the rabbit hole in Lewis Carrol’s ‘Alice through the Looking Glass’ - although timelines would suggest otherwise! For the exclusive use of the residents of the Kemptown Estate they are not only private and secure, but also a social focal point of a vibrant and inclusive community. Past the County Hospital and award winning Brighton College, a 15 min walk takes you to the heart of Kemptown with its fashionable al fresco lifestyle, patisseries, bars and restaurants and hosts Pride, whilst a scenic 20-25 minute seafront stroll – or 7 minute cab ride- takes you to the picturesque cultural heart of our coastal resort.