Golden Acre, East Preston, West Sussex, BN16

There are houses that are defined by their size, and others by their setting. Appletree Lodge is rather different. This is a home defined by its architecture, light and individuality – an original Art Deco property with an unmistakable sense of character, positioned moments from the sea within East Preston’s highly regarded Angmering-on-Sea Estate.

Having remained within the same family for two generations, Appletree Lodge is one of those increasingly rare coastal homes that feels entirely individual. Its crisp white-rendered elevations, strong architectural lines and wonderfully simple proportions give an immediate indication of its Deco origins, while inside, high ceilings, broad windows and subtle changes in level create a series of beautifully light and interesting spaces.

There is an almost gallery-like quality to parts of the interior. White walls and generous ceiling heights provide a wonderfully clean backdrop, while oversized windows draw natural light deep into the house. Rather than a conventional arrangement of separate rooms, the principal accommodation flows through a series of connected spaces, giving the ground floor a relaxed, design-led character that feels particularly appropriate for a house beside the sea.

At its heart is an impressive living space with tall ceilings, where a wide architectural opening and subtle change in level lead through towards the dining area. The effect is both dramatic and comfortable, creating distinct areas for sitting, dining and entertaining while maintaining a strong visual connection between them. It is a room that works equally well on a quiet winter afternoon as it does with friends and family gathered around during the summer.

The kitchen continues the clean aesthetic, with contemporary white cabinetry, integrated appliances and generous work surfaces. Well considered rather than over-designed, it sits comfortably alongside the original architecture and provides an excellent everyday working space. A ground-floor cloakroom completes the principal accommodation on this level.

Upstairs, the sense of light continues. There are three bedrooms, all with good natural light, complemented by a smart contemporary bathroom with both bath and separate shower. One of the particularly appealing details is the first-floor south facing balcony – another unexpected element that adds to the character of the house and provides a private place to sit outside and take in the open surroundings.

Outside, the substantial south-facing front garden has been deliberately treated as part of the home's living environment rather than simply its approach. Gravel, mature trees, architectural planting and paved seating areas create an informal, almost Mediterranean atmosphere, with a degree of privacy that is immediately apparent. There is generous parking, but equally this is somewhere designed for long lunches, evening drinks and summer entertaining.

The rear garden provides a different atmosphere, with established planting surrounding a decked terrace and a detached contemporary garden building. Currently divided between an artist's studio and home office, the building is insulated and supplied with power, making it a genuine year-round space. With bi-folding doors opening directly onto the decking, it feels less like a conventional outbuilding and more like an extension of the house – equally suited to creative work, a dedicated office, studio, gym or quiet retreat.

For a future owner wishing to reinterpret the property further, the ground-floor footprint also presents interesting possibilities for extension or reconfiguration, subject to the necessary consents. Importantly, however, Appletree Lodge is already a home with a very clear identity; any future changes could build upon rather than replace the architectural character that makes it special.

The setting is integral to that identity. Golden Acre is a peaceful no-through road within the Angmering-on-Sea Estate, characterised by individual homes rather than uniform development and enjoying a particularly friendly, established atmosphere. The shoreline is at the end of the road, placing Appletree Lodge within a minute or two of the beach. Here, the sea is not simply something glimpsed occasionally; it becomes part of everyday life – the sound of the water, the sea air, morning dog walks and spontaneous evening walks along the coast.

East Preston village is also close at hand, centred around its village green and offering a good selection of independent shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs and everyday amenities. Despite its coastal setting, the area remains extremely well connected, with Angmering railway station providing services towards London, Brighton and the wider south coast, while Arundel, the South Downs National Park, Chichester, Goodwood and Brighton are all readily accessible.

There is an appealing informality to life here. The beach, village and countryside provide the backdrop, while the house itself has enough architectural interest to feel special without ever feeling precious. It would work equally well as a distinctive permanent residence or as an exceptionally stylish coastal escape.

Appletree Lodge is ultimately difficult to categorise – and that is precisely its appeal. An original Art Deco home, private north and south-facing gardens, an artist's studio, a balcony and the sea at the end of the road combine to create something genuinely individual. After two generations within the same family, this is a rare opportunity to become the next custodian of one of East Preston's most characterful coastal homes.