With access to 7.5 acres of exclusive garden enclosures with a tunnel to the beach, this luxury studio apartment in Kemp’s seafront masterpiece Lewes Crescent is a dream first buy or high end investment with glorious Regency proportions and stylish contemporary design. On the cusp of the gracious sweep from the Crescent to Sussex Square, this beautiful building lived in by its builder Thomas Cubitt is Grade I listed and this light and spacious apartment with a separate kitchen and bathroom has plenty of space in which to spread your wings - and a mezzanine sleeping platform for guests. With an entrance to both front and back it is a stroll to shops and an al fresco lifestyle, within an 8 minute walk of The Royal County Hospital, and Brighton Station’s direct trains to Gatwick and London are 10 minutes by cab (about 15-20 by bus).

Perfect for health professionals, teachers or local professionals, as well as the hospital Brighton College and Amex are within walking distance and East Brighton Park with playing fields and country walks are also just minutes away. Historic Kemptown has plenty of amenities including a weekly farmer’s market, and the area is well served for green spaces which hold events during our legendary festivals. A scenic seafront stroll will take you to the waterfront restaurants of the Marina whilst the picturesque cultural heart of the city is a 20-25 minute promenade by the sea or along St James’s street (on the Pride route) or usually just a 7-10 minute drive.

Council Tax: A

Conceived by Thomas Kemp, designed by Busby and Wilds and built by Thomas Cubitt between 1823-1827 as Belgravia by the Sea, Grade I listed Lewes Crescent is recognised as one of the of the UK’s most important Regency treasures and is one of only a few in our coastal city which have private gardens for the residents, and is possibly the only listed Regency garden development on a south facing seafront.

With a choice of entrance, (discreet at the back for swift access to Marmalade Café, Busby & Wilds restaurant and local shops,) at the front, a Doric porch gives an indication as to the grand proportions within and the front door, secured by an answer phone, opens to a stately communal hall with precious period detail which includes a broad staircase to sweep you up to this majestic, studio apartment – or you can take the lift which is tucked away.

Owned by a couple who have loved and lived in the Crescent or the Square for over 70 years, this elegant studio has a hushed hallway with ample built in storage and inviting, Laura Ashley wallpaper. The soaring ceiling and generous proportions continue through into the airy studio where a large window with original shutters brings in plenty of Sussex sunshine and frames views along an historic street, and the elegant floorspace offers versatile use of generous space. Brought over by the family from Norway in 1947, a limed oak headboard now forms part of a mezzanine sleeping level, supported by a reclaimed Suffolk ship timber, which could be the main sleeping area with a workstation beneath or used for visitors to stay over as there is room beneath for a double bed, which could stay. Plenty of space remains with scope to zone into seating and eating areas, and there is an ornamental fireplace to enjoy.

Across the hallway, a bright and cheerful kitchen is simple but stylish with discreetly expensive herring bone flooring underfoot and another high ceiling. Good to go with a flowing layout and practical working surfaces, integrated appliances include an electric hob and oven, there is designated space for a fridge – but don’t forget you are surrounded by fresh produce, cafés and restaurants here!

Next door and sharing what was one window which still has the period shutters, the bathroom is a modern classic which won’t date with a shower above the bath and a warming rail for towels – and the bonus is that the hot water and heating are included in the quarterly maintenance payments.

Agent says:
“In a prime but quiet location within an iconic Regency garden crescent leading to the beach this spacious studio would suit professionals who work in the city or investors as it is only an 8 minute walk to the County Hospital – 5 by bus – with major employers, the station to Gatwick and London and the cultural heart of the city within a 10-15 minute radius by bus or cab.”

Owner’s secret:
“The square is beautiful, and we have enjoyed the balance between being sociable in the gardens which have annual parties for the residents, exploring the local restaurants with friends or enjoying a quiet supper at home planning our weekend together. We love the light and easy flow of the studio which has plenty of space, and we and our family have enjoyed spending time in this fabulous historic setting in a vibrant seaside city where there is so much to do! Local amenities include a High Street and our favourite café and restaurant Marmalade and bistro bar Busby & Wilds around the corner, and the nearby park leads to the Downs.”

What’s around you:
Shops: Local 3 minutes, Georgian Lanes a 20-25 minute walk, 7-10 by taxi.
Train Station: Brighton about 15 minutes by bus.
Seafront or Park: The beach is reached through the tunnel in the gated gardens.

Closest schools:
Primary: St Mark’s, Queen’s Park.
Secondary: Varndean or Dorothy Stringer.
Private: Brighton College, Brighton Waldorf School, Roedean, Brighton & Hove High.

In one of Brighton’s most glamorous locations within walking distance of the Marina with its cosmopolitan waterfront restaurants, health club, shops and cinemas, this beautiful studio apartment has use of 7.5 acres of Grade II listed gardens which have a tunnel to the beach said to have inspired the rabbit hole in Lewis Carrol’s ‘Alice through the Looking Glass’. For the exclusive use of the residents of the Kemptown Estate they are not only private and secure, but also a social focal point of a vibrant and inclusive community. A fifteen minute walk ( or local bus routes) takes you past the County Hospital and award winning Brighton College into the heart of Kemptown with its fashionable al fresco lifestyle, patisseries, bars and restaurants, whilst a scenic 20-25 minute seafront stroll – or 7 minute cab ride- takes you to the picturesque cultural heart of our legendry coastal resort.