Flat for sale in Sussex Square, Brighton BN2

Roaring into the 21st Century this Grade I listed, four bedroom garden apartment in Kemp’s seafront masterpiece Sussex Square has stunning interiors only glorious Regency proportions and exceptional contemporary design can deliver. Spanning the ground and lower floor of an iconic Regency mansion, this luxury retreat has a magnificent reception and dining room where precious period features include open fireplaces and friezes around soaring ceilings, and no expense has been spared in the stunning, hand crafted kitchen with top of the range appliances and glamorous, sin-lit dining area, both opening to a sunny private paradise- with a rare garage at the end. Meticulous detail continues on the lower floor where a spectacular guest suite has its own entrance, and two large family rooms, one en suite and the other with a fabulous mezzanine each have access to a central courtyard. Not to be outshone, the majestic principal suite is a dream come true with a dressing room, en suite bathroom and meditation/yoga space.

Opposite 7.5 acres of exclusive enclosures to which you will have access, tucked away from tourists this is a seriously exclusive location which although quiet is convenient with the Royal County Hospital and Brighton College Prep and Senior Schools within a 5 minute radius and Brighton Station with direct trains to London via Gatwick 10 minutes by cab (about 15-20 by bus). Queen’s Park’s tennis courts and playground, and Brighton College’s playing fields in a park which leads to Downland are just minutes away. Historic Kemptown has plenty of amenities including a weekly farmer’s market, and the area is well served for green spaces which hold events during our legendary festivals. A scenic seafront stroll will take you to the waterfront restaurants of the Marina whilst the picturesque cultural heart of the city is usually just a 10 minute drive.

Council Tax: E

Sussex Square, built as ‘Belgravia by the Sea’ is one of Brighton’s finest addresses and acknowledged as one of the UK’s most important architectural treasures. This sophisticated refurbishment has created a fabulous home where historic elegance has been restored to its former glory, then subtly integrated with the best of the 21st century from the cast iron designer radiators and detailed oak flooring to the Lutron mood lighting, underfloor heating in the kitchen/breakfast room and principal suite, integrated wi-fi throughout the house and garden, and a bespoke kitchen with top of the range appliances and honed Assoluto surfaces, made and fitted by skilled local craftsmen.

Through a grand entrance now secured by an answer system, the communal hall impresses with fine period detail. Inside the apartment, the broad hallway introduces you to the timeless interiors of this classic beauty, where expert attention to detail has lighting inset into the wall, a smart cloakroom tucked away and both the high ceiling and oak floors continue through to the light filled receptions.

The reception and dining rooms:

Instantly inviting with elegant Regency proportions and two graceful windows to frame the glory of the gardens and glimpses of the sea, an original ceiling decorated with fruiting vines and floral detail soars to a stunning 3.565m. There is plenty of floorspace in which to relax or enjoy with friends and a room for all seasons, we are told that the handsome marble fireplace is open. Behind you, central doors keep options available and reveal an atmospheric dining room where handmade cabinets with ambient lighting have been carefully made so they do not disturb the unique, classically inspired frieze overhead and guests can dine in complete seclusion, enjoying firelight.

The kitchen/breakfast/dining room, utility room, lower floor laundry and office:

Sunlight streams through this stunning kitchen/breakfast room, beautifully designed to embrace family life, friendship and the wonderful, secluded garden. Walls of glass and French doors on both split levels bring the outside in and open to a sunny, spacious dining terrace. Beautifully planned, inside the breakfast area is immersed in the green of the garden, a huge rooflight frames the sky and sleek shadow gap lighting overhead brings a flawless finish. Revolving around a central island which invites company, the hand crafted oak kitchen with sophisticated storage solutions and Assoluto granite surfaces is safely tucked away from the social flow. Skilfully designed for entertaining, high spec integrated appliances include Miele fan, combi and steam ovens, a touch induction hob, two Fisher Paykel fridges and a freezer drawer and there is designated space for a second Franke sink with mirrored shelving and dishwasher out of sight of the dining area. On a practical note, large numbers are catered for as there is also a discreet store tucked away to one side as well as a laundry room and well organised office with natural light on the lower level, ideal for housekeeping.

The garden and garage:

Outside, a paved terrace by the house is ideal for al fresco entertaining and leads to a child and pet friendly lawn scented by mature shrubs and exotic climbers. Hidden behind a trellis disguised by ingenious planting, a path leads to a back gate to the quiet lane and garage. Opposite, 7.5 acres of gated enclosures have a tunnel to the sea. Grade II listed to preserve their manicured beauty they are for private use of the residents for a small annual fee and with a summer fete they are also a social hub, so you will easily meet people if you are new to the south coast.

The guest suite:

With its own entrance from the street through a wide, sunny courtyard and also separated from the other bedrooms on the lower floor by statuesque double doors, at the front of the house the guest suite is a restful haven showcasing the seemingly effortless blend of old and new with both original flagstones and classically styled oak underfoot whilst whole wall of wardrobes have been created by local artisans. Spa like, the en-suite combines heritage with innovation; twin Vitra hand basins are set in marble and both a drench and wand head are over the double ended bath.

The en-suite family bedroom, family mezzanine bedroom, central courtyard and bathroom:

Quiet and comfortable with French doors to a central courtyard, the first of the family double rooms is a delight with calm décor, historic fireplace within a traditional surround, streamlined wardrobes and chic, en-suite wet room.

At the foot of broad flagstone steps, the mezzanine bedroom is full of character, the lofty ceiling with dual skylights rising to an impressive 4.08m past tall windows and iron staircase acknowledging the utilitarian role of the servant’s domain – although there is nothing old fashioned about the organised storage and high end finish of this generous room, served by a luxury shower room which opens to the courtyard which has a spiral staircase to the garden above.

The principal suite:

A perfect fusion of Regency past and contemporary glamour, the principal bedroom is an inner sanctum dreams are made of. Once the kitchen to the house above, arched ceilings stretch over 4 metres above you, a bank of high windows ensuring plenty of natural light but total privacy. Bespoke cabinets on either side of a feature fireplace are lit, dimmer switches deliver a choice of lighting levels and there is ample, restful floorspace in which to spread tired wings after a busy day. A vaulted vestibule, lit by a reproduction of a 1960’s Parisienne streetlamp (which could stay, subject to circumstance) leads to a fabulous en-suite large enough for both a freestanding bath and walk in dual head shower, and a dressing room, lined with sophisticated storage leads to a secluded room with a roof light ideal for meditation or yoga.

Agent’s Thoughts:
“Sussex Square is the Regency jewel in our coastal crown and is acknowledged as one of the best in the UK with its Grade I listing. This prime piece of history comes with a rare, private garden and garage as well as gated gardens for use of the residents, and will attract professionals, international investors and families as our air is fresh, local schools are good and our cultural heart chic and inclusive, and now is the time to buy with substantial improvements underway on our seafront, including a new Lido.”

Owner’s secret:
“Keeping the integrity of the beautiful Regency building was very important to us. The original architects Busby and Wilds oversaw every small detail and we also designed this home as a comprehensive unit from the flowing in/out layout to the precise interior design offering the best contemporary fittings for a luxury lifestyle, so it is easy to enjoy with friends and family- although we made sure every area also allows some privacy from each other! Close to the National Park and good schools, the location is great for getting into or out of the city for restaurants and theatres, and friends can travel easily to it either by car, bus or train.”

What’s around you:
Shops: Local is 2 minutes.
Train Station: Brighton mainline is15-20 minutes by bus.
Seafront or Park: Seafront is 2 minutes away, Park 5 minutes on foot.

Closest Schools:
Primary: St Mark’s, Queen’s Park.
Secondary: Varndean or Dorothy Stringer.
Private: Brighton College, Brighton Waldorf, Roedean, Newlands, Lancing.<br /><br />Within walking distance of the Marina with its waterfront restaurants, health club, shops and cinemas, this spacious apartment has use of 7.5 acres of Grade II listed gardens which have a tunnel to the beach said to have inspired the rabbit hole in Lewis Carrol’s ‘Alice through the Looking Glass.’ For the exclusive use of the residents of The Kemptown Estate they are private and secure, and a social focal point of a vibrant, inclusive community. With local shops and cafés, a short stroll takes you to the fashionable café culture of Kemptown Village which hosts the County Hospital and Brighton College, a park and 72 par golf course are a few minutes away the arts venues and famous al fresco lifestyle of the Lanes are a five-ten minute cab ride and close to several bus routes, the city and station serving City Airport, Gatwick and London are easy to reach.