Montpelier Crescent, Brighton, East Sussex

This expansive four-bedroom apartment is part of Brighton's distinguished Grade II*-listed Montpelier Crescent. Internal accommodation spans some 2,000 sq ft, with four bedrooms, original period features and an excellent quality of natural light. The home lies within the Clifton Hill conservation area, within walking distance from the seafront and Brighton station, which runs regular Thameslink and Gatwick Express services.



The Building



Dating from the 1840s and designed by renowned British architect Amon Henry Wilds, this distinguished Regency terrace lies in tranquil and leafy Montpelier. Its stuccoed, neo-classical frontage has been impeccably maintained and retains all the hallmark features and flourishes of the period.



Organised in a concave crescent in groups of two or three houses on the site of a former cricket ground, the building overlooks a pretty crescent shaped green shaded by mature trees. This home sits on a lateral position within a group of three houses rising across three storeys and lined with sash windows. At the centre of each block, a giant order spans the height of the building, hinting at the grandeur of the accommodation within.



The Tour



Set back from the street behind a leafy front garden, the building is approached via a tiled path leading to a black-panelled front door. Entry is to a hall, with a staircase straight ahead connecting to the apartment’s entrance on the first floor.



The interiors are defined by a traditional colour scheme and a wealth of original features, including sash windows, ornate cornices, ceiling roses, and four fireplaces. Glazing on three aspects and high ceilings ensure abundant natural light, while soft carpet runs throughout.



At the front, the living and dining room are semi-connected via French doors that can be fully opened, allowing the option of keeping each space separate or creating a sociable and flowing layout. The sitting area has large sash windows overlooking the crescent and an elegant marble fireplace. Similarly finished, the dining area is at the rear of the plan and has an equally attractive fireplace and views of the surrounding greenery.



From the hall, steps lead down to a generous south-west-facing kitchen, flooded with natural light pouring from a large bay window. An island sits at the centre, with an integrated induction hob and space for casual dining. Other appliances include a double oven by Neff and wine fridge. The adjacent utility/laundry room has a washing machine and ceiling-mounted drying racks, and shower. There is a separate WC on this floor.



From the entrance hall, a staircase ascends to the second floor, with four well-appointed bedrooms. At the front, the principal bedroom is has a striking tiled fireplace with spacious alcoves on each side. Next door is a large dressing room with fitted wardrobes. A refined bathroom has a shower over the bathtub, along with storage and a heated towel rail.



The Area



Montpelier Crescent is ideally positioned minutes away from Brighton town centre, the seafront, and the station. The area draws all manner of events, from the Mod Weekender to the Brighton Speed Trials, the oldest running motor race.



St Ann’s Wells Garden are near, home to a variety of native and exotic trees and a diverse wildlife. There is a quiet sensory garden with scented plantings, a lily pond, a café, a children’s playground and tennis courts.



There are plenty of independent restaurants, pubs and cafes within walking distance. Set in a former bank hall, Italian-inspired Tutto offers hearty seasonal fare and excellent cocktails. The interiors of Café Rust are turned out in collaboration with William Morris Antiques Show for wonderful café fare beneath decadent chandeliers. Permit Room by Dishoom, in the town centre, is open all day and famous for its moreish breakfasts and curries. A London favourite, Tofu Vegan, with its flavourful, fully plant-based dishes, recently inaugurated its Brighton outpost.



A little further down the coast, Brighton Flea Market is a cornucopia of vintage treasures, and for further amusement, Sea Lanes is an open-air, heated 50m pool, regenerated from the original beachfront. Brighton Beach House, a social club owned by Soho House, is also near.



A short drive out of the town leads to the South Downs with its abundance of walks across the undulating landscape: a favoured spot is Devil’s Dyke, the elevated position of which provides exceptional views over the English countryside.



The house is well located for schooling, with a mix of independent and state options within easy reach. For primary education, The Montessori Place, St Andrews CofE and Cottesmore St Mary’s Catholic are nearby. For older pupils, Brighton Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College, Cardinal Newman Catholic School and Brighton College are all well regarded by local families.



Brighton train station, a 12-minute walk from Montpelier Crescent, offers direct journeys to Gatwick Airport in 33 minutes and London Victoria in around 70 minutes with the Southern line. There are also Thameslink connections to London Bridge, Farringdon, London St Pancras International and northwards to Bedford and Cambridge.



Tenure: Share of Freehold | Lease Length: Approx. 990 years remaining | Service Charge: £1,800 p.a. | Ground Rent: n.a. | Council Tax Band: D