Sitting in Brighton’s historic Regency Square Conservation Area, tucked away in the terraced streets between the sea and the city centre shops, stands this well-presented, two-bedroom ostlers’ cottage. It is a quaint house with an abundance of original and period features which have been blended with some modern styles and colours, yet the scope remains to add value with further renovation inside to bring it shining into the 21st Century.
If you love Brighton, then you cannot beat the location. The eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants of the city are just one minute up the hill, and the beach is literally a stone’s throw away. For home-seekers and investors, this house will be an attractive prospect.

Style: Ostlers Cottage (1830)
Type: 2 double bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 through living/dining room, 1 kitchen
Location: Regency Square Conservation Area
Floor Area: 700 sq ft
Outside: Rear garden
Parking: Residents Permit Zone Z

Why you’ll like it:
Built in 1830, it is one of the earlier properties built within the city. Along with the neighbouring cottage, it was originally the coachmen’s house for The Castle Inn at the top of the street which has since been converted into apartments and was one of the main Coaching Inns on the London to Brighton route. The Ostler (man employed to look after the horses of the people staying at the Inn) could move through the gate at the end of the garden (no longer in use) to the barn which is now The Little Theatre, to feed the horses in the stables in the Mews at the bottom of the street. So, this really is a property steeped in history with many stories to tell.
Castle Street is perfectly located within the city to access the high street shops, Brighton Station and the beach, so there is a real buzz about the place.
While some redecoration and renovation has been done to the property, you gain a real insight to the original character and feel of the house from the moment you enter. It has the sweet and quirky proportions that these period homes are known for, yet it manages to feel far more spacious inside that the exterior implies.
There is a period fireplace in every room as the house was built at a time before central heating – indeed, it only has a couple of electric heaters at present, so the addition of radiators and a combination boiler would add immediate value.
You enter from the street into a vestibule for hanging coats, then directly into the through living and dining room which spans the depth of the house. There are clearly defined areas for formal dining and relaxed seating, and the original wide floorboards have been painted a modern grey which will suit all styles of furnishings. Traditional cupboards sit either side of the chimney breast and a wide bow window faces west to bring in a lovely warm light during the afternoon.
To the rear of the dining area, French doors open to a courtyard patio which has space for a table and chairs to enjoy your morning coffee during more clement weather. This is also accessible from the kitchen which has a traditional, rustic feel with freestanding appliances, a period style cupboard and a freestanding ceramic sink unit. There is a hot water boiler for both the kitchen and the bathroom upstairs which has been wall mounted. Again, this room is an area where modernisation would add great value to the property.
Stairs lead up to the first-floor butterfly landing which leads first to the main bedroom at the front which shares the same westerly aspect and bow window as the living room below it. It is a lovely double with wooden floors, a high ceiling and a period fireplace, plus further cabinets have been built-in to the alcoves.
Bedroom two is a smaller double with the original wide boards underfoot and peaceful views over the gardens at the rear. The bathroom sits at the end of the landing, and while it is modern in comparison to the rest of the house, there are nods to the era with traditional style fixtures and fittings including a rainfall shower head and hand attachment. There is also ample space and plumbing for the washing machine in here.
With so many beautiful period details, too much modernisation would remove the character of this home, and any renovations would need to adhere to strict Conservation Area guidelines, meaning that exterior renovations or extensions are likely to be refused. Interior changes are easier to come by, although traditional methods and materials are preferred.

Agent’s thoughts:
“Steeped in history and brilliantly positioned within the city, this house already has lots going for it, and while it is ready to move straight into, it has potential to add further character and value with some modernisation.”

Owner’s secret:
“This property has been in our family since the 1970’s so it holds many dear memories for us. We have lived here as our home and it has been a successful rental too as the location is hugely convenient for so many. It is a beautiful property with such character and charm – we only hope others will continue to enjoy it for many years to come.”

Where it is:
Shops: Local 1 min walk, city centre 5 min walk
Train Station: Brighton Station 10-15 min walk
Seafront or Park: St Ann’s Well Gardens 7 min walk, Seafront 3 min walk
Closest Schools:
Primary: Brunswick Primary
Secondary: Hove Park, Blatchington Mill, Cardinal Newman RC
Private: Brighton College

This historic Ostlers’ cottage is situated in a popular area with lots of local shops and the beach on your doorstep. The city centre shopping districts and parks are also within easy reach, and this house also offers easy access to Brighton Station which has direct and fast links to the airports and London.