Dressed to impress, this beautiful five bedroom Edwardian home with gated off street parking and a garage is a hidden treasure, set in its own manicured grounds on one of Seaford’s premier avenues five minutes from the sea and on the edge of the South Downs National Park. Sensitively transformed by its interior designer owner into an inviting home of understated elegance, this historic beauty has entertaining at its heart with three generous receptions on a ground floor which flows open to the glory of the gardens. Upstairs all of the quiet bedrooms are big and bright with a master en suite and a guest room at the top with spectacular views to the sea. Skilful design incorporates subtle inter-generational features like underfloor heating and party perfect, there is a thatched hut on the sun terrace with fitted seating, heating and ambient lighting. A choice of good local schools and the vibrant shopping, bars and restaurants of the High Street are easy to reach and it is just 3 minutes from the station, 20 from Lewes and 30 from Brighton & Hove, so this house of dreams will suit families, professionals who commute and those thinking of working from home.

Style: Edwardian detached house
Bedrooms: 5 double
Living rooms: 3 + kitchen
Bathrooms: 3 + cloakroom
Area: 4306 sq.ft
Outside: Large gardens wrap around
Parking: Garage, gated off street
Location: Seaford

Why you’ll like it:
Immaculate inside and out, this uniquely charming house is full of light and character. Precious period details have been retained and contemporary improvements embrace the future whilst acknowledging the essence of the building. Private behind gates, the driveway is broad enough for parking as well, the garage has windows, electric door and power, and surrounded by beautiful gardens, the arched entrance to the house can’t help but impress.

Inside, an inner lobby for privacy opens to the broad, central entrance hall where French doors in the far wall frame garden views. Light pours in from all four points of the compass, gleaming parquet is underfoot, an original fireplace remains in situ and out of sight behind the arts and crafts staircase, a boot room has ample space for coats and bags whilst a shower room is useful if you have swum in the sea.

The drawing room and study

Classically beautiful and full of sunshine on the south west corner, the drawing room is as pretty as the garden it embraces with decorative coving, designer wallpaper and French doors to the terrace - and a deep bay window beneath an historic beam has a comfortable seat where you can enjoy the scents to the full. With plenty of space to enjoy, this companiable room subtly combines the elegance of the Edwardian heritage of the building with the best the 21st century has to offer with subtle double glazing, handmade cabinets made to match the beautifully carved fireplace which they adorn and underfoot, traditional looking flagstones are actually of splendid Indian marble and conceal underfloor heat.

Tucked away next door, the peaceful study is a completely private refuge in which to think, with garden views, timeless atmosphere and oak shelves to the side of a period fireplace and parquet floor.

The dining room, butler’s pantry and utility

Facing south for the sun, the graceful dining room can seat twelve in comfort and with leafy views brought in by the bay window, celebrity guests can relax knowing they are not overlooked. The wooden floor is ideal for dancing when the meal is done, the willowy fireplace still has the iridescent glazed tiling beloved by the Edwardians and the double depth hatch opens to what was the butler’s parlour, complete with shelves to one side for the making of cocktails. With a quarry tiled floor, this area has been carefully adapted to create a separate utility room.

The kitchen and breakfast room

With a child and pet friendly stable door, this kitchen has been expertly designed, but with a light touch which only an experienced cook can bring. Prestigious Stoneham units topped by classic marble provide sophisticated storage solutions and the high spec appliances include Miele steam, combi and fan ovens all three with warming drawers, a coffee machine and a touch induction hob beneath a very stylish hood. The dishwasher is integrated, the fridge freezer will stay subject to circumstance and the colonial shutters will also remain as they are custom built.

Open to the kitchen and on the south east corner, the breakfast room is bright and cheerful. By the kitchen, the limed oaked floor is child friendly, but the original quarry tiles remain beneath it and the rather fabulous – but no longer working-boiler tank is still behind its magnificent iron marker. A room for all seasons, a wood burner makes it cosy in winter and during summer, the French doors unfurl to the garden - and party hut- making an al fresco lifestyle and celebrations easy.

The grounds

Secluded and secure, the landscaped gardens wrap around the house with a walled front garden introducing the timeless theme with topiary as well as planting for all year interest. To the front of the house well laid paving leads to the garage, turning circle and front entrance, which is lit to welcome you home. With different ‘rooms’ to explore, the terrace flows around the building for glamorous entertaining with a pond, paved area for dining and a fabulous covered outhouse ideal for parties at any time of year. At the back, the impressive terrace steps down to a large lawn which is level for games which in turn steps down to a secret garden which was once a tennis court.

The first floor with master suite and second floor guest room

Shimmering in Laura Ashley paper, the generous master bedroom is light an airy with plenty of floor space to play with and fitted wardrobes already in place –with oak doors in keeping with the age of the building. Designed to soothe away the cares of the day, you can bathe in the en suite’s baignoir which has a shower wand or rejuvenate beneath the wet room style shower which is right on trend with a dual head system. Jack and Jill in style, the bathroom opens to the large, hushed landing which also has a second, spacious bathroom at the top of the stairs with all you need as well as a discreet cloakroom.

Next door, the front bedroom is large enough to cater for an au pair and with soothing proportions, hand painted tiles on the original fireplace and garden views, the central double room is an ideal nursery. Not to be outshone, the fourth double bedroom is quietly tucked away at the end with plenty of light and character of its own including fitted wardrobes. Peaceful at the top, the fifth, guest room really spreads its wings from front to back with ample floor space, even with a double bed in it, plenty of discreet storage and a south wall of glass to bring in stunning views over the gardens of Seaford to the glittering sea.

Agent says:
“A rare find, with 4,284 ft2 to enjoy, this exceptionally beautiful home has lovely gardens is ready to move into with expert interior design which blends history with contemporary comfort.”

Owner says:
“We hope you have as much fun as we have had here! This has been a happy home which has been lovely to live in. The gardens are a delight and it is far more convenient than the peaceful surrounds suggest with schools, shops, restaurants and the sea all within 5 minutes.”

Where it is:
Shops: High Street 3 minute drive
Train Station: Seaford 3 minutes
Seafront or Park: Seafront 3 minutes, Park 5
Closest Schools:
Primary: Seaford Primary
Secondary: Seaford Head
Private: Newlands, Brighton College, Bede’s

Seaford is bordered by beaches with a high street which has a vibrant mix of cafés, shops, restaurants and amenities. Local schools are good and you will have access to some of the best private schools in the county, including Newlands, Brighton College and Bede’s. Within minutes of the picturesque villages and walking/bridle paths of the South Downs National Park, the international shopping, restaurants, cinemas and theatres of the County town of Lewes and Brighton are easy to reach, and this beautiful property is convenient for the station with links to Gatwick and London with the A259 nearby if you commute by car.