FLAT 1

Encompassing the entire raised ground floor of a grand, sea-facing Victorian villa on Hove Seafront, this exceptional mansion flat enjoys soaring ceilings, generous proportions and sole access to the beautiful, walled rear garden. There are three double bedrooms and two magnificent reception rooms which bear the striking period features of the era to include sash windows, marble fireplaces, wall and ceiling panels and the original parquet flooring which runs throughout the property. These features have been combined with a contemporary palette while the fixtures and fittings are in keeping with the character of the building to balance home comforts and a luxury lifestyle perfectly. A home of this size invites both entertaining and family time so this property will appeal to many, with excellent schools within catchment and plenty to explore within walking distance.

It sits within the prestigious Avenues Conservation Area, just a few moments from the award-winning restaurants and artisan cafes of Church Road, and close to excellent transport links for both the London commute and for travelling throughout the city. Hove Lawns and some of the cleanest beaches on the coast are a stone’s throw away, as are sunny walks along the promenade, so this elegant home will attract those looking to live in comfort and luxury by the sea.

Raised Ground Floor Mansion flat within an Iconic Victorian villa
Bedrooms: 3 double, 1 en suite
Bathrooms: 2
Living rooms: 2: 1 sitting room, 1 kitchen dining room
Outside: Walled rear garden
Area: 1701sq.ft
Location: Hove Lawns
Pets: Dogs not permitted

Introduction:

Built in 1889 by eminent Hove architect and builder John T. Chappell, the grand homes of Kings Gardens are unique amongst their seafront neighbours; rendered in terracotta-pink on their highly decorative, stuccoed facades. They were originally intended as single residences, but this house was converted into luxury apartments in 1922, with this mansion flat forming the entire ground floor in a U-shape around the communal entrance. This gives it direct sea views from both the main reception room and bedroom two, and with a southerly aspect, it is gloriously light throughout.

Entrance:

Stepping up to the building you follow a traditionally tiled path to the portico entrance where a video entry system provides access. From the moment you enter, the scale and incredible features of the building become apparent, and your door is directly ahead. These features continue into the apartment and can be found in every room.

From the apartment’s entrance hall, high ceilings and classic period features greet you, with a line of sight through to the kitchen and dining room to the garden beyond. It is an immediately impressive space where the character of this beautiful home is evident at every turn. Below your feet, cream carpet leads along a corridor to the right which turns towards the main reception passing decorative leaded light windows and a deep storage cupboard as you go.

The Sitting room:

Facing the front of the building, the living room is filled with natural light from the south via tall sash windows which frame direct sea views across Hove Lawns and the iconic concertina roofline of the city’s beach huts. Secondary sashes create double-glazing which ensures this room is incredibly peaceful without sound from the road which runs along the coast into the city centre one mile away. Looking east, you spy the remnants of the West pier silhouetted against the twinkling lights of Brighton’s Palace Pier, and the city’s newest landmark the i360 stands head and shoulders above the rest. These sea and skyscapes are ever changing with the seasons, so they form a lovely backdrop to the room at all times of the year.

As expected, the proportions in here are magnificent, and the ceiling border has retained its original Anaglypta decoration. Decorative cornicing and deep skirting boards wend their way around the room, and the original marble hearth of the fireplace has been restored. This is open, but it has not been used for a few years, so it would require professional investigation and sweeping prior to first use. Parque flooring has been sanded and varnished back to its former glory and paired with fresh cream walls which serve to brighten this room further.

Kitchen:

Another elegant and generous room, the kitchen and dining room sits centrally to the rear of the apartment looking out through arched multi-pane, casement windows to the pretty walled garden. This is the heart of the home with space for formal dining and for the family to gather around a central, granite topped island. The ceilings soar and have been painted chalk white along with the woodwork features, picked out against delicate sage walls which echo the green of the garden. With a modern take on a period feel, there are freestanding dressers alongside contemporary cabinetry which provides a huge amount of storage in the kitchen area. Within these, the fridge, freezer, dishwasher and washing machine have been integrated while the mini-range cooker and extractor hood have been seamlessly cut-in.

The principal bedroom suite:

Green garden views fill the principal bedroom in the morning through three vast multi-pane windows which almost cover the northerly wall. The garden wall and trees ensure it is private from outside, and sitting peacefully to the rear of the building, this room does not require secondary glazing. This generous room is a comfortable size for larger pieces of bedroom furniture, and soft carpet underfoot adds warmth to the space. The fine original features continue in here, with the addition of picture rails and wall panelling which has been echoed on the wall between the en suite bathroom and dressing room. These are a contemporary addition having been fitted only recently so the shower room has urban-grey floor and wall tiles and a double width rainfall shower. The walk-in wardrobe has ample clothes storage for two, but there are traditional style wardrobes in addition. A second grand fireplace brings further character to the room – although this is not open, so it is for mantel use and decoration only.

Bedrooms two, three and the family bathroom:

As a double fronted property, bedroom two also faces south, mirroring the living room with direct sea views and beautiful proportions. Classic pilasters feature in here rising up to the decorated ceiling, and there is ample space for a king bed and several pieces of bedroom furniture without compromising on floor space. Next door, bedroom three is a smaller double with a lowered ceiling giving it a homely feel. Its position next to bedroom two lends itself well as a child’s room or as a tranquil home office as it is located to the side of the building. Conveniently nearby, the family bathroom has been tiled in marble which runs up from the floor to the walls around the bath and shower, then across the vanity unit with the basin inlaid. This room sits sympathetically with the period characteristics of the property, while the fixtures and fittings are contemporary, and the tall sash window has been frosted for privacy.

The garden:

Far more spacious than many city gardens, this beautiful space spans the rear of the building, so it has width and depth with tall brick walls which bring a feel of an English country garden. Nicely low maintenance, shingle has been laid with a row or trees running along the rear wall, and well-established beds of palms and pretty shrubs sits close to the house. For dining alfresco, there is easy access from the kitchen, and for children, it is enclosed making it a safe space to play. There is a garden shed, although this could be replaced with a sizable home office – as if often the preference these days, and while it is technically north facing, it is open to the east and west to receive the sunshine in high season. For sunbathing, the beach and Hove Lawns become your front garden, but you can retreat to the house for intimate summer suppers in the evening.

Agent’s thoughts:
This is an incredible property which needs to be seen to be admired. With space and elegant features in abundance, it is full of character, and there remains scope for further improvements to add value in such a highly south after location. With a lovely walled garden and the beach and shops nearby, this property is sure to attract the attentions of many.

Owner’s secret
“The property has been in the family for many years, so we have made happy memories here. We have lived here for the past 18-months while we renovate our home, and we have enjoyed every minute with the beach on our doorstep and so much to do nearby. It is incredibly quiet due to the secondary sashes to the front, and once you are home, you feel a million miles from the city centre. For such a large property, it manages to feel homely, so we will really miss our time here.”

Where it is:
Shops: Local 1min walk, city centre 10 min walk
Train Station: Hove Station 10-12 min walk
Seafront or Park: Hove Lawns and the seafront are a 1 min walk
Closest Schools:
Primary: Brunswick Primary, Hove Primary School
Secondary: Hove Park, Blatchington Mill, Cardinal Newman RC
Private: Brighton College

This exceptionally spacious apartment is situated in a prestigious area with a huge variety of boutique shops, artisan eateries and a fantastic café culture nearby. The beach and Hove Lawns are also on your doorstep, as are some beautiful parks, and the city centre shopping districts and parks are also within easy reach. This apartment also offers easy access to Hove Station and the A23/A27 which have direct and fast links to the universities, airports and London.