House For Sale £420,000
Southover Street, Brighton, BN2

The picturesque historic terraces of Hanover rise from the leafy level at the heart of the city to the playground, pond and tennis courts of Queen’s Park, and this two bedroom Victorian house, a 6 minute stroll from each, is a great buy or investment, in need of a little TLC and priced to sell. Larger than it looks from the street, inside 79.1m2 (852 sq.ft) delivers three storeys of spacious rooms to inspire ideas as well as a southwest deck off the living room and a southwest patio with steps to a covered courtyard at the back. Currently providing an income, there’s a big living room, a kitchen diner, a bathroom and two double bedrooms – and two separate w.c’s at the top and bottom, great for sharers. Two good primary schools -one outstanding - are within a 10-14 minute walk, Brighton’s major employers including the Universities on Lewes Road and The Royal County Hospital are under 20 minutes by bus, at the bottom of the hill Lewes Road will take you to the beach or out to Falmer and Lewes, and Brighton Station’s direct trains to Gatwick and London are just 7 minutes away by cab.

EPC: C
Council Tax: C

Hanover is known for its friendly, pro-organic community, active artists and quiet convenience, and this attractive home with an east/west orientation and double glazing is set privately up from the street.

Inside, a lobby leads into the ground floor which has been opened up to create a sociable living room of 6.66m x 4.23m (21’10 x 13’11) with a feature fireplace, broad bay window at the front and French doors at the back which open to a recently replaced deck, wide enough for a bistro set. Well thought through, there is an inner lobby at the back as well, with a door to the deck and steps to it from the kitchen/dining room on the lower floor.

Outside, the sun deck is not directly overlooked even though there is a house behind it, and we are told that it does get sunshine from about 3 in the afternoon. Below, the patio is secure behind flint walls with space for a table and chairs, and central steps lead down to the covered court by the kitchen.

Returning inside, the kitchen dining room has 4.23m x 4.13m to play with and the layout is practical with solid units providing ample storage and plenty of wood surfaces and under the stairs, there are fitted cupboards and plumbing for a washing machine. French doors open to the covered courtyard and also on the level, a lobby has a deep cupboard on one side, a bathroom with a shower above the bath on the other, and there is a separate w.c., ideal for sharers.

Up at the top, the landing has access to the attic and a second w.c. At the back, the first of the bedrooms is completely private with oblique views over the city, and the front bedroom spans the full width of the building and also has surprisingly open views to downland, so you won’t feel hemmed in.

Agent’s Thoughts
“An unlisted historic find to make your own, this fashionable area will appeal to students, professionals and families within a stroll of the Open Market and vibrant North Laine and well- connected to Brighton’s city centre, Lewes and Gatwick.”

Owner’s secret
“All of the rooms are useful sizes and nice and bright. The kitchen diner and separate living room work well for sharers as does the outside space where it is easy to forget that this location is very central. The street is friendly and has a mix of people in it as this is a great spot if you’re a couple or a family as it bridges Kemptown’s beaches to the green of the Level and city centre; there is always something to do whatever you’re into and in the evenings, you won’t need to use the car to go to restaurants or theatres as you can walk or bus everywhere.”

What’s around you:
Shops: Local 2 mins walk, North Laine 8-10.
Train Station: Brighton mainline about 15-20 on foot, 6 by cab.
Seafront or park: The Level and Queen’s Park 6 minutes on foot, seafront 10 mins by car, 15 by bus.

Closest schools:
Primary: St Luke’s, Queen’s Park.
Secondary: Varndean/Dorothy Stringer.
Private: Brighton College.

Hanover is known for its organic shops and bistro pubs and its easy access to both the Level and Queen’s Park, which both hold events during the arts festivals, and are full of locals enjoying the green spaces, sports facilities, playground and cafes. Within a reasonable walking distance of good schools including St Luke’s and Brighton College, it is ideal for professionals as Kemptown, bordered by beaches, is on the doorstep which hosts Amex, Police Station, the hospitals – and Pride- and has a relaxed café culture as well as useful amenities. The famous Lanes, international business district and cosmopolitan Marina are all swift to reach. For commuters, the station serving Gatwick and London is about 15 mins on foot, or 6 by cab, there is no waiting list for V zone parking and at the bottom of the hill, both London Road or Lewes Road will take you straight into or out of the city.