Characterised by individual, substantial homes sitting elevated on the hill looking out to sea, the coast road between Kemptown and Ovingdean has an air of exclusivity. This uniquely beautiful home holds prime position on the road with uninterrupted views over Brighton Marina. It feels private on approach set back from the road and slightly lower, with two driveways leading to both a double garage and a single garage for secure parking.
With symmetry in its design, the façade is tripe gabled with glazing running down the central line to the portico, pillared front door. From inside, this creates a beautiful light which filters through the triple height stairwell and through the depth of the house – a stunning feature of this property. Tropical palm trees soften the linear form of the house, and a video intercom system allows access.
As far as the eye can see land, the garden stretches back over four deep terraces with an Indian sandstone patio and steps close to the house for alfresco dining, stepping down to a large lawn where children can play in safety. From here, steps lead down to the heated swimming pool which is not overlooked in the slightest due to mature borders on both sides. Wildflowers and orchard trees can be found further down, alongside scented lavender, a potting shed and the plant room for the pool. Magical for children, the wild garden has a small copse of trees to hide-and-seek, then a path leads through the shrubs to hidden steps and a gate out towards the seafront road and Marina.
Stepping in through the front door, your line of sight takes you through the grand depth of the house where a wall of glazing frames views over the glorious garden to the sea. From the entrance vestibule, there is access from the double garage, a separate ground floor cloakroom, and to a kitchenette room leading through to the single garage. Solid stone floors lead on to the magnificent hallway where your line of sight takes you up through the triple height stairwell and past the bridge landing, but also through a wide door to the south where a sweeping staircase descends to the lower level.
Sitting either side of the stairs to the lower level are two distinct reception rooms partitioned by a glass wall which can slide into a hidden pocket to open up the whole space. Spaces for all seasons, there are homely seating areas around the contemporary gas fire, then during summer, three sets of sliding doors open to reveal the sun terrace which becomes a beautiful extension of the home. Dove-grey carpet is soft underfoot and sun blinds dress the windows to filter sunlight in the height of the day. To the right, a study with bespoke bookshelves offers a versatile space for quiet reflection, for play or as a movie room snug with double doors to divide it from the main reception rooms.
Stepping down to the lower floor from the fanned staircase, you are greeted into the exceptional formal dining room where solid stone floors are cool underfoot. These unique floor tiles hold millenniums of treasures with fossilised ammonites to be discovered at every step. They run throughout the ground floor and into the kitchen where timeless Shaker cabinets provide a wealth of storage alongside a central island topped with granite, above a glass wall of back-lit bricks which set the atmosphere while entertaining at night. Every appliance is integrated for you and freestanding pieces can stay.
Completing this floor within the east and westerly wings are substantial storage rooms, pantries and a vast utility room with washing machine and dryer. A ground floor shower room is ideal post-swim, and a separate staircase rises from the kitchen to the double garage for bringing in the food shopping with ease.
From the first-floor galleried landing there are four en suite double bedrooms. Two facing south with sliding door access to the deep, full width balcony with glass balustrade to ensure uninterrupted views along the coast – a joy to wake up to each day. These rooms can be considered as principal rooms, both enjoying walk-in dressing rooms alongside beautifully appointed en suite bathrooms. A further two king size bedrooms can be found across the bridge on the tranquil street facing side, all decorated in restful hues of dove-grey and soft white to suit many styles of modern furnishing.
Forming the entire third floor, the annexed apartment may not be completely self-contained, but it offers a versatile living space to be used as guest accommodation, for long-term staying relatives or for the family au pair. There are two double bedrooms, both equally sized with vaulted ceilings, a huge amount of built-in eaves storage and far-reaching views across the local landscape. From the generous living and dining room, doors open to the upper balcony where the views only improve, taking your line of sight along the coast, where on a clear day you can see the Isle of Wight. A separate kitchen has everything you need in white streamlined cabinetry fitted with appliances, and the bathroom has timeless appeal with a shower over a white bath suite and a large Velux window through which you can star gaze, whiling away the hours in a bubble bath.
Education:
Primary: St Margarets’s CofE, Our Lady of Lourdes RC
Secondary: Longhill High, Cardinal Newman RC
Sixth Form Colleges: BHASVIC, Newman College, MET, Varndean Sixth Form
Private: Roedean School, Brighton College & Prep, Montessori School, Lancing College
This stunning property is just a stroll from the fashionable Kemp Town Village which hosts the hospital and highly acclaimed schools including the award-winning Brighton College. Brighton’s famous Marina is a few minutes away with a myriad of restaurants to choose from as well as a cinema, a health club and a casino. The law courts and Amex Business Centre are also nearby, as are the Downs, East Brighton Park and 72 par golf course. It is also close to several bus routes serving the city centre, the coast and Brighton Station, with its fast links to Gatwick and London, and for those who need to commute by car, the A23 and A27 are both readily accessible.
Only slightly further afield are the colourful streets and bustling cafés of Brighton’s North Laine, a 10-minute drive away, and the South Downs are quite literally on the doorstep for hikers, cyclists, horse riding and dog walks.
