A private paradise set in its own large, gated grounds, this Art & Crafts 5 bedroom detached house with sea views from the principal suite’s terrace is secreted away in an exclusive road behind an impressive front garden with a double garage and off street parking for several guests.

On the market for the first time in 30 years the location is prime with 3 stations serving Gatwick and London within a 7 minute cab ride and it comes with an easy, exclusive lifestyle as there is a choice of good primary, secondary schools and sixth form colleges within a 5 minute radius- and the sports facilities, playground and café of Hove Park are an easy walk.

Inside has graceful proportions, and charming period features include a galleried hallway and wood panelled dining room.

Effortlessly elegant, the spacious reception opens to a covered veranda for all weather entertaining and beautifully designed for a social flow, most of the ground floor rooms lead into the grounds, including a sun/playroom, secluded home office and a glamorous kitchen, dining, and family room which has a contemporary designer finish complete with a glass curtain wall which folds away.

Upstairs, three of the four family bedrooms are comfortable doubles, the other a generous single, and the private principal suite spans the entire west wing of the house, culminating in a romantic roof terrace with views which sweep over the city to open countryside and the sea.

Hove Park is one of the most prestigious area of the city and attracts professionals and families with swift access into or out of the city centre, and properties here do not appear on the market often.

Style: Detached 1930’s house, improved and extended
Type: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms +cloakroom, reception, sunroom, kitchen/diner/family room, home office, utility
Area: Hove Park
Outside Space: Large wrap around gardens, covered veranda, roof terrace
Parking: Double garage, off street

Why you’ll like it:
Celebrating this building’s Arts & Crafts heritage with hung tiles, oak framed porch and both original and discreetly double glazed leaded windows this characterful house is secure behind a sliding gate and is set back behind a hard standing for guests’ cars, the integrated double garage and charming mature gardens. Inside, the unusually large hallway impresses and has a deep cupboard by the front door as well as a boot room and a cloakroom tucked away.

The reception and sunroom:
Sunlight streams through an elegant reception which spans the full width of this substantial building, so there is ample space for relaxing in quiet seclusion or sophisticated entertaining. Diamond drop windows line the front wall and at the back, floor to ceiling doors slide across to bring the outside in. Classic wood is underfoot to enable a seamless in/out flow and a room for all seasons, there is a living flame gas fire in an intricately carved fireplace.
French doors connect the living room to the big, bright sunroom which frames the glory of the gardens and which has performed many functions over the years including being a child friendly playroom with a solid wood floor and doors l
leading out to the grounds.

The family kitchen diner, dining room and utility:
Designed to entertain in fabulous, international style the spectacular family kitchen/dining room is wired for sound and has a corner wall of glass which folds completely away to the scented planting and dynamic landscaping of the sunny dining terrace and garden. Striking slate is underfoot, allowing free reign to go in or out and with a choice of lighting levels it is party perfect. An expert eye has ensured that the working area of the discreetly expensive streamlined kitchen is safely tucked away from the garden flow and the attention to detail continues in the expertly practical layout. A gift for gourmets, the Neff oven and grill are at eye level, the micro/combi has a warming tray, there is a gorgeous coffee machine and designated space for a dishwasher and American style fridge/freezer.

Next door, the formal dining room is a classic beauty with traditional oak panelling and garden views. There is plenty of floorspace to play with even with the current owner’s table seating 8 in comfort in it, and you can enjoy your very own Downton moment when you press the bell in the wall which connects to an original 1930’s board above the kitchen door.
Heading back to the kitchen, at the far end a good sized utility room has natural light, and a central lobby has access to the side path. Ahead, the private home office is a cool retreat which is not overlooked and French doors take you to the garden when work is done.

The gardens:
Embracing the house, the gardens are a tranquil refuge. At the front, statement planting around the large south lawn and broad paved hard standing which becomes a seating area sets the bar high, and a driveway leads to the lit double garage which has power so you could install a car charger.

At the back, the garden is skilfully designed for all year entertaining with a both a vast paved terrace for having fun in the sun and a covered veranda – with a fruit and vegetable bed close by so fresh food and herbs can go straight to the table. Broad steps rise gently to central seating area and a child and pet friendly lawn made private by mature shrubs and trees. With nooks and crannies to explore and plenty of space to play it is planted out for all year interest, and surrounded by floral scents and listening to birdsong it’s easy to forget that you are just minutes from the centre of our famous coastal resort.

Four family bedrooms and bathroom:
Up a stately staircase this restful house spreads its wings from east to west and has a central bathroom where the white suite includes a bidet and has brass fittings including a shower attachment on the bath. Serving your every need, there is a warming rail for towels, a shaving point, a cabinet beneath the hand basin and a separate w.c. At the front of the house, two comfortable double bedrooms have plenty of character of their own, leafy views and hand basins and at the back, the third double bedroom, with custom made floor to ceiling wardrobes and a sink looks over a sea of gardens. Next door, the peaceful nursery is a generous single with organised storage and also enjoys the garden.

The principal suite:
All about relaxing in a verdant setting, the principal bedroom spans the entire west wing of the home, opening to a magnificent roof terrace at the back where the vista sweeps over treetops across the city to the sea and the downland which border our thriving metropolis. Inside, the soothing bedroom has a Mediterranean influence and although there are fitted wardrobes in the main space, it opens to a glamorous dressing room with sophisticated walk in closets on both sides. Not to be outshone, the en suite is large enough for both a whirlpool bath with a wand shower and separate wet room style walk in shower, and has high end fittings and spa like finish.

Agent says:
“This spacious home is in a prestigious location on an unusually large plot. Inside, big, bright rooms will be easy to make your own and offer a sociable flow and flexible options, and the beautiful garden is one of the largest we have seen.”

Owner’s secret:
“Warm in winter but cool and airy during summer, this house has suited our sociable lifestyle as well as our busy work/family schedules as it has private parking, easy access to schools, parks and the al fresco lifestyle and arts venues that Brighton has to offer as well as almost 24hr transport links to the stations and airports, but you return to peace and quiet.”

Where it is:
Shops: Local Matlock Road or Tesco 1 minute
Station: Hove Station 5 by car, Preston Park is 6 (10 on foot), Brighton is 7
Seafront or Park: Hove Park 2 by car, beach 10
Closest schools:
Primary: Cottesmore St Mary R.C, Bilingual
Secondary: Hove Park, Cardinal Newman,
Sixth Form: BHASVIC, Cardinal Newman
Private: Windlesham Prep, Lancing Prep, Brighton College, Brighton & Hove High, Lewes Old Grammar

Hove Park is an exclusive area of the city between the beaches of our legendary coastal resort and the 1, 627km2 of country walks, bridle paths and star filled nights of the South Downs National Park. Although the vibrant city centre is just minutes away, this sought after road is quiet with plenty of amenities nearby. Local schools are good including the Bilingual school and there’s easy access to some of the best private schools in the country as well, including Lancing Prep and Brighton College with school buses or bus routes allowing older children some independence. Hove Park itself is at the bottom of the road with a playground and café full of local parents as well as 3 football pitches, 7 tennis courts and a basketball court. Hove Recreation ground is a short stroll with plenty of sports facilities, friendly community and café of its own. Brighton, Preston Park and Hove Stations serving the airports and London are all easy to reach by car, bus or cab and the A23/M23 as well as the A27 to the Amex Stadium are quick to get to.