Rochester Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2

A classic beauty in a tranquil enclave of well-kept, no through terraces behind Brighton College, this 2 bed terraced house has three spacious storeys, a sociable layout, a private patio – and plentiful permit parking with no list. ‘Baker’s Bottom’ is tucked away in fashionable Kemptown, popular with professionals, families and investors. There’s a a choice of good schools whilst Queen’s Park, the Royal Sussex Hospital and the al fresco lifestyle of Kemptown Village and its beaches are within a 12-15 min walk, and direct trains to Gatwick and London are 7 mins by cab, about 15 by bus. Brimming with period charm, its unspoilt character includes an open fireplace on the ground floor and a wood burning stove in the dining area of the ‘city farmhouse’ kitchen.

Inside offers versatile options: On the ground floor, the formal reception living room has central curtains so one area could be used as a home office/ 3rd guest bedroom. On the lower floor, the spacious dining room and kitchen is all about a sociable lifestyle with an iron stove for a warm welcome and French doors to bring the outside in, and the contemporary bathroom has a stylish finish. Up on the first floor, the 2 bedrooms are big, bright doubles which each pair wood floors with white walls for timeless appeal. Around the corner friendly local shops and a popular bistro pub serve your every need, and it is within minutes of the cafés, restaurants- and seafront café bars/lido/yoga centre- of Kemptown Village. Nearby bus routes take you to the whole of the city and Brighton Station, and the picturesque cultural heart of the city is a 25 min stroll – or 4 by car as permit zone C runs to the bottom of Eastern Road, opposite the Pavilion.


In Brief:
Style Victorian terraced house
Type 2 double bedrooms, 1 bathroom, double depth reception, kitchen dining room
Area Kemptown
Floor Area
Outside Space Private patio
Parking Permit Zone C, no list
Council Tax Band: C

Why you’ll like it:
Enjoy the easy flow of this fantastic terrace house within a pretty terrace of period properties in Bakers Bottom, an area popular with those who like to sleep but also to be close to shops, restaurants and the beach – and now is the time to buy with major improvements underway on the seafront. Outside radiates period charm and inside, the hall is light with a door at the far end to bring in intriguing, leafy views, and both the high ceiling and solid floorboards continue into the elegant reception.

Ideal for entertaining, the double depth reception is a welcoming, versatile space in which to work, rest or play where sunlight streams through the large south window and visitors can enjoy an open fire and a garden view. A central curtain keeps options open to ensure privacy if you work from home, or to allow occasional guests to stay over without being overlooked.

Downstairs, the large kitchen dining room is inviting with plenty of space for a big family table beneath the large south light well, where friends and family can relax in rare seclusion. Well designed and custom made in ‘city farmhouse style’ the kitchen flows out to the patio, the oven fittings by the dining area for parties, and plumbing is in place for a washing machine–and the appliances in situ could stay, subject to circumstance.

Outside is a peaceful oasis, child and pet secure behind original walls and ideal for company to spill out to for al fresco summers. A private retreat scented by a mature rose, raised beds are ready for you to make your own.

Returning inside, the contemporary bathroom is on this level, the chic finish including a shower above the bath, a cabinet beneath the designer handbasin and warming rails for towels.
Up on the first floor, both bedrooms are quiet, comfortable double rooms. Simple but stylish with wood floors and white walls, they are ready for your move.

Agent says:
“Properties in this popular spot are quiet but convenient – and sell fast. By one of the best schools in the country and within walking distance of the hospital, law centre and Amex, this is a sought after no through road where the friendly community have summer parties in the surrounding terraces.”

Owner’s secret:
“The city’s picturesque centre with the famous Lanes and arts venues is only a few mins drive, although it is easy to forget that when you turn into this quiet cul de sac! Inside, all of the rooms are big, bright and inviting, and the house is a comfortable home or good investment close to, but out of hearing of, Brighton College and both the County and the General Hospitals. Designed for an easy, everyday lifestyle as well as for sophisticated entertaining, during summer the patio becomes another ‘room’ of the house to enjoy. The bedrooms are peaceful, the neighbours are lovely and there is a lot going on locally, so you won’t get bored or lonely if you’re new to the city.”

What’s around you:
Shops: Local 1 min, the Village 10 on foot, Lanes about 20-25 minute walk, 5 by cab
Station: Brighton 15 mins by bus
Seafront or Park: Sea 10-15 mins walk, 4 by car (part of seafront same C zone), Queen’s Park 6 on foot, 1 by car (same permit zone on some surrounding streets)

Closest Schools:
Primary: St Luke’s, Queen’s Park
Secondary: Varndean, Dorothy Stringer
Private: Brighton College, Brighton & Hove High

Between the seafront lido, beach bars and volleyball courts of Kemptown Village and tennis courts of Queen’s Park which also hosts arts events, ‘Baker’s Bottom’ has local shops and a bistro pub to serve your every need. On the doorstep, the al fresco café culture of the Village -10 mins on foot or 2 by car- also includes a pharmacy, butchers and delis as well as a small Co-Op and weekly farmer’s market. Nearby bus routes take you into the city or to the cinemas, waterfront restaurants and health club of the glamorous Marina, the vibrant St James’s Street (on the Pride route) is easy to reach and the picturesque heart of the city is a reasonable 20-25 minute stroll or a short bus or cab ride. By Brighton College, woodland walks and access to the Downs are close by and for commuters, the station serving Gatwick and London is about 15 minutes by bus. If you need a car, access to the A23/A27 is swift and permit zone C has no waiting list at the time of writing.