Set behind a classical stuccoed façade, this sea-facing two-bedroom apartment lies on the raised ground floor of a handsome Regency townhouse in St Leonards-on-Sea. Wonderfully situated on the promenade, the interiors are flooded with natural light, which bounces off the uninterrupted waterfront.  The current owners have been careful to respect the early 19th-century integrity of the building while incorporating contemporary additions like a beautiful modern kitchen. The apartment is perfectly located—equidistant from St Leonards Warrior Square and West St Leonards.

Setting the Scene

The town of St Leonards-on-Sea was originally designed and laid out by James Burton and later his son, Decimus (the famed architect responsible for much of Regent's Park and Piccadilly in London). The area is now an amalgamation of architectural styles dotted with Georgian stuccoed townhouses overlooking the ocean. Built at the end of the Regency era and on the cusp of the Victorian era, this row of townhouses on Marina was built at the area's height as a fashionable seaside resort. For more information, please see the History section below.

The Grand Tour

The building has retained its Regency grandeur since being converted into apartments, as seen in the imposing ceiling heights and original cornicing in the grand communal hallway. This leads to the apartment's front door, which opens to the central corridor, and into a voluminous reception room. This space is defined by its excellent quality of natural light, which filters through an expansive bay window overlooking the sea. Oak flooring adds warmth underfoot, and original intricate cornicing adds interest above. At the back of this room, the current owners have recently fitted a kitchen. Cabinetry is painted cream, with solid timber worksurfaces, an inset butler's sink, and integrated appliances. The walls are painted a soothing blue, mirroring the great expanse of sky and ocean framed by the window.

Next door is the large primary bedroom. Originally thought to have been a library, or small breakfast room, the space retains its high ceilings and original cornicing, and large sash windows overlook a small internal courtyard. At the far end of the plan is a light and bright second bedroom with dual-aspect windows. Built-in wardrobes add useful storage, and walls are covered in vibrant blue wallpaper.

Sitting between both bedrooms is an airy newly-fitted bathroom. Around the bath, with its overhead shower, are pastel yellow tiles, while, in front, a panel is made from an antique mirror board. Stripped floorboards, a vanity and a WC complement the space.

Out and About

St Leonards-on-Sea is a veritable hub of galleries and restaurants. Nearby are the Hastings Antique Centre, Lucy Bell Gallery, Project 78 Gallery and the Fleet Gallery. For the culinarily inclined, Galleria Seafood Bar, Tommy's Pizzeria, and St. Clements Restaurant - the Kino Teatr and Heist Market are also within strolling distance from Furze Croft.

Hastings is nearby, as is Bexhill-on-Sea (home to the De La Warr Pavilion). The area’s expansion as a creative hub is best epitomised by the additions of the Jerwood gallery by HAT Projects, which opened in 2012, and a new pier by dRMM, which opened in 2016 and was awarded the 2017 Stirling Prize for architecture.

Trains run from St. Leonards Warrior Square to London Bridge and Charing Cross (journey times approximately 90 minutes) and Brighton (journey time around one hour).

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Underlying Lease Length: approx. 986 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £1,320 pa
Ground Rent: n/a
Council Tax Band: A