refocused regency eaton place OIEO 1,750,000
refocused regency With the beautiful proportions of the Regency period, this Grade II listed five bedroom home in a stately, bow fronted terrace leading to the sea has been sensitively brought back to life by the designer owner. Every room is light and airy, and great care has been taken to retain period detail whilst 21st century tweaks add to its character. Between the cultural heart of the city and Brighton Marina, both within walking distance, this four storey maisonette forms the major part of this substantial building and has both a first floor balcony with sea views and a spacious, west facing patio, rare to find in this popular location around the corner from the fashionable shops, cafes and restaurants of Kemp Town Village which also hosts the award winning Brighton College and the County Hospital. Close to bus routes to the centre of the city and the station, making life easy for home seekers or weekenders and giving a degree of independence for older children, this historic home is also near the law courts, Amex, Queen s Park and popular schools, so it will also appeal to investors.
in brief... Style: 4 storey maisonette in a Regency terrace Bedrooms: 6 Living rooms: 4 spacious Area: 2660 sq ft Outside: East facing balcony, west facing patio Parking: Permit Zone H Location: Kemp Town
Why you'll like it: Built by Thomas Cubitt between 1846 and 1855 this terrace was designed to enjoy the sea views and sunshine and to balance grand entertaining areas with big, comfortable family rooms, and now, thanks to skilful design, continues to do that but with a pared back, subtle touch. Outside, the house is impressive with a bow front, a wrought iron balcony and smart railings. A few shallow steps lead to an imposing front door which opens into an atmospheric hallway with period detail high above your head.
The Family Kitchen/Dining Room Spanning the full depth of the main house, morning sunshine flows in through the two large windows at the front and in the afternoons, pours through the enormous sash window in the far wall. The stripped and oiled floorboards and simple but stylish decoration keep the focus firmly on the refined proportions of the space and the delicate plaster work above you, and the aged brass inset of the grand fireplace, which now houses a gas fire more suited to a contemporary lifestyle, is picked up in the highly polished brass back of the peninsular unit behind which the bespoke kitchen awaits. There is ample room for entertaining and the spacious and sociable kitchen area expertly blends tradition with modern needs, the matt units concealing sophisticated storage whilst floating shelves are careful not to intrude upon the Regency frieze running around the ceiling. Striking Calcutta marble forms the working surface and segues into a statement splash back behind the multi fuel range, which could stay subject to circumstance and negotiation, the dishwasher is integrated and there is plumbing in place for an ice dispensing fridge by the door to the hallway.
The Ground Floor Bathroom, Boot Room and Garden The previous owner, also a designer, installed this first bathroom primarily to deal with the aftermath of days spent on the beach, swimming in the sea or winter walks on the nearby Downs, although it is still stylish with natural light and a shower attachment on the bath and useful for guests. At the far end of the hallway, the large boot room has a Travetine marble floor, plenty of storage, a period fireplace and the old butler s sink add character as well as being handy for small dog owners and gardeners. To the left, the door leads to a few steps down to the walled patio which faces west for the afternoon and evening sun and is scented by apple trees. Paved for easy al fresco dining, the raised borders are imaginatively planted and there is even space for a shed.
The Study Mounting painted stairs a broad landing has a south facing window and hand- made plaster roses on the cornice above you. Ahead, tall, glazed doors sweep through into a peaceful study, currently used as a treatment room, which has a stone fireplace, floating shelving and French doors which lead out to a romantic Juliette balcony from which you can admire the garden and a spiral staircase can take you down into it, too.
The Reception The jewel in the crown of this beautiful Regency house and full of sunshine, the L shaped reception, like the room below spans the full depth of the substantial building so there is plenty of space to play with. Opening to the intricately wrought east facing balcony with views sweeping down the listed terrace to the sea, you are reminded why people have always loved to live in this historic coastal resort and as the windows stretch from the original cornice to the broad, blonde floorboards, you can also enjoy the winter storms whilst sitting by the open fire with its 18th century stone surround. The generous window in the far wall looks over gardens and the proportions of the room are exquisite.
The Luxury Bathroom and Utility Central to the home, the second floor landing has a discreet utility room and next door, the luxury bathroom has a Regency feel but with contemporary twists in the heated rail and streamlined baignoir which has a shower attachment. The hand basin is unique and there is a useful airing cupboard and it is worth noting that the freestanding bath could stay, subject to circumstance and negotiation.
The Master Bedroom and Nursery/Guest Room The master bedroom is all about relaxing in a magnificent setting; The ceiling is lofty and the room restfully large with three windows bringing in morning light and views of the English Channel and there is a handsome, stone fireplace. Designed for comfort, there is ample space for furniture and there is also a door leading through to a discreet cloakroom. Quietly at the back of the building, looking over the garden, the spacious nursery would also make a pleasant guest room with matt touch storage lining one wall all the way up to the ceiling. the children s floor A private staircase leads to what would have been the servant s quarters, and it is here at the top where there are three more quiet double bedrooms, each ready to move into with high ceilings, period fireplaces and open views. The room at the front is the largest and has two windows in the bow front with looking down to the sea. In between these bedrooms is a chic shower room lined in black and white marble which has a contemporary dual headed shower system.
Bear in mind: Regency homes of this size, with so many period features intact and private outside space are rarely seen on the market. Owner s secret: The quality of light is very important to us, the proportions are wonderful to live with and there is something special about being able to see the sea.
where it isstyle:train Station: Brighton mainline 15 minutes by bus Shops: Local 2 minutes, Kemp Town 5 minute walk Seafront or Park: Seafront 1 minute, Queen s Park 15 minute walk Closest Schools: Primary: Secondary: Private: Queen s Park Primary Varndean or Dorothy Stringer Brighton College Brighton is a cosmopolitan coastal resort famous for its history and flamboyant Royal Pavilion as well as its beaches, Pier and glamorous Marina. Known for its festivals celebrating the arts and relaxed, café culture there are countless shops, restaurants and bars to explore along the seafront, in the characterful Georgian Lanes or in the fashionable central shopping districts, and all are easy to reach from this Grade II listed home. This beautiful Regency terrace is by the beach and is just a stroll from the fashionable Kemp Town Village which hosts the Hospital and good primary schools including St Luke s Primary and the award winning Brighton College. The law courts and Amex are within walking distance as is Queen s Park which has tennis courts, a playground and cafe and the Downs are nearby. It is also close to several bus routes serving the city centre, coast and Brighton station, which has fast links to Gatwick and London and for those who need to commute by car, the A23 and A27 are both readily accessible. call: 01273 504441 219 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 6SA