3 bedroom flat

Prettily painted with Victorian charm and a big, south facing garden at the back, this irresistible three bedroom maisonette also has plenty of stylish space and a sociable layout to enjoy inside. Tucked away on the first floor of a charming, terraced house it is a stylish retreat with a unique layout which flows well, balancing spacious rooms for entertaining with quiet, private bedrooms including what is an effectively a principal suite in a new extension – which has fabulous views over the city to the sea. None of the rooms are directly overlooked, which is unusual in this historic quarter, and the elegant living room has period grace, an open fire and easy access to a fabulous kitchen hand built by its craftsman owner. Clever interior design has created a bathroom convenient for guests as well as the first two double bedrooms, both of which, like the sunny garden, enjoy views across allotments at the back. Outside, the garden is a glorious sun trap which is far larger than most in these enclaves of tranquil terraces and is ideal for an al fresco lifestyle with a dining deck and child/pet friendly lawn. Hanover attracts professionals, families and investors as there is a choice of good primary schools within a five minute radius, major employers are within easy reach (Amex, the Police Station and Law centres are all within a 10 minute walk) the station serving Gatwick and London is 15 minutes on foot or 6 by cab and our beaches and glorious countryside of the National Park are easy to reach.

EPC: A
Council Tax: C

Hanover is known for its friendly, pro-organic community, artistic events and quiet convenience, and this pretty home with discreet timber framed double glazing in keeping with the conservation area has plenty of kerb appeal – and its own separate entrance. Inside is far bigger than it looks from the quiet street, and the stripped broad staircase and subtle hues of Little & Greene introduce you to the sophisticated but also refreshingly practical interiors.

Ahead, at the heart of the home, a high ceiling and broad window ensure the elegant living/dining room is a cheerful retreat to return to by day, whilst at night, dimmer switches, old school style radiator and open fire turn this room into a warm and welcoming refuge in which to relax or share with friends and family. Linked to the kitchen by a passage lit by a strip of cool led lights with wood continuing underfoot for a seamless in/out flow, the kitchen is bright with a choice of ambient lighting and opens to a balcony which steps down to the garden. Skilfully designed and built by the carpenter craftsman owner guided by the light, practical touch of a partner who likes to host, there is plenty of storage and working surfaces, a hose tap and integrated dishwasher, and the good news is that as they are relocating, they are happy to discuss all the white goods including the multi fuel stove, fridge, freezer and washer/drier. At the far end of the kitchen, the luxury bathroom is good to go with a shower above the contemporary bath and a designer hand basin which rests on a unique cabinet. There is a sleek warming rail for towels, and it is worth noting that both the kitchen and bathroom were reroofed recently.

Outside, the beautifully landscaped garden is a rare, south facing oasis, both child and pet secure with fencing and a gate to separate the wide steps from the main area. There is a lawn bordered by mature planting for all year interest and at the far end, a sun deck is ideal for al fresco entertaining. Backing on to allotments, you can relax in sunny seclusion and forget that the city is just a 4 minute stroll down the hill.

Returning to the central hallway, two double bedrooms are peaceful and private at the back, looking over a sea of gardens to the large, leafy allotments and although both have plenty of floorspace to play with, the larger room also has access to discreet overhead storage which stretches above the full length of the passageway to the kitchen.

Off the living room, a secluded staircase leads to the new extension at the top of the house (Building Regs have just been signed off) where a dormer window folds away to embrace a magnificent view which sweeps across the city to the sea – and which glitters at night. In the North roofline, a large Velux frames the lower streets allowing an open vista to glimpses of the rolling countryside which surrounds our city. Limed oak is underfoot, the ceiling is vaulted and there is generous under eave storage. Not to be outshone, the chic shower room is wet room in style with high end fittings including handmade copper taps and warming rail for towels.

Agent says:
“People are beginning to realise that Hanover delivers quiet, spacious homes with swift access into or out of the city - with the heart of the city easy to reach on foot. This exceptionally stylish house also offers plenty of space if you work from home, or if you commute, the station is nearby.”

Owner’s secret:
“Because we are on a hill we enjoy uninterrupted light, and with allotments behind and no building directly opposite, we are unusually private and have great views sweeping to the sea at the back – and you can see the Downs from the principal bedroom too. All of the rooms are good sizes and once you get used to the layout, it works really well for us a family as well as when entertaining and friends love our garden as it is sunny and quiet, so it is easy to forget that this location is very central. The street is friendly and has a mix of people in it as this is a great spot if you don’t have children too -it bridges Kemptown’s beaches to the green of the Level and city centre; there is always something to do and in the evenings, you won’t need to use the car to go to restaurants or theatres as you can walk or bus everywhere.”

What’s around you:
Shops: Local 2 minutes, North Laine about 10 to walk.
Train Station: Brighton mainline 15 on foot, 6 by cab.
Seafront or park: The Level 4 minutes on foot. Seafront about 5 minutes’ by car.

Closest schools:
Primary: Elm Grove, St Luke’s, Fairlight.
Secondary: Varndean/Dorothy Stringer.
Private: Brighton College.

Hanover is known for its organic shops and bistro pubs and its easy access to both the Level and Queen’s Park, which both hold events during the arts festivals, and are full of locals enjoying the green spaces, playground and cafes. Within a reasonable walking distance of good schools including St Luke’s and Brighton College, it is ideal for professionals as Kemptown, bordered by beaches, is on the doorstep which hosts Amex and the hospitals, and has a relaxed café culture as well as useful amenities. The famous Lanes, international business district and cosmopolitan Marina are all swift to reach. For commuters, the station serving Gatwick and London is about 15 minutes by bus, there is no waiting list for V zone parking and at the bottom of the hill, both London Road or Lewes Road will take you straight into or out of the city.