With a leafy setting at the front and scented sun trap at the back, this charming two bedroom townhouse with both off street parking and a garage is a special find – and it also has access to a secret garden for the residents of this quiet terrace just a five minute stroll from the station and 2 from the al fresco lifestyle of Queen’s Road and North Laine. Sea views shimmer from the first floor Juliette balcony and principle bedroom, and on the market for the first time in 20 years, this loved home will ignite your inner designer with a sophisticated layout and chic vintage 70’s vibe. The light filled living space delivers a cool, open plan lifestyle and upstairs the two bedrooms are separated by the bathroom – ideal for guests or sharers as they do not share a wall. With so much square footage it offers flexible options and the ground floor with a cloakroom, huge storage area and garage with power and plumbing raises interesting possibilities about an annexe STC.

Radiating charm even from the kerb, this end of terrace house with double glazing is bright and cheerful with a sunny east/west orientation and windows to the side, too. One of only a tiny number of houses in this historic quarter with parking, this rare beauty has not one but two off street spaces- plus a garage!

Inside, the broad hallway has solid wood flooring and a cloakroom with natural light and ahead an unusually large storage area has access to the garage which has both power and water. Currently housing utility machines but still with space for a small car and bikes it is worth noting that some of the neighbouring properties have converted this space into a third bedroom which would be ideal for guests or as a home office as visitors could come and go without disturbing the main house, but could also become part of an annexe, STC.

On the first floor, this home really spreads it wings in a glamorous, open plan living room which invites company as it spans from front to back with a stained glass window on the side to flood the space with even more light. Looking east, the balcony is ideal for friends to spill out to enjoy open views of the city sweeping to the sea, and inside has ample floorspace to create defined areas to share or to relax in. At the far end of the room, the west wall is almost all glass doors which frame the verdant garden and tucked away from the social flow, the kitchen has classy, authentic vintage style and practical working surfaces – and the designer light above the adjacent dining area, which is original to this fabulous house, will stay. Skilfully planned by a couple with a love of friends, family and cooking the peninsular islands provide ample, organised storage and everything flows from the Zanussi freestanding multi fuel oven, which could stay subject to circumstance – as can the steel Smeg dishwasher.

Outside, the garden is a peaceful oasis full of birdsong in the heart of the city, beautifully created and tended to by its creative owner with decking underfoot, flower beds to bring scent and delicate foliage of a mature olive tree and sculptural yellow broom tree to provide dappled shade in this west facing sun trap which is large enough for a table and chairs. Child and pet secure, this tranquil garden also has a direct gate to a spacious, private paradise encased by hedges, shared only by the residents of this small, friendly community with its own association, were you to be interested in joining in.

Quiet and comfortable at the top, the first of the double bedrooms is pretty in pink with fitted wardrobes and glorious leafy views as far as the eye can see, which makes it completely private. Next door the central bathroom has natural light, a shower above the bath, a heated rail for towels, shaving point and user friendly non- slip floor as well as a vanity unit beneath the hand basin and stylish arrangement of a mirror and twin cabinets over it. Stretching the full width of this substantial house, the principle bedroom is all you could dream of with a whole wall of wardrobes and it is not directly overlooked with restful open views over a glittering cityscape to the sea.

Agent says:

“Unbelievably quiet but with schools, parks, city and station on the doorstep, houses on this exclusive one way street of modern properties do not come on the market often- and sell fast, and this unique townhouse with oblique sea views has rare parking, a private sunny garden and access to lawned, leafy communal grounds.”

Owner’s secret:

“This has been a happy home for many years with plenty of space inside and out for celebrating friends and family. A five minute walk (or 2 minute run!) to the station with bus routes to every part of the city has made professional life easy, and at the foot of the North Laine it was lovely to meet at the end of the day in one of the many local restaurants or bars after work. Neighbours have become friends and family life is effortless with parks, good schools and shops all within easy reach. – as well as access to the spacious communal garden for larger gatherings or if children come to play. The sunny garden becomes another room during summer where we can entertain in private and it is an inviting home for all seasons with double glazing and central heating.”

What’s around you:

Shops: Queen’s Road/North Laine 2 minute walk

Train Station: Brighton mainline a 5 minute walk

Seafront or Park: Seafront about a 10 minute walk, St. Nicholas Rest Gardens 3 minutes

Closest schools:

Primary: St Paul’s C of E

Secondary: Cardinal Newman

Private: Brighton College, Brighton and Hove High

Within a 5 minute walk of the station and buses covering the whole of Brighton & Hove, this inviting location is just minutes from – but out of hearing of -the world famous shops, clubs, bars and restaurants of our legendary coastal resort as well as the relaxed, al fresco lifestyle of the North Laine. Conveniently located for parks that provide cool green spaces and host numerous arts events all year round, local schools are good and for those who love the outdoors, the beach, surrounding Downland and cosmopolitan Marina- with waterfront restaurants- are easy to reach. For those who commute by car, there’s rare parking which you could rent if you do not need a car and easy access to the A23 and A27.