Situated on the first floor of an imposing Edwardian house, this two-bedroom flat is in a splendid location on a quiet residential street in St-Leonards-on-Sea. Recently redesigned and remodelled, the interiors have a bright and airy atmosphere, blending contemporary touches with charming original features like delicate cornicing and elegant fireplaces. The spacious rooms – with brilliantly high ceilings – naturally lend themselves to open-plan living, and the apartment enjoys an elevated position with lovely views towards the coast. Its convenient location means it has easy access to the amenities of the seaside town and nearby railway links from St-Leonards-Warrior-Square.

Setting the Scene

St-Leonards-on-Sea and Hastings experienced significant growth as popular coastal retreats from the late 18th to early 20th centuries. This led to the construction of grand residences along streets that extended from the original centre. Dane Road, situated on a hill leading from the sea, was one of the developments that emerged in the early 20th century. The buildings, typically semi-detached houses, were constructed using the characteristic strong-red brick of that era, featuring symmetrical façades and soaring proportions. This building is defined by its elegant stucco work in a geometric design, large bay windows, and the later addition of a somewhat Brutalist external staircase, providing separate entrances to the apartments on each floor. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

A sunny yellow door opens into the entrance hall, where the timber has been painted in a striking combination of black and white, beautifully contrasting the Bert and May tiled foyer. Parquet floors extend throughout the apartment. An open-plan layout maximises space and accentuates the impressive Edwardian architecture. The spacious sitting room, accessed seamlessly from the hallway through a wide portal, has gentle ‘Stone Pale Warm’ paint by Little Greene on the walls and striking Yellow 002 by ‘Lick’ on the fixed shelving. The intricate fireplace with a plaster surround complements the detailed cornicing. With its southern aspect, the room is filled with natural light, and the bay window has a charming window seat nestled underneath that also doubles up as concealed storage. The kitchen follows the open-plan design, harmoniously connected to the hallway. Matt graphite units by Howdens are paired with grey quartz work surfaces and brass accents. A brass shelf adds functionality while maintaining the streamlined aesthetic, and ample cupboard storage is painted in a pretty duck egg blue by Farrow & Ball, matching the feature wall.

Both bedrooms have a northern aspect, reflected in their darker colour schemes. The principal bedroom is painted in an atmospheric ‘Silt’ by Little Greene, creating an intimate setting, and has a bay window perfect for a dressing table. The ceilings are panelled with intricate cornicing, and a marble fireplace adds visual interest to the room. The second bedroom has a large sash window and is decorated in a monochrome colour scheme, with a ceiling painted in ‘Red Earth’ by Farrow and Ball. drawing attention to the lush foliage visible from the window. The generous bathroom is clad with glossed tiles in a forest green by CP Hart. It includes a rainfall shower and a handheld shower, with brass accents, adding a touch of elegance. There is also a utility room for additional storage.

The Great Outdoors

There is a private garden located at the front of the house. Multiple levels of Dutch pavers have been installed to creates distinct areas in the space. A mature sycamore tree creates shade, and the garden has been planted with various topiary such as a banana plant, hydrangeas, magnolias, wisteria, jasmine and climbing rose, creating a tropical ambience. This charming garden is an inviting spot to soak up the sun and host balmy evenings with friends.

Out and About

Dane Road is a short stroll from the so-called ‘Artist’s Quarter’ that comprises Shepherd Street, Norman Road, Gensing Road and Mecatoria, which collectively consist of charming Regency streets with a hub of galleries and restaurants. The area is famous for being home to the Hastings Antique Centre, Lucy Bell Gallery, Project 78 Gallery and the Fleet Gallery. For the culinarily inclined, there is Farmyard, Galleria Seafood Bar, andSt Clements Restaurant – the Kino Teatr and Heist Market, the popular food market with a range of stalls and a dedicated restaurant are also within strolling distance. Goatledge is a lively spot on the beach and The Royal is a favoured local gastropub.

Hastings is close, as is Bexhill-on-Sea (home to the De La Warr Pavilion). The area’s rejuvenation is perhaps 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, and 8 minute walk away, to London Bridge and Charing Cross (journey times approximately 90 minutes) and Brighton (journey time around one hour).

Tenure: Leasehold
Underlying Lease Length: 122 years (with the possibility to purchase a Share of Freehold)
Service Charge: £1,000 per annum
Ground Rent: £100 per annum
Council Tax Band: C