Embracing uninterrupted views of the English Channel from its ground and first floor wrought iron balconies, this gracious 7 bedroom Regency home has a rare, south facing garden and is one of a pair attributed to the legendary partnership of Busby and Wilds, now Grade II listed to acknowledge their classic beauty. Forming all but the lower floor of this majestic building, new life breathes through this 1825 masterpiece where harmonious proportions and precious features – including open fireplaces- are allowed to shine.
Sensitively restored to its former glory you can enjoy entertaining friends and family in a ground floor kitchen diner and majestic reception which opens to the sun and the sea, whilst deceptively simple design and restrained decoration deliver a sophisticated yet practical lifestyle with a spacious utility, 6 family rooms and a library offering flexible options, whilst the fabulous principal suite has a dressing room, luxury bathroom and picture perfect vista.
In a sought after area of our fashionable coastal city, Kemptown Village has a vibrant café culture and hosts the County Hospital and some of the best schools in the country, including Brighton College. Beach bars, beachball courts and the waterfront restaurants of the Marina are easy to reach via the seasonal Dolphin lift, a scenic 15 minute stroll along the seafront takes you to the picturesque Georgian Lanes and cultural heart of the city, and the station serving the airports and London are easy to reach on foot, by bus or by cab.

This iconic, bow fronted Regency building opposite the beach is a special find within an historic quarter of the city favoured by celebrities who like its laid back atmosphere and discretion. One of only a select few within the city on the seafront which has a south facing garden, it is set well back from a small service road with permit perking and is made private by exotic planting. Up a few steps, the entrance to what is effectively a magnificent Regency house is through the original front door.

The entrance hall, kitchen diner and utility:

This special home offers the understated elegance only a Georgian property can provide. Inside, restored wood floors and successive arches span a hall which stretches over 1.2m from side to side and introduce you to the timeless interiors of this classic beauty, where lion heads guard the doorway into the light filled kitchen diner.

With glorious views over the manicured gardens to the sea, tall windows with their original shutters almost fill the bow of the south wall and slide up to a sheltered balcony ideal for al fresco dining whilst enjoying a glittering vista which sweeps from east to west.
Inside, a large welcoming space of double depth has plenty of room for a large table for entertaining or where the children can join you as you create the incentive to finish their homework. High above your head, the ceiling is adorned by a delicate frieze, the ornate fireplace by the dining area, one of two, is open and dimmer switches provide ambient lighting.

Beyond a central opening decorated by pilasters, traditional shaker cabinets conceal clever storage solutions, wood surfaces are family friendly and a central island invites company. High end integrated appliances include a hose tap, dishwasher, fridge and freezer and the magnificent Belling multi fuel range could stay, subject to circumstance.

At the end of the hallway, past an under stair area big enough for bicycles, an unusually large utility room has been designed with care and has extra storage, natural light and a butler’s sink as well as plumbing for two machines.

The first floor landing:

At the top of the stately staircase, an inner lobby has floor to ceiling storage on one side and chic cloakroom on the other. Lined with windows in the east wall, the first of the double bedrooms is currently used as a comfortable home office.

The first floor reception and library:

With arched doorways which almost reach a ceiling which soars to a stunning 3.227m above your head, the reception is the crowning glory of this beautiful home. Spanning the full width of the building there is ample space in which to spread your wings and the triple windows following the curve of the building lead out to a quintessential balcony with glorious views over open water, reminding you why people long to live in this vibrant coastal resort.

As the windows stretch from the intricate frieze to the broad, blonde floorboards, (which hide extra power points) you can also enjoy the winter storms whilst sitting by the marble fireplace, which we are told is open. Next door, the peaceful reading room also has a majestic fireplace and plentiful shelving has been custom made so it does not disturb the detailed frieze decorating the ceiling.

The second floor landing:

With plenty of character of its own and views along the exposed bungaroosh of the back wall, the second of the double bedrooms is private and quiet, and we understand that there some pipes may have been fitted when a previous owner considered installing another bathroom.

The principal suite:

A private paradise, the second floor is all about relaxing in a spectacular setting. Sea views pour through the master bedroom through windows so large that you can enjoy the sparkling English Channel even from bed. The ceiling is lofty and the room restful with an Art Deco fireplace acknowledging the evolution of this historic home. A sliding door reveals an expertly planned dressing room which leads to a stylish bathroom with a Juliette balcony where you bathe in glory and complete seclusion in a claw footed, roll top bath or refresh and revive beneath a separate, dual head shower.

Two third floor bedrooms:

Both generous double bedrooms, unusually for this prime seafront location, neither of them are directly overlooked. At the back, the bedroom has calm decoration and open views whilst at the front, painted beams bring a nautical flavour to a room which looks out over the ocean, and it is uplifting as you can also see people having fun on the beach as you approach the three tall windows.

Two top floor bedrooms and bathroom:

Up a private staircase to what would have once been staff quarters, a contemporary, arched bathroom has a wet room style shower with a rainfall head and a wand, as well as a raised bath beneath skylights.

Next door, the sixth bedroom at the back has lots of floorspace even with a double bed in it and at the front, opening to a small parapet, the vaulted seventh bedroom is irresistibly light and airy with the roofline studded with Velux windows to bring in the Sussex sunshine and our famous starry skies.

Council tax band: G
EPC rating: Exempt
Tenure: Freehold

Agent says:

“Steeped in history, this Regency property is a once in a lifetime buy as very few of this size and quality have retained the layout of the original house from the ground floor to the top – in this case 5 whole storeys.”

Owner’s secret:

“Every room is big and bright so we have been able to enjoy growing plenty of interesting plants here. Living by the sea is inspiring and we love to wade out at low tide for a swim or watch the boats on the water from the sun trap balcony, and there are plenty of sporting activities for children along the seafront or in Queen’s Park, which is just a short walk. Kemptown Village is friendly with good schools and great shops. Brighton is brilliant to live in with so much music, theatre and many good restaurants."

Where it is:

Shops: Kemptown Village 2 minutes, The Lanes 15 minute walk, 5 by cab

Train Station: Brighton 10 -15 by bus

Seafront or Park: Seafront 3 minutes, Queen’s Park 8

Closest Schools:

Primary: St Luke’s, Queen’s Park

Secondary: Varndean or Dorothy Stringer

Private: Brighton College

Brighton & Hove is a party resort known for its beaches, arts festivals and international shopping – but also for its unique history, cosmopolitan cultural centre and warm, inclusive community. Built on hills and surrounded by the South Downs National Park we attract professionals and families seeking fresh air, good schools and a vibrant lifestyle. Kemptown Village has an eclectic mix of al fresco cafés, shops, restaurants and even a farmer’s market and it is bordered by the sea with a seasonal lift down to the beach. Hosting the County Hospital and world famous Brighton College, it is within walking distance of the city centre, although there are local buses and plentiful permit parking with no waiting list in zone H.