Lewes Crescent, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2

An exceptional maisonette on Lewes Crescent, beautifully restored across three floors with far reaching sea views, a private terrace and landscaped rear garden.

Few homes on Lewes Crescent offer quite this combination of space, outlook and finish. Spanning the upper three floors of a handsome period building, this beautifully restored maisonette enjoys far reaching sea views, a first floor terrace and a rear garden arranged over several levels.

Occupying the first, second and third floors, the property extends to approximately 2,747 square feet. With the breadth of the original building retained across much of its accommodation, the proportions are substantial, giving the home a sense of scale and permanence that is unusual to find in an apartment. A share of freehold, beautifully planted rear garden and an exacting standard of restoration make it a particularly rare offering.

Formerly three separate flats, the upper floors have been thoughtfully brought together into one residence, with full planning and listed building consent and subsequent Building Control sign off. Behind that transformation lies a long programme of careful conservation. Original shutters, intricate cornicing, stair spindles and the sweeping handrail have been painstakingly restored, preserving the character that makes the building so distinctive.

The hallways and landings have received the same care and consideration as the principal rooms, creating a wonderful first impression. Textured wall coverings, carefully chosen colours and design-led carpets complement the restored period detailing, bringing warmth and personality to each floor.

The first floor reception room is the centrepiece. Almost 24 feet in length, it has magnificent ceiling heights, an ornate fireplace and three tall windows opening onto the front terrace. The outlook takes in the crescent’s greenery and the sea, while bespoke walnut cabinetry and shelving bring warmth and a more contemporary layer to the period architecture. It is a room with presence, but also one that feels comfortable and inviting.

The terrace extends the living space outside, with room to sit, read or enjoy a drink while looking out towards the water. Its connection to the reception room makes it as appealing for entertaining as it is for quieter moments.

To the rear, the kitchen is beautifully restrained, with bespoke cabinetry, Miele appliances and a central island providing space for morning coffee or company while cooking. Tall glazed doors open onto a rear balcony, drawing light into the room and bringing the planting outside into view.

A separate dining room offers a more intimate setting for meals, complemented by further bespoke joinery, with a door providing access to the garden. A bathroom and useful storage complete this floor.

Aross the two floors above, the accommodation offers considerable flexibility, with up to five bedrooms and generous space for dressing, working or relaxing.

On the second floor, a substantial front bedroom and dressing area occupy the full width of the building, accompanied by two further bedrooms and a shower room. The rear bedroom also provides access to the garden, while the additional storage area could accommodate a small desk for anyone wanting a quiet place to work.

The top floor provides a particularly lovely principal bedroom, where elevated sea views, soft colours and a period fireplace create a calm retreat. A separate dressing room, shower room with twin basins, utility room and a further room currently arranged as an office make this level wonderfully adaptable, including for guests or family wanting a little more independence.

Throughout, the quality is evident in the smaller details. Timorous Beasties wallpapers and textured Lincrusta sit alongside paints by Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, with Crucial Trading flooring, polished nickel fittings and carefully considered lighting. Bathrooms combine Catalano sanitaryware with Hansgrohe fittings.

Outside, the rear garden offers an entirely different atmosphere to the open coastal outlook at the front. Arranged over different levels, with lush planting, ferns and bamboo, it creates a wonderfully green setting and a choice of places to sit.

Substantial acoustic improvements and wool loft insulation reflect the same attention given to the less visible elements of the home. The well insulated loft also provides plenty of additional storage and access to the roof, if required.

The setting is a considerable part of the appeal. Residents enjoy access to the Kemp Town Enclosures, beautifully maintained private gardens with sweeping lawns and a historic tunnel leading through to the seafront. It is a wonderful extension of the outdoor space at home, with the beach just beyond.

Marmalade and the Reading Room are both within walking distance, adding to the pleasure of having good coffee, breakfast or lunch close by. Brighton College is also nearby, making the location practical for families, while central Brighton is easily reached for its wider choice of shops, restaurants and direct rail services to London.

This is a home with a very individual character, shaped by years of care and an appreciation of the building’s history. Its scale, outdoor spaces and views are remarkable in their own right. The quality and thought behind its restoration make it more special still.