Semi-detached house for sale in Chesham Place, Brighton, East Sussex BN2

This is an exciting opportunity to own an iconic Regency house, one of only a few in the city and less by the sea to span the original five, gracious floors. With a west facing garden large enough for entertaining and a first floor balcony to embrace the sunshine and the coast, new life breathes through this magnificent Grade II listed home currently configured as a luxury 5 bedroom, 3 reception, 3 bathroom retreat on the upper floors whilst the lower floor, with its own entrance from the street and 1316 square feet to make your own raises unique possibilities STC. Four sensitively restored upper levels provide the sophisticated lifestyle only a combination of expert contemporary design and elegant Georgian proportions can deliver with an impressive ground floor reception, design led kitchen/diner leading to landscaped grounds and a majestic first floor reception opening to beach views. Delicate decoration and custom made fittings continue throughout the study, bathrooms and upstairs family rooms, whilst the fabulous principal has a glamorous en suite and picture perfect vista. Kemptown Village has a vibrant al fresco café culture and hosts the County Hospital and some of the best schools in the country, including Brighton College. Beach bars, voleyball courts and the waterfront restaurants of the Marina are easy to reach via the seasonal Dolphin lift, a scenic 15 minute stroll along the seafront takes you to the picturesque Georgian Lanes and cultural heart of the city, and the station serving the airports and London are easy to reach on foot, by bus or by cab.

This quintessential bow fronted Regency building by the beach is a very rare find within an historic quarter of the city favoured by celebrities who like its laid back atmosphere and discretion. One of only a select few within the city on the seafront which has access to all five original storeys, unique period features include a working fireplace, intricate plaster work and a sweeping staircase adorned by wrought iron ivy.

The entrance hall, ground floor reception, kitchen diner and utility:
Broad, ceiling high doorways, dark wood floors and handmade plasterwork introduce you to the timeless interiors of this classic beauty, where a lobby and an L shaped hallway guards the privacy of the occupants until the caller is invited in and both a guest cloakroom and stairs to the lower floor are tucked away. At the front of the building, the refined reception has glorious views to the sea, the four tall windows with their original shutters looking to both the south and east as this building is end of terrace; handmade friezes are overhead and the skirting is knee high.

Spanning the whole of the back of the house, the spacious kitchen diner opens to the garden. Inviting company, the dining area has leafy views, a handsome stone fireplace, custom built cabinets with ambient lighting to highlight the decorative ceiling, and plenty of room for a large table for entertaining or where the children can join you to discuss homework as you cook.

Beyond a statement central island and beneath double skylights, the bespoke kitchen has stone surfaces and painted units providing sophisticated storage. Integrated appliances include a black electric aga with summertime back up gas module and a dishwasher, and there is designated space for a trans-Atlantic style fridge freezer- and it is worth noting that there is a laundry room on the lower floor.

Outside, it is easy to forget you are at the heart of an international coastal city in a peaceful oasis surrounded by gardens on three sides, where the attractive centre piece of the landscaped grounds is a lit gazebo, draped in mature vines and an ideal spot for private al fresco dining. Italianate in style, twin broad steps lead down to a lower play area which has a sturdy swing already in situ.

The first floor reception and library:
With a ceiling which soars to a dizzying height, the reception stretches the full width of the building with ample space in which to spread your wings and triple windows following the curve of the building leading out to a romantic balcony with seaside views. There is a period stone fireplace and triple, floor to ceiling windows follow the curve of the house and lead out to an iconic, Regency balcony with seaside views. Next door, the peaceful study is big enough to share and has plentiful shelving, carefully made so it does not disturb the detailed frieze above.

The first floor with guest room, bathroom and the principal suite:
Up past organised storage to a wide landing with yet more practical storage space beneath the stairs, the first of the double bedrooms is an ideal guest room with soothing decoration, garden views and fitted wardrobes as well as access to a secret, chic bathroom on a half landing.

A private paradise, the principal suite is all about relaxing in a spectacular setting. Sea views pour through the bedroom through windows so large that you can watch the sea even from bed. The ceiling is lofty and the room restful with a limestone fireplace and the en suite bathroom is a beauty, acknowledging the history of this historic home whilst embracing the best the 21st century has to offer in the designer, freestanding studded bath with Lefroy fittings, fabulous double headed walk in shower and one piece Heritage ceramic dual hand basins.

Three top floor bedrooms and bathroom:
Up a staircase and beneath a rooflight to what would have once been staff quarters, discreet attention to detail continues in a skilfully planned central bathroom where two adjacent showers both have a high end finish with both a rainfall head and a wand, as well as twin hand basins.

At the back, a dual aspect double bedroom has lots of floorspace even with a double bed in it and floor to ceiling fitted wardrobes. At the front, two more light and airy bedrooms bathe in the Sussex sunshine, and with ample character of their own they also have irresistible sea views.

The lower floor:
Built in an age reliant on natural light, this extensive level has plenty of it and with new electrics, plumbing and some fresh plastering, most of the work has been completed. Large rooms, a hallway and deep cupboard -all with extraordinarily high ceilings- deliver an astounding 1316 square feet (122m2) to play with, and it would be ideal as a self- contained two bedroom apartment either for inter- generational living, guests or a nanny, STC. As well as being connected to the main house by a staircase steeped in history (it is broad enough for large trays to turn on the landing), there is also a separate entrance to the street with a caverns by it, both inside and out.

Agent says:
“This Regency property is a once in a lifetime buy as very few of this size and quality have survived intact from top to bottom – in this case 5 beautiful storeys.”

Where it is:
Shops: Kemptown Village 2 minutes, The Lanes 15 minute walk, 5 by cab.
Train Station: Brighton 10 -15 by bus.
Seafront or Park: Seafront 3 minutes, Queen’s Park 8.

Closest Schools:
Primary: St Luke’s, Queen’s Park.
Secondary: Varndean or Dorothy Stringer.
Private: Brighton College.<br /><br />Brighton & Hove is a party resort known for its beaches, arts festivals and international shopping – but also for its unique history, cosmopolitan cultural centre and warm, inclusive community. Built on hills and surrounded by the South Downs National Park we attract professionals and families seeking fresh air, good schools and a vibrant lifestyle. Kemptown Village has an eclectic mix of al fresco cafés, shops, restaurants and even a farmer’s market and it is bordered by the sea with a seasonal lift down to the beach. Hosting the County Hospital and world famous Brighton College, it is within walking distance of the city centre, although there are local buses and plentiful permit parking with no waiting list in zone H.