The Knightsbridge of Brighton, Montpelier & Clifton Hill CA is one of the most exclusive – and expensive- areas of the city and this four bedroom Villa with a large west garden, iconic east balcony and ample off street parking offers a rare opportunity to own the entire, unspoilt building, built as one of a pair by the famous architect AH Wilds in 1845 and Grade II listed to preserve its classic beauty.

With friendly amenities around the corner, it is 5 mins walk from Waitrose and the al fresco lifestyle of Western Road, 8 from a sought after primary school and adjoining park (2 mins by car) and 10 from Brighton Station’s direct trains to Gatwick and London (or 4 by cab) it is in the ‘golden triangle’ where even the beach is within a 10 minute radius on foot. Inside an astonishing 302.4m2 (3256 sq. ft.) of sun-lit rooms deliver stunning interiors only glorious Regency style proportions and exceptional contemporary design can deliver, where precious period features include working fireplaces in the morning room, drawing room and library/home office and no expense has been spared in the custom made, lower floor kitchen with top of the range appliances and a private dining area which opens to a secluded, walled paradise which bathes in the Sussex sun.

Meticulous detail continues in the elegant guest/au pair suite also on this level, which has its own entrance and a Japanese inspired en-suite with a fabulous Pegasus bath. Upstairs two more generous double bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and en-suite shower rooms, whilst the majestic principal suite is a dream come true with a broad bay to the south, sophisticated, handmade wardrobes and a luxury en suite with space for both a freestanding, designer tub and separate shower.

Surrounded by good schools both state and private (including Brighton Girls and Brighton College) and within a 10 minute radius of the Royal Sussex County Hospital, this stately home is tucked away in a leafy avenue which is far quieter than its fashionable location may suggest, as it is also just a short walk or drive to the Clock Tower at the beating heart of Brighton, to the vibrant, picturesque North Laine and the international bars and cafes of the fashionable 7 Dials – and its 7 routes into the whole of the city, out to the National Park or to the A23/A27 for Lewes, the coast and M23.

Style: Semi-detached Grade II listed Villa, A.H. Wilds 1845
Type: 4 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms en-suite (2 also Jack and Jill) + cloakroom, morning room, drawing room, library/home office, kitchen, dining room, utility
Location: Montpelier & Clifton Hill CA
Area: 3255 quare foot
Outside: East terrace, east balcony, large west walled garden open to south
Parking: Off street parking for several cars, discreet bike store
Council Tax Band: G

Why you’ll like it:

A prestigious address Montpelier & Clifton Hill CA is acknowledged as one of the UK’s most important architectural treasures. This Villa on the market for the first time since 2007 has been sympathetically restored to its former glory, keeping its historic elegance and irreplaceable features intact including some shutters at the windows and flagstones in the kitchen, whilst subtly integrating the best of the 21st century from the cast iron radiators and dimmer switches in all the main rooms to the underfloor heating in the bathrooms, and a bespoke kitchen with top of the range appliances and honed marble surfaces was made and fitted by skilled local craftsmen.

The Entrance Hall:

Through a grand entrance where you can experience your own ‘Downton’ moment as you pull the bell handle and hear the jingle of the original response inside, even the lobby impresses. Fine plasterwork is overhead, and glass engraved double doors open to a statuesque hallway where a ceiling decorated by handmade roses and period finials soars to almost 3.5m (approx). L shaped, there is a fine example of a sweeping staircase which climbs beneath a rooflight, and tucked away is a cloakroom for guests.

The Morning Room:

A light-filled retreat with a broad bow bay almost filling the east wall - and a window to the south- the morning room is a classic beauty. Stripped wood underfoot gives company free reign and a lofty ceiling adorned by original friezes is accentuated by gold central coving. A room for all seasons, in summer it opens to an iconic wrought iron balcony with a sheltering canopy ideal for friends to spill out to, whilst in winter guests can relax in front of a roaring fire in the marble fireplace which has shelving to each side.

The Drawing Room and Library:

Facing south for the sun, the elegant drawing room has 4.67m x 5.77m (15’4 x 18’11) in which to spread your wings. Fuss free decoration keeps the focus firmly on the restful proportions of the room and delicate period artisan work overhead, and there is an easy gas fire discreetly installed into the handsome black stone fireplace.
Looking west, the atmospheric library with painted panelling is private and quiet at the back of the house. Traditional cabinets on each side of a unique open fireplace provide plenty of space for books and files, and it leads out to the hallway and access to the garden for when work is done.
The Kitchen, Dining Room and Garden:
All about celebrating with friends and family, built in an age reliant on natural light with high ceilings and huge windows, this sociable kitchen has plenty of it. Skilfully designed to create a secluded dining area immersed in the green of the garden where visitors can enjoy rare and total seclusion, the connected kitchen revolves around a large central island which invites company but is safely tucked away from the in/out flow. Custom made with original flagstones beneath your feet it blends a sensitive heritage feel with high spec integrated appliances including a Neff microwave, Bosch dishwasher and Miele coffee machine, there is a pull out kettle/toast tray behind a steel shutter and the fabulous Brittania multi fuel range could stay, subject to circumstance. On a practical note, large numbers are catered for as there is a bank of deep storage cupboards under the stairs, and there is also a separate utility room.
Flagstones become brick as you move into the dining area which is level to but ingeniously hidden from the working areas of the kitchen, with 2.94m x 4.43m (9’8 x 14’7) to enjoy and French doors to lead out to a secret garden, which is sunny and secure behind historic walls.
Outside, the lit garden has a glamorous dining terrace by the house with inset LED lighting. A few shallow steps rise to a large child and pet friendly lawn which is open to the south, and it is surrounded by mature shrubs and exotic trees planted for privacy, a little shade and all year interest. At the far end of the garden, a raised deck catches the last of the sun’s rays and is an ideal spot for quiet catchups when friends or family have retired for the night.

The Lower Ground Floor Guest Suite:

Ideal for inter-generational living, an au-pair or a very lucky teenager who likes to come in late and cook, this inviting room of 4.43m x 3.86m (14’6 x 12’8) was probably the butler’s pantry with three original servant’s bells jingling in the hallway outside and the ornate, open fireplace still has its inset with spaces on each side for a kettle and a pot. With deep cupboards already in situ there is also a walk in closet, and the Japanese inspired en-suite has a glamorous Pegasus whirlpool bath with a dual head shower above it and a stone hand basin which rests on wood with both a lit, ‘film star’ mirror and extending shaving mirror above it.

The First Floor Family Bedroom and Shower Room:
On the first floor, the second double bedroom in the house is a restful haven with twin sash windows to bring in the morning light. At 3.84m x 5.75m (12’7 x 18’11) it has ample floorspace and with calm decoration, built in storage and a chic en suite shower room with a remote temperature control shower and underfloor heating, it is ready for your move.

The First Floor Principal Suite:

At the heart of the home with a graceful bay window looking over the palm trees of the court below, period romance springs to life in the peaceful principal bedroom suite with a soothing 4.50m x 5.92m (14’9 x 19’5) in which to unwind and a dimmer switch for ambient lighting. Tastefully decorated, splendid walnut wardrobes conceal sophisticated, modern storage solutions and in the west wall, a door opens to a light and airy bathroom, larger than many bedrooms this close to the city centre and the sea.

Lined in Travertine marble, you can bathe in glory in this spa like bathroom which has a Regency influence in the talon foot tub and its traditional style shower attachment, but there is nothing old fashioned about the twin glass hand basins, double head power shower system in the separate, walk in shower, shaving point or warming rails for towels.

The Fourth Double Bedroom, Second Floor:
At the top of a private staircase, the fourth big, bright bedroom is a delight. Full of character it is the only room on this level and it is noticeably hushed with inspiring garden views, place for quiet study, all the fitted storage you could dream of and a high-end en-suite with a dramatic, designer finish.

Agent’s Thoughts:

“Montpelier & Clifton Hill CA is the Regency jewel in our coastal crown, and is acknowledged as one of the best in the UK with its protective listing. This prime piece of history is rare as it still has its lower floor, (many of the Villas have created self-contained apartments on this level for family or income,) and it comes with a large sunny garden and plentiful off street parking. Perfect for professionals, international investors and families as our air is fresh, local schools are good and our cultural heart is chic and inclusive, there are also a host of local cafes, restaurants and bars to explore – and more along the local beaches.”

Owner’s secret:

“We feel very lucky to have lived in this beautiful, historic environment with spacious, light rooms and leafy surrounds. Keeping the integrity of this graceful Regency building was very important to us. The original architect AH Wilds oversaw every small detail, and we enjoyed breathing subtle, new life into our home which we tried to keep as close as possible to the original whilst ensuring an easy in/out flow and adding subtle luxury fittings for a contemporary lifestyle, so it is easy to enjoy with friends and family- although the original layout ensures privacy from each other when you want it! In the golden triangle you have freedom from the car, (we arrived with two which we sold as we just didn’t use them,) but if you need to drive the plentiful parking is a real bonus, and there’s lots of space for friend’s cars too – unusual in this area. Nearby bus routes give older children independence, and close to the 7 Dials, you can be into or out of the city in minutes.”

Where it is:

Shops Local shops, cafes and bistro pubs 3 mins walk, Waitrose & Western Road 5, 7 Dials 7 mins, clock tower & Churchill Square 10, North Laine 12
Train station Brighton 10-12 mins walk, 4 by cab, Hove 7 by cab

Seafront or Park St Nicholas Rest Garden and playground 5-8 mins walk, St Anne’s Wells sports, playground and café 10 on foot (both 2 by car) Seafront 10-15 mins on foot, 3 by cab

Closest schools

Primary St Paul’s C of E, St Mary Magdalen
Secondary Varndean, Dorothy Stringer
Sixth Form BHASVIC, City College, MET, BIM
Private Brighton Girls, Brighton College, Roedean, Lancing, Bede’s

A 10-12 minute walk or 4 mins drive from the station with buses covering the whole of Brighton and Hove on Western Road out of hearing around the corner, this fabulous location is just moments from a local al fresco lifestyle as well as having easy access to the 7 Dials as well as the world famous shops, clubs, bars and restaurants at the centre of our legendary coastal resort. The picturesque cultural heart of the city surrounding the Royal Pavilion are easy to reach, and it is also conveniently located for parks that provide open spaces, sports facilities and host legendary events from open air theatre to live music during our festivals. Local schools are good and major employers of the city e.g. Amex and the County Hospital are all within a 10 minute radius. For those who love the outdoors, the beach, water sports at Hove Lagoon and and cosmopolitan Marina are easy to reach - and don't forget our glamorous racing weekends and easy access to the fresh air, horse riding and starry nights of the National Park! For those who commute by car there is swift access to the 7 Dials and its 7 routes into or out of the city, with particularly swift access to the A23 and A27 for the Amex Stadium or M23.