Two minutes from the playground and cafés of Queen’s Park with five big bedrooms, a large cellar and a sunny west facing garden this beautiful Victorian house is a within a golden, 3 minute triangle of sought after primary schools including outstanding St Luke’s, the Royal Sussex County Hospital and volleyball courts on the beach– all also an easy walk. Three spacious storeys offer flexible options for work, rest or play and inside blends period charm with a contemporary social flow. A sun filled reception of classic proportion is a room for all seasons with a wood burning stove, whilst the fabulous kitchen diner has French doors to a paved garden level with the house, which is a feature hard to find as Brighton is built on hills. Upstairs, the stylish bedrooms are comfortable, some with oblique views to the sea, two bathrooms have a luxury finish and all are arranged so that the top levels can become self-contained simply by locking an internal door to create a restful principal or guest suite (think air B&B) – or a teenagers dream. Tree-lined and convenient with plentiful permit parking and no buildings at the front for uninterrupted light, this attractive terrace is a central point within our famous coastal resort where you can get out of the city – or into Kemptown, North Laine and Hove within minutes- and the station to Gatwick and London is 20 minutes by bus or 10 by cab.

EPC: D
Council Tax: D

Queen’s Park is one of the most sought after areas of our glamorous metropolis with a relaxed vibe and all the local amenities you need including café’s, bistro pubs and small supermarkets. Tucked away from the tourists who flock to our legendary resort you are still within easy reach of all it has to offer – and on a broad, leafy avenue on a hill with no building directly in front of it, this home enjoys uninterrupted light. Set well back from the street and picture perfect behind a pretty garden with a statement staircase down to French doors to the cellar, this period beauty has immediate appeal. Inside the inviting hallway sets the classic tone of the interior, painted in the heritage hues of Farrow & Ball with egg and dart plasterwork high overhead and floorboards underfoot to give guests, children and pets free reign.

Ahead, new life breathes through a light and airy reception where elegant proportions remain unspoilt and vibrant colour in twin arches add a modern twist. With open, leafy views which reach down obliquely to the sea through the broad front bay (which has secondary glazing), and glimpses of the garden at the back through the double glazed wndow, guests can relax in rare seclusion and enjoy the warmth of a wood burning stove.

With a user friendly finish and a welcoming, social focus the kitchen/diner opens to the landscaped garden for a sophisticated, al fresco lifestyle. Inside, skilled design has created a feel good room lined with windows to bring the outside in and space for a large table for informal gatherings (or where you can all discuss homework as you bake the incentive to finish). Carefully planned by experienced cooks who love to host celebrations, ivory units are topped by plenty of solid wood worktops, the fabulous Belling multi fuel range could stay subject to circumstance and there is a choice of lighting levels. A dishwasher is integrated for you, plumbing is in place for a washing machine and about 5 years ago, when this kitchen was installed, planning was granted for an extension into the broad side return, which has now lapsed but still provides food for thought.

Downstairs, the cellar is big and bright with French doors to the front garden which are secured by internal shutters for peace of mind when you are away. Used as an artist’s studio, the coal hole has wiring for a kiln and there are fitted shelves for storage in the main area.

Outside, the garden is an oasis of calm, scented in spring by the blossom of white medlar and mulberry trees. Facing west and open to the south it becomes an extension of the house during summer as child and pet secure it is perfect for parties, and there is a gated side return for bikes and boards – remember the sea is at the bottom of the hill!

Returning inside, upstairs the landing has been cleverly reconfigured to bring light into the heart of the home. At the back, first of the quiet double bedrooms is ideal for guests or could also be a comfortable home office – and a private one, as the side of the small scale apartment block next door only has small narrow windows opposite, so this room is not really over looked. Next door, the contemporary shower room has natural light and the luxury finish includes a dual head shower system, a cabinet beneath a hand basin which has a waterfall tap and a warming rail for towels.

Up a few steps and looking over the garden, the second sun lit double bedroom is an inviting refuge, used for study with fitted shelving. At the front and stretching the full width of this substantial property, the third bedroom radiates romance with swan neck coving, soothing height and magnificent bay window as well as a sash which almost fill the east wall - and it is a calm refuge to return to where the views reach from wooded countryside to the north, sweep over lower rooftops to the dynamic architecture of Brighton College and the new hospital buildings, and on to a glimmer of sea in the south.

On the second floor landing, a door with a lock makes the upper two levels completely private from the rest of the house, perfect as a principal suite with a dressing room/living room which has a sink in it and a separate cloakroom at the back. Peaceful at the top, with an expansive vista for inspiration, a serene double bedroom has plenty of floorspace to play with as well as under eave storage and next door, you can bathe in glory beneath the sky in a fabulous bathroom which is large enough for both a shaped tub and walk in shower.

Agent says:
“Homes in this tree lined terrace 2 minutes from the tennis courts, pond, playground and café of Queen’s Park are sought after. Within walking distance of some of the best schools in the county- and major employers like the hospital, Amex and law centres (all out of hearing!) the location is prime, and houses here do not appear on the market often.”

Owner’s secret:
“This is a friendly area with shops, cafés and bistro pubs to explore and a farmer’s market at the Pepper Pot every week, and family life is made easy with good schools and shops including a small supermarket close by. The reception is always light and inviting, and we have loved watching the birds, including woodpeckers, who visit the trees opposite. We enjoy entertaining, and the kitchen diner works perfectly with a relaxed in/out flow. The garden is secure for children or for pets, and the park around the corner has an inclusive community whether you’re a jogger, dog walker, tennis player or family enjoying the playground, and it hosts interesting arts events during festivals.”

What’s around you:
Shops: Local 1 minute, Kemptown Village 3 minutes, city centre 5 minutes by car.
Station: Brighton 7 by cab, 20 by bus, 20-25 on foot.
Seafront or Park: Queen’s Park 2 to walk, seafront 5 minutes by car.

Closest Schools:
Primary: St Luke’s, Queen’s Park.
Secondary: Varndean, Dorothy Stringer.
Private: Brighton College, Brighton & Hove High, Brighton Waldorf.

This area is known for its relaxed atmosphere and community of dog walkers, joggers and families exploring the open countryside or green spaces, tennis courts, pond, playground and café of Queen’s Park as well as its surrounding organic shops and bistro pubs. Within a 3 minute walk of Queen’s Park Primary and 8 of St Luke’s, there is also a choice of good private schools including Brighton College. Ideal for professionals Kemptown, bordered by beaches, is on the doorstep which hosts the law courts, Amex and hospitals and has a vibrant café culture as well as useful shops. The picturesque cultural heart of the city, glamorous racecourse and Marina are easy to reach on foot, by bus or cab. For those who need to travel, the mainline station with its fast links to Gatwick and London is about 20 minutes by bus or a 20-25 minute scenic stroll past the famous boutiques, bars and restaurants of North Laine. If you need a car, the A23/A27 are swift to get to and permit zone C has no waiting list and covers some local beaches…..you can see the zone on the Brighton & Hove parking site.