3 bed Flat For Sale £780,000
The French Apartments, De Courcel Road, Brighton BN2

Built in French Renaissance style in 1895 as a convalescent home for French Nationals, this iconic Grade II listed building is set back from Brighton's seafront behind south facing gardens and discreet car park with allocated spaces. Becoming luxury apartments in 2000 this glamorous three bedroom apartment within the prime, south wing has a fabulous sea facing terrace for entertaining and spacious private deck for breakfast in the sunshine. With elegant proportions and period features it offers both sophisticated living space and three quiet bedrooms including a beautiful master, en suite. A friendly local High Street, international restaurants and bars of the Marina and Kemptown, famous for its café culture, hospital and Brighton College are within walking distance, and the cosmopolitan shopping, art venues and station of our famous coastal resort are easy to reach on foot, by bus or by cab.

An extravagant celebration of French Renaissance revival, this magnificent building is unique, facing the English Channel and looking to France for whose nationals it was built. Set behind glorious manicured grounds it is an exclusive address and the secure entrance is reached through an arched colonnade.

Up on the hushed first floor, this apartment has the wow factor as soon as you walk in with original tiling to the hallway wall, gleaming parquet floor and double glass doors inviting you to step out to the south facing terrace with mesmerising views of the sea. Ahead, the gracious living room has a south wall lined with arched windows to frame the stunning coastal view whilst at the back, a graceful bay opens to a restful deck on the east corner, perfect for private contemplation or sunny breakfasts in peace. Inside there is ample space to enjoy with friends even with a grand piano in situ, and decoration of understated elegance in the subtle hues of Farrow & Ball keep the focus firmly on the views across leafy gardens to the sea which lift the spirit.

There is an easy flow to the metropolitan kitchen next door which invites company with a sociable breakfast bar, and well planned, integrated appliances opposite include electric ovens thoughtfully at eye level and an integrated gas hob beneath a stylish hood.

A central bathroom continues the Parisienne flavour of this coastal home with a claw foot baignoir which has a traditional shower attachment, and all high end fittings are in classic style in keeping with the age of the building – although with subtle luxury tweaks like the heated rail for towels.

All facing south with windows to embrace the light and views, the three bedrooms are comfortable doubles and beautifully decorated so you will not want to change a thing. Opposite the terrace, the smallest of the rooms – still a generous 11'11'' x 8'5''- would make a lovely study if you were thinking of working from home and the second, guest room has delightful period features. Not to be outshone, the master bedroom shimmers in sunshine and designer paper, and the spa like en suite shower room with Fired Earth tiles is designed to soothe away even the most demanding of schedules.

Agent says:

"Combining unique period features with the best the 21st century has to offer, this magnificent apartment not only has possible on site parking and manicured south gardens, but an impressive 1349.50 sq ft to play with and two private outside terraces so you can enjoy our sunny, Sussex coast to the full."

Owner's secret:

"We have loved returning home to this unique architectural jewel, which was designed to be quiet and restful- and still is – but it is also perfect for parties with plenty of room for guests to stay, which is useful as they don't seem to want to leave!"

Where it is:

Shops: 2 minutes, Marina 10 minute walk

Train Station: Mainline 15-20 minutes by bus

Seafront or Park: Seafront 2 minutes, Park 5 minutes on foot

Closest Schools:

Primary: St Mark's, Queen's Park

Secondary: Varndean or Dorothy Stringer

Private: Brighton College, Brighton Steiner, Roedean

Opposite the beach with local shops around the corner, the international restaurants and bars of the Marina are within walking distance, and nearby bus routes take you to the famous cultural heart of the city and thriving city centre – or you can take a cab which takes 5 minutes. Within walking distance of award winning schools including Brighton Steiner, Roedean and Brighton College, the 60 acres of East Brighton Park with its sports facilities and access to the Downs are nearby. Ideal for professionals, Kemptown hosts the hospital, law courts and Amex and for commuters, the mainline station with its fast links to Gatwick and London is easy to reach on foot, by bus or by cab, and access to both the A23 & A27 is swift.