Compton Avenue, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1

Some houses make an impression before you’ve reached the front door. This is one of them.

Set on Compton Avenue, between Seven Dials and the Montpelier and Clifton Hill Conservation Area, this elegant Regency-style terrace has a beautifully balanced façade, intricate ironwork and a striking tiled approach.

There’s also off street parking, which anyone familiar with this part of Brighton will appreciate is something of a luxury.

Inside, what strikes me most is how comfortably the house wears its elegance.

There are beautiful proportions and carefully preserved period details, but it feels warm, personal and wonderfully easy to settle into. Rich walnut flooring, contemporary tones and thoughtfully chosen finishes bring a lovely consistency to the rooms.

The principal living space connects the sitting and dining rooms, allowing each its own identity while creating an easy flow between the two. At the front, tall bay sash windows open onto the balcony, with its decorative iron balustrade. A gas fire, detailed cornicing and generous ceiling height give this room real presence.

Behind, the dining room has a more intimate feel. Fitted bookshelves and cabinetry make a beautiful backdrop to the table, and it’s easy to picture a long dinner here, with everyone drifting through to the sitting room afterwards.

Further along the hallway, a single step leads down to another wonderfully inviting space. Currently arranged for reading and working, it catches the southerly light beautifully, with doors opening onto the garden. It’s the sort of room you might find yourself using far more than expected, whether for a quiet morning coffee, an afternoon with a book or a working day at home.

The lower ground floor brings a different atmosphere. Here, the bespoke kitchen centres on a substantial island, creating a natural gathering place for friends and family. There is plenty of preparation and storage space, complemented by a separate utility room and a modern shower room.

Beyond the kitchen, a glass-roofed extension forms a relaxed sitting area, with bifold doors opening onto steps leading up to the garden.

This is one of my favourite parts of the house. The view up through the planting, the light overhead and the connection to the outside make it a lovely place to spend time.

At the front of this level is the fourth bedroom, complete with built-in wardrobes. There is also additional storage and a separate entrance, particularly useful for bringing in shopping or taking deliveries.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom spans the full width of the house. Muted colours, a period fireplace and extensive fitted wardrobes give it a calm, composed feel. The second bedroom looks south over the garden and also benefits from generous built-in storage.

The family bathroom is beautifully finished, with a freestanding bath, a large separate shower and a considered mix of materials.

On the top floor, the final bedroom would work equally well as a guest room or home office, while a skylight brings natural light into the upper hallway.

Enclosed by brick walls and established planting, the south-facing garden has room for a generous dining table and comfortable seating.

It’s easy to imagine summer afternoons drifting into the evening here. It’s a very good size for this part of town, without becoming a demanding space to maintain.

Then there’s life beyond the front door. The coffee shops, wine bars and neighbourhood pubs of Seven Dials are just around the corner, and Brighton station is an easy walk away. For me, that’s a large part of the appeal here.

A beautiful house, with space to spread out, in a neighbourhood you can enjoy on
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