1 bed Flat For Sale £395,000
Compton Avenue, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1

With high ceilings, period features and exquisite views across the city to the rolling hills of the South Downs at the rear, this one-bedroom flat is immediately impressive.

It is formed within the first floor of a tall Victorian townhouse set in the heart of Seven Dials with its vibrant café culture and boutique shops, making it one of the most sought-after areas to live.

The immaculate exterior and communal ways are an excellent indicator for how beautifully maintained the interior is, and the south-easterly orientation ensures the natural light streams in throughout the day.

Just five minutes from Brighton Station, and with the city, beach and parks accessible on foot, this attractive home is sure to be coveted by many.

Style: 1st floor flat in a Victorian terrace
Type: 1 double bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 living/dining room, 1 kitchen
Location: Seven Dials/West Hill Conservation Area
Floor Area: 635 square ft
Outside: southeast facing balcony
Parking: Permit parking zone Y
Council Tax Band: B

Why you’ll like it:
Seven Dials has managed to retain an air of ‘cool’ for many years without being pretentious. There are establishments and families who have lived here for decades, yet new and exciting shops and bars pop up all the time, keeping it fresh. The beach is just a stroll away, as are several popular parks, schools and the city centre, plus the proximity of Brighton Station makes it ever popular with commuters. It is truly cosmopolitan, and that’s what attracts so many people here.

Once an old schoolhouse, this substantial building stands five storeys, mid-terrace on this wide, tree-lined avenue. It is brilliantly managed and very well-maintained which is evident from its smart exterior and communal ways, bringing it back to its former 19th Century glory and giving it plenty of kerb appeal. You approach up a wide path where a secure entry phone system allows access, and stairs sweep up to the first floor where your door is clearly numbered.

As was always intended, the first floors of these period buildings are impressive spaces with the highest ceilings, ideal for impressing guests. Stepping inside, your eyes are drawn to the left as both the living room and bedroom have incredible full height windows which bring natural light right through the flat.

Breath-taking in its scale, the living room is elegant and homely with warm wood flooring, calico cream woodwork and fresh wite walls. It also benefits from classic period features to include deep skirting boards, cornicing, picture rails and an original open fireplace which, once swept, warms the room beautifully during the cooler seasons. The bay window almost covers the south-easterly wall leading out to the full width balcony where there is space for a small table and chairs for drinks alfresco during summer. Inside, the bay provides the perfect spot for a formal dining table and chairs, leaving ample space elsewhere for sumptuous furnishings for relaxation or entertaining friends.

Next door, the bedroom is a sizable room with ample space for a king-size bed as well as several pieces of bedroom furniture. Sharing the same aspect as the living room next door, this room also enjoys balcony access and looks out over the Victorian terrace opposite, where the sun rises between the chimney stacks to gently wake you.

Moving through the flat to the rear, the kitchen is perfectly spacious with plenty of storage in Shaker cabinetry, leaving space for a cooker, fridge freezer and a dishwasher. The units are paired with stone worktops which create a sweet informal dining space by the window where the views are far-reaching, taking you all the way to the South Downs Way, including Devil’s Dyke and Truleigh Hill; all resting below vast, open skies. Facing west, the light is warm during the afternoon and early evening, and the sun sets are a dream.

Next door, the bathroom is in keeping with the Victorian style of the building, enjoying a freestanding bath at the centre of the room, traditional sanitaryware and pretty, patterned wallpaper. The washing machine is also usefully concealed within the linen cupboard.

Agent’s thoughts:

This has been a much-loved home, which has clearly been beautifully maintained, so you can move straight in or let it out immediately with ease. Being so favourably located, it is sure to be snapped up.

Owner’s thoughts:

“Sitting out on the balcony during spring and summer, watching the world go by along the pretty, tree-lined street, has been a real joy since living here. It is a really quiet and well-maintained building with lovely neighbours, and there is a real sense of community. Seven Dials has a wonderfully unique character too, so it’s been great having it on the doorstep, yet you are also only ten minutes from the beach; the city centre and St Ann’s Well Gardens.”

Where it is:

Shops: Local 2 min walk, city centre 5 min walk
Train Station: Brighton Station 5 min walk
Seafront or Park: St Ann’s Well Gardens 4 min walk, Seafront 8-10 min walk
Closest Schools:
Primary: Brunswick Primary, Stanford Infants and Junior Schools
Secondary: Hove Park, Blatchington Mill, Cardinal Newman RC

Private: Brighton College, Windlesham Prep.
This charming flat is situated in a popular area with lots of local shops and the beach nearby. The city centre shopping districts and parks are also within easy reach, and this property also offers easy access to both Brighton Station and the A23/A27 which have direct and fast links to the universities, the airports and London.

This charming flat is situated in a popular area with lots of local shops and the beach nearby. The city centre shopping districts and parks are also within easy reach, and this property also offers easy access to both Brighton Station and the A23/A27 which have direct and fast links to the universities, the airports and London.