Silchester Road, St. Leonards-On-Sea

Occupying a prominent position on Silchester Road, this substantial Victorian building sits confidently across four storeys. Its original shopfront is set beneath a warm taupe façade, punctuated by pale blue-painted windows. Formerly an exotic greengrocers, its live/work space now holds a record shop and separate apartment. Above, five bedrooms, elevated roof terraces, stained-glass windows and decorative mouldings combine with a confident use of colour to create a house rich in character and period detail.

Inside
The ground floor retains the building’s original commercial presence. The historic shopfront leading to a record shop and licensed bar. Concrete floors, a wrought-iron staircase and high-level storage reinforce the industrial nature of the space.
To the rear, a self-contained apartment is arranged around an open-plan living area. Petrol-green cabinetry is paired with timber tops, while exposed rafters, brickwork and a wood-burning stove contribute texture and warmth. A shower room completes the plan, tiled in chequerboard and bordered by access to the bijou courtyard. To the front of the ground floor a separate entrance leads through a canopied porch with encaustic tiles underfoot. An aubergine-painted timber door opens through a vestibule area into a monochrome tiled hallway running the length of the plan. The original staircase rises through the left of the house, where plaster-toned walls, cast-iron radiators and timber floorboards establish the consistent material palette throughout. A generous half landing holds the family bathroom where twin sash windows draw an even light across a red and white chequerboard floor. Original oak panelling wraps the lower walls, while a roll-top bath sits alongside a cast-iron fireplace. Brass fittings and a reclaimed vanity introduce warmth against terracotta-toned walls. A large utility room sits adjacent, fitted with a butler sink, built-in shelving and a separate WC.
A short run of stairs rises to the first floor, where a forest-green kitchen is arranged with a collection of reclaimed cabinetry and freestanding furniture. A central island topped in plywood anchors the room, while a copper inset sink and exposed brick fireplace add depth. Triple sash windows draw in southerly light, framing views along Silchester Road. Positioned to the rear, a double bedroom washed in coral pink overlooks the garden through a large sash window, while a discreet cloakroom sits neatly in the corner. A generous roof terrace extends directly from the half landing, enclosed by decorative iron railings and connected by steps to a lower terrace.
Three further bedrooms occupy the second floor. A spacious room to the front, currently arranged as a reception space and painted in a warm sand, enjoys broad southerly views through a triple sash window. A second bedroom with arched timber window sits alongside, while a further bedroom occupies the rear, with original cabinetry shouldered in the alcove and views across the terraces below.
The uppermost floor rests within the roof line. A voluminous space arranged as a secluded bedroom suite. Lit by rooflights and twin windows, the room enjoys elevated views across the surrounding rooftops towards the sea. An ensuite bathroom is decorated with green glazed tiling, a pink vanity unit and period-appropriate fittings.

Outside
A courtyard garden serves the ground-floor apartment, while the principal accommodation benefits from a roof terrace bordered by decorative ironwork. Steps descend to a lower garden enclosed by whitewashed walls, with space for container planting and seating. A series of sheds and external storage areas provide practical additions, while rear access connects the terraces to the surrounding neighbourhood.

Area
The seafront and promenade are moments away, while a short stroll takes you to the creative hub of St Leonards, with Norman Road and Kings Road offering an abundance of independent shops, restaurants and galleries. The eclectic Hastings Old Town is also within walking distance. St Leonards mainline station is in close proximity, providing a direct link into Central London.