Marina, St Leonards On Sea, East Sussex, TN38

Architecture & History
There are apartment buildings, and then there are buildings that become part of a town’s identity. Marine Court is one of those rare creations. A dazzling expression of 1930s modernism, its ocean-liner silhouette has watched over St Leonards’ seafront for almost a century, proving that truly confident architecture never goes out of fashion.

This refurbished one-bedroom apartment sits on the third floor, reached effortlessly by lift in a manner that feels reassuringly civilised — rather as though Hercule Poirot himself might be on his way home after solving a particularly elegant mystery.

Inside, the apartment strikes a pleasing balance between careful restoration and contemporary comfort. Freshly redecorated throughout, it wisely resists the temptation to erase its past. The original 1930s kitchen cabinetry survives as a reminder that good design deserves preservation rather than replacement, while new appliances ensure everyday life remains entirely twenty-first century.

The generous sitting room opens directly onto what is, quite simply, the apartment’s defining luxury. The balcony is extraordinary. In an era when developers congratulate themselves for squeezing in standing room for two chairs, this private outdoor terrace feels almost extravagant. Indeed, many modern apartments have living rooms smaller than this balcony. Facing the English Channel, it offers uninterrupted views stretching both east and west along the coastline, creating an ever-changing theatre of sea, sky and light that never repeats itself.

The kitchen is comfortably proportioned and enjoys its own outlook towards the rear service walkway and the varied roofscape of St Leonards, offering an intriguing glimpse of the town beyond its celebrated seafront.

Practicality has not been forgotten. Constant hot water is included within the service charge, one of those civilised luxuries that quietly improve daily life. Marine Court also offers a level of service more commonly associated with distinguished London apartment buildings than a seaside residence. A 24-hour concierge is on hand to receive deliveries, assist residents and provide reassurance that someone is always available when needed. Even refuse collection has been thoughtfully considered, with rubbish collected daily from outside your front door — a small detail that says much about the building’s quietly efficient way of life.

Living here is about more than owning an apartment. It is about becoming part of one of Britain’s finest examples of Art Deco residential architecture; a building that remains every bit as glamorous today as when it first looked out across the Channel. Some addresses simply tell people where you live. Marine Court tells them something about how you choose to live.

Local Area & Transport
The seafront is literally across the road from the flat making a dip on the sea a spontaneous decision which can end with a piping hot shower at home. St Leonards offers a range of independently owned restaurants, bars and cafes, many of them sitting underneath Marine Court itself along with galleries, Pilates studio and handy shops. The independent cinema is a short walk away as are the many useful and attractive independently owned shops which make day to day life work well and happily.

St Leonards Warrior Square station is around ten-minute walk from the flat with regular trains to London Charing Cross, Waterloo East, London Bridge, Victoria and in the morning straight into Canon Street. There are also trains along to Ashford International where a quick change takes you on the high-speed train into St Pancras. Also trains to Brighton, Eastbourne and Rye. Buses pass Marine Court to take you the short distance into Hastings Old Town if a fifteen-minute walk along the sea front doesn’t appeal.

Material Information 

• Leasehold running from From 24 March 1972 to 24 March 2971
• Sold with Share of Freehold
• Service charge: At present, approximately 50% of the annual service charge is a contribution to the schedule of works which is in place to renovate the infrastructure of the building as well as the internal facilities. This is due to decrease every year until works have completed.
• Property construction: Brick & Concrete
• Utilities: Electricity, broadband, water & Sewerage
• Electricity supply: Independently supplied in-house
• Water supply & Sewerage: mains connected via Southern Water
• Broadband: Standard Download speed 11mbps; Upload Speed 1mbps. Superfast available (d/s 80Mbps, u/s 20Mbps). Source: Ofcom
• Mobile signal/coverage: Likely external coverage for all major networks, variable internal cover linked to EE. Source: Ofcom
• Restrictions: Restrictions: Located on St Leonards East (Gensing) conversation area, Grade II listed: Listing number 1379435
• Rights and easements: Communal entrance, hallways and lifts.
• Coastal erosion risk: Erodible, enforced by seawall to hold the line. Source: UK Coastal Erosion Risk
• Planning permission: To check local planning permission, link HERE
• Accessibility/adaptations: Lift Access
• Coalfield or mining area: No. Source: The Coal Authority
• Flight path: No low altitude activity. Source: Flightradar24

EPC rating: C. Tenure: Share of freehold, Service charge description: At present, approximately 50% of the annual service charge is a contribution to the schedule of works which is in place to renovate the infrastructure of the building as well as the internal facilities. This is due to decrease every year until works have completed., Known building safety issues or planned/required works: None known at time of listing. Planning permissions: None known apart from the current major works at time of listing. Mobile signal information: Likely external coverage for all major networks, variable internal cover linked to EE.