GUIDE PRICE: £650,000--£700,000.

INTERNAL VIEWING AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.

VACANT POSSESSION.

Hidden behind historic walls this unique, two bedroom detached house with charming grounds and a modern garage is an intriguing Gothic treasure in a convenient city setting. Private at the end of a no through road it is a rare example of a Victorian lodge amalgamated into an exclusive development of luxury homes centred around the 1860’s Withdean Hall – and a protective eye has ensured that glorious architectural features remain unspoilt. Inside, ceilings are high and spaces voluminous with a classic gas wood burner in a stylish reception and a beautiful conservatory/dining room wraps around a feel good kitchen at the heart of the home. Upstairs, windows soar in the two double bedrooms whilst below the entrance hall, a big cellar provides food for thought. Bought as an investment some years ago it needs a little TLC but comfortable as it is, time is on your side and its location is hard to beat on London Road which takes you into or out of the city in minutes. A 9 minute walk – or 2 minute drive- to Preston Park Station with direct trains to Gatwick and London, and between the lilac scented walks of Withdean Park and the 63 acres of Preston Park which offers sports facilities, a playground, café and arts events it is close to the amenities of Preston Park Village (which also has a small Sainsbury’s) in a good school catchment area.

Style Detached lodge
Type 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception, dining room, kitchen, cellar
Area Preston Park
Floor Area 1271sq.ft
Outside Space Gardens wrapping 2 sides, west at the front
Parking Garage

Why you’ll like it:
Private and secure at the end of a leafy no through road and by a pond with a waterfall, this unique property offers a discreetly glamorous lifestyle as you step through the gate or sweep into the garage. Inside, a tiled lobby opens to a spacious hallway where a sun burst of wrought iron adorns wide stairs, gothic windows display etched glass and stripped wood underfoot welcomes guests, children and pets.

Ahead, an inviting reception has two large windows in two walls to bring in the Sussex sunshine and garden views, framed by magnificent arched columns built into the corner of the original building -which is an architect’s dream. A room of understated elegance and for all seasons, a gas fire in a wood burner style brings warmth as well as character, and shelving provides space for your treasures.

Next door and wrapping around the older part of the building, sunlight streams through a conservatory with a wall of glass and triple skylights where guests can enjoy the garden and dine in complete seclusion beneath the night sky. There’s a relaxing blend of natural wood and slate flooring, the beautiful brick work of the columns remains exposed and the space has both a door to the kitchen and a hatch – which can be closed to conceal any clearing up. Ideal for entertaining, broad central doors ensure a seamless flow into the garden for the al fresco lifestyle our city is famous for.

Outside, the garden is paved for ease of maintenance with raised beds for scented climbers and a fishpond. Party perfect with an area for sitting in the cool shade beneath a mature magnolia tree or enjoying lunch in the sun, the grounds wrap around to the west and are open to the south with the brick arches forming a sheltered colonnade during the British summers. A pedestrian gate opens to the verdant estate whilst a second, locked gate delivers direct access to London Road.

Returning inside, at the far end of the dining area is the door to the garage which has a window and power, and the modern kitchen (which can also be reached through the hall) is ahead, at the heart of the home. Painted units topped by practical surfaces deliver plentiful storage and although we all want to create a kitchen of our own design time is on your side as it is thoughtfully planned with everything to hand from the gas hob and electric cooker beneath a hood. A freezer and wine rack are also integrated for you, there is designated space for an under counter fridge and plumbing for a dishwasher and washing machine. Tucked away, a shower room has all you need including stately brass fittings and natural light.

At the foot of the stairs, hidden steps lead down to the cellar which has a wood floor, heating and power as well as a second, secret storage area whilst at the top of the staircase, an airy bathroom is prettily tiled with a shower above the bath, warming rail for towels and an airing cupboard. On each side of the first floor landing, two vaulted double bedrooms each have generous floorspace and two windows which reach the roofline which soars overhead. Simple but stylish, the guest room has a fitted closet whilst the restful principal has two walls of custom made storage including a dressing table, so you can move straight in.

Agent says:
“This detached house is absolutely unique with a sociable layout and spacious gardens, and it is the kind of property where you can spend as little or as much as you want to make it very special.”

Owner’s secret:
“Preston Park has a top spot in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide as it has plenty of local amenities and access into or out of the city is swift. Well served for buses so you don’t have to use the car at weekends, and surrounded by parks, the estate itself is also very leafy and pleasant to return to, and the house is very private and secure.”

What’s around you:
Shops: 2 minutes to Sainsbury’s and village shops
Train Station: Preston Park Station 2 minutes by cab, 9 to walk
Seafront or Park: Withdean Park 10 minutes’ walk, sea about 10 minutes by car
Closest schools:
Primary: St Bernadette’s R.C., Balfour
Secondary: Varndean, Dorothy Stringer
Private: Brighton College, Brighton & Hove High

This prestigious location between Withdean Park and the cafes and small Sainsbury’s at Preston Village is also just a 10-15 minute stroll from the 63 acres of Preston Park which has football pitches, basketball courts, tennis courts, cycle velodrome, cafe and large open spaces hosting arts events during our legendary festivals. Both the beach and countryside of the South Downs are just a short drive and you have the best of all worlds with the vibrant arts venues, international restaurants and famous shopping of the city all easy to reach, good local primary and secondary schools within walking distance, and for those who need to commute, the station servicing Gatwick and London is 2 minutes by cab or there’s swift access to the A23/A27.