Maze Hill, St Leonard's On Sea, East Sussex

This four-bedroom house in St Leonards-on-Sea is a fine example of mid-century architecture. Inside, original features include parquet flooring and a spectacular cantilevered staircase, while two of the bedrooms unfold onto a balcony with views toward the sea. There is a sauna room on the ground floor, and a private garden has both paved and lawned areas. St Leonards Warrior Square rail station is a 12-minute walk away, and runs regular services to London Bridge in approximately an hour and a half.



The Tour



A private driveway with a double garage forms the approach to the house, its perimeters bordered by a neat white-painted brick wall. The front door is framed by panes of obscure glass; on approach, the clean lines of the house’s design cut a striking figure.



Inside, a bright entrance hall has chequerboard floor tiles. Here, a section of an interior wall is fitted with glazed panels that frame views toward the sitting room beyond.



Here, the space is arranged over two levels; one is currently used as a dining area, while the other functions as a sitting room. Built-in wooden shelving lines two walls, and there is an original fireplace and parquet flooring.



A set of sliding doors reveals a generous sauna. The space is filled with light by full-length glazing with sliding doors on one side, while wood panelling runs overhead.



In the kitchen, built-in wooden joinery includes an integrated folding table and shelving with obscure glass panels. There is a wall oven and separate hob, and windows frame views toward the garden. A utility room is attached, with access to the carport.



On this floor, there is also a bright office, or guest suite, with built-in shelving and a WC.



From the dining room, a cantilevered wooden staircase ascends to the first floor, which can also be accessed via a lift. Three bedrooms are found here, two of which have French doors that open onto a balcony with a floating staircase that descends to the garden. From the principal bedroom, a glimpse of the sea is visible between the trees at certain points of the year. Integrated storage includes a wooden desk unit and a wardrobe with bright vinyl sliding doors.



Two additional bedrooms also have built-in storage; the third bedroom houses the lift and has space for a single bed. The plan is completed by two shared bathrooms, one with a bathtub and the other with a shower.



Outdoor Space



A large walled garden provides ample opportunities for outdoor dining and entertaining. Its lawns have been carefully maintained, and a paved area is perfect for sitting out.



The Area



Maze Hill is a charming, leafy area of St Leonards-on-Sea, where James Burton’s exquisite Regency architecture frames the serene oasis of St Leonard's Gardens. Created by Burton in 1828, the gardens include a vast assortment of plants and painting-like a lily pond, offering year-round colour and a perfect picnic spot during warmer months.



The house is an eight-minute walk from St Leonards’ artist quarter, enclosed within Shepherd Street, Norman Road, Gensing Road and Mercatoria, and a short walk from the sea. With its hub of galleries and restaurants, the area is famous for being home to the Hastings Antique Centre, Lucy Bell Gallery, Project 78 Gallery and the Fleet Gallery. For the culinarily inclined, there is Galleria Seafood Bar, St Clements Restaurant, and the Kino-Teatr. Heist Market, an indoor food hall with a wide range of independent local businesses sharing street food, craft beer, natural wine, coffee and cocktails is also a short walk away.



Hastings is close, as is Bexhill-on-Sea (home to the De La Warr Pavilion). The area’s rejuvenation is perhaps best epitomised by the addition of the Hastings Contemporary gallery by HAT Projects, which won several architectural awards, including a RIBA National Award.



There is an excellent choice of state-run and private schools locally. Primary options include Ark Little Ridge Primary Academy, St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, and West St Leonards Primary Academy. Claremont School, Saxon Mount School, and St Richard’s Catholic College provide secondary education.



Trains run from St Leonards Warrior Square to London Bridge and Charing Cross in less than two hours, and to Brighton in just over an hour.



Council Tax Band: F