Chesham Place, Brighton

With the sea at the end of the Grade II listed Regency terrace, this majestic seven bed, four-bathroom house is a rare find complete with a lower ground floor with potential to become a self-contained apartment – subject to consents. In fashionable Kemptown Village, this house is 1 minute from the beach, 6 minutes’ walk from the county hospital and 3-5 minute drive from outstanding schools such as St Luke’s and Brighton College. The picturesque Lanes are a 15-minute seafront stroll and Brighton Station’s direct trains to Gatwick and London are 5-8 minutes by cab. Inside delivers a design-led, sociable lifestyle with an elegant family room and stunning kitchen dining room which leads to a large west facing garden, and iconic first floor reception which opens to a balcony with views to the sea. There is a classic private study, 5 stylish bedrooms and a principal suite. What’s more, the four rooms of the lower floor (142m2 / 1533 ft2) inspire ideas such as home working or inter-generational living – subject to consents.

Kemptown village is a sought-after location with fresh local produce, cafés, bistro bars and independent shops as well as a small supermarket and a pharmacy. Just a few minutes from the heart of the city by cab, residents enjoy nearby beaches with volleyball courts, playground, yoga centre and Lido.

Introduction:

A rare city hot spot, this is a once in a lifetime chance to own a complete Grade II listed Brighton Regency residence. Brought back to its former glory with four design-led storeys, the lower level - which has recently been refurbished, has potential to become self-contained, subject to consents. Although this location does not insist on a car, there is ample permit parking and no waiting list for zone H (at time of writing).

The Entrance Hall and Family Room:

Steeped in history, the gracious proportions of the hallway are inviting and both an internal staircase to the lower floor and a guest w.c are hidden away.
The sunny family room has 6.85m x 6.6m (22’6 x 21’6) of versatile space. With dual aspect and oblique sea views, four large windows (with original shutters) face south-eastward, making the most of the house’s end terrace position. With historic plasterwork overhead and cast-iron radiator, the décor is in keeping with the age of the building.

The Dining Room, Kitchen and Utility:

Spanning the back of this big, inviting residence the spacious dining area allows friends and family to dine in seclusion, enjoying the handsome fireplace and custom-built lit cabinets, all whilst enjoying the westerly garden view.

Full of sunshine streaming through vaulted skylights, the high-spec kitchen is tucked behind a sociable island. Custom coloured units deliver plenty of storage and the stone surfaces look great but are also practical. Integrated appliances include a dishwasher, a black electric AGA with summertime back up gas module and a dishwasher – plus there is designated space for a large fridge freezer. Finally, a broad door leads to the garden, perfect for summers outside. And at present, the useful utility room is on the lower floor.

The Garden:

A Mediterranean inspired, secure garden, this tranquil space is surrounded by private gardens on three sides and functions perfectly as another room of the house during warm summer months. The stylish focus of the landscaped grounds is a lit gazebo, where mature vines shield you from the high summer heat and in Italianate style, twin broad steps lead down to a lower play area.

The First Floor Reception and Study:

With triple windows which rise from floor to ceiling and curve along the frontage of the house to frame the unique setting, the grand reception can’t help but impress, especially as the room flows out to a wrought iron balcony with oblique sea views. Next door, the study is blissfully quiet with space to share, and the handmade cabinets painted in heritage hues do not disturb the Regency frieze.

The Guest Bedroom and Bathroom:

Up past organised storage to a broad landing (with even more storage beneath the stairs), the first double bedroom is ideal for guests with calm decoration, fitted wardrobes and garden views, as well as easy access to a chic bathroom on the nearby landing.

The Principal Suite:

The beautiful principal suite sits in stunning setting, enjoying beautiful views even in bed. With the graceful proportions only Regency properties provide, this restful master boasts a limestone fireplace as well as access to an en-suite which fuses Regency influence with contemporary design - such as a freestanding studded bathtub with Lefroy fittings, dual headed walk-in shower and one-piece Heritage hand wash basins.

Three Family Double Bedrooms and Bathroom:

Up beneath a rooflight, this floor would be perfect for an au-pair to be close to the children. The central bathroom continues the theme of skilful design with two adjacent showers - both with rainfall heads and wands. Plus, there are also twin hand basins.

At the back, the dual aspect double bedroom is big and bright with built in wardrobes. And at the front, two light and spacious bedrooms ooze charm. Lit in the morning by the south-easterly sunshine, these rooms also offer mesmerising sea views.

The Lower Floor: 142m2 (1533 sq. ft.)

Built to bring in natural light, the four rooms on the lower floor extends across 142m2 (1533 sq. ft.). The basement has recently been refurbished with updated electrics, plumbing and plastering. Although connected to the main house by a staircase it has a separate entrance to the street with caverns by it and so could become a self- contained apartment – subject to consents.

Vendor’s Comments:

“The house is beautiful with open views to the sea or of the garden from every room. We wanted to keep the integrity of this rare, unspoilt house whilst making it a comfortable, contemporary home. We have used only high-quality fittings and local craftsmen, and we hope you will love it as much as we have. There are plenty of activities for any age group along the seafront opposite or in Queen’s Park which is just a short walk, and Kemptown has something for everyone from enjoying picnics on the beach, exploring the beach bars or enjoying the vast choice of restaurants and festivals.”

Good to Know:

1 min to beach
2 mins walk to shops & cafés
Brighton Station approx. 8 mins drive
Queen’s Park’s tennis courts, café, playground 5-10 mins walk
Marina & Lanes 15-20 mins walk

Education:

St Luke’s Primary outstanding 5 mins drive
Brighton College Prep 10 mins walk
Varndean High School, Dorothy Stringer
Varndean 6th Form College, BHASVIC, BIMM
Brighton College 10 mins walk
Brighton Girls, Brighton Waldorf, Roedean easy reach

Location Guide:

Kemptown Village is one of the most fashionable locations in the city, bordered by beaches with beach bars, volleyball courts, yoga centre and fantastic Lido. Famous for its al fresco lifestyle, specialist shops and a farmer’s market it also has a Co-Op, post office and chemist. Between the pier, the horse racing course and waterfront restaurants of the Marina, the theatres and Lanes of central Brighton are all within a 15-20 minute walk by the sea or past the vibrant bars and restaurants of St James’ Street (which also host Pride). Bus routes cover the whole of Brighton & Hove, and the proximity to Brighton train station with its fast link to Gatwick and London makes commuting - or letting-feasible. For those who need a car, both the A23/27 and coast road are nearby.