House For Sale £575,000
Rochester Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2

In a tranquil enclave of well-kept terraces behind Brighton College, this beautifully refurbished 3 bed house has a fabulous, landscaped garden with a gate to a path to woodland at the end of the no through street. With the wow factor the moment you walk in, it’s tucked quietly away in Kemptown, popular with professionals, families and investors as a choice of good schools, Queen’s Park, the Royal Sussex Hospital and the vibrant al fresco lifestyle of Kemptown and its beaches are within a 12-15 min walk and direct trains to Gatwick and London are 7 mins by cab. Fusing great contemporary design with period charm, its unspoilt character includes an open fireplace on the ground floor.

Three spacious storeys offer versatile options: On the ground floor, the formal reception is often used as a home office/ guest bedroom as the luxury bathroom is next door – and central to the house. On the lower floor, the spacious living, dining room and kitchen is all about a sociable lifestyle with a wall of glass to bring the outside in, whilst up on the top floor, the other 2 bedrooms are big and bright with a designer finish and ample storage. Around the corner friendly local shops and a popular bistro pub serve your every need, and it is within minutes of the cafés, restaurants- and seafront Lido/Yoga centre- of Kemptown Village. Nearby bus routes take you to the whole of the city and Brighton Station, and the picturesque cultural heart of the city is a 25 min stroll – or 4 by car as permit zone C runs to the bottom of Eastern Road, opposite the Pavilion.

Enjoy a glamorous lifestyle in this fantastic end of terrace house within a pretty terrace of period properties in Bakers Bottom, an area popular with those who like to sleep but also to be close to shops, restaurants and the beach – and now is the time to buy with major improvements underway on the seafront. Outside radiates period charm, whilst the statement number on the window introduces the skilled blend of Victorian proportion and contemporary style delivered by this 3 year refurbishment where meticulous attention to detail includes a new roof – tiles and joists- updated electrics and plumbing a contemporary kitchen and bathroom -and usb charging points in the three bedrooms.

Inside, the hall is light and inviting with spotlights high above your head, custom made radiator cover and painted floorboards which continue into the elegant reception. Ideal for entertaining, it is a welcoming, versatile space in which to work, rest or play where sunlight streams through the large south window and visitors can enjoy an open fire. Often used as a fourth bedroom in these Victorian homes, it would be ideal for guests, sharers or teenagers as the occupants can come and go without disturbing the main bedrooms - and the bonus is that it is next to the luxury bathroom. With a sensitive, historic influence in the high-end slipper bath with a wand attachment, this room is large enough for a separate walk in shower with a fashionable dual head fitting. A vanity unit adds to the built in storage, and there is a warming rail for towels.

Downstairs, the large kitchen/diner/living room is a beauty with a window seat beneath the large south window which becomes a secret ‘balcony’ when it opens, whilst at the far end, a wall of glass leads to the dynamic landscaping of the private garden. There is ample space for a sofa where friends and family can relax in rare seclusion, as well as for a table where homework can be discussed or company shared. Well designed, the kitchen is carefully tucked into its own space so although sociable, it does not dominate this whole level. Good to go with streamlined units and practical working surfaces, integrated appliances include a gas hob and fan oven beneath a lit hood, plumbing is in place for a dishwasher and a cupboard conceals a washing machine and has space for a dryer–and all the white goods in situ could stay, subject to circumstance.

Backing on to a path to the woods and a care home, this garden is a peaceful oasis, child and pet secure behind original walls and new trellis work. A private retreat, lovingly planted for all year interest and larger than most in the terrace as well as this close to the city and the sea, it is screened from neighbours by the attached house on one side and Cyprus Firs on the other, and scented by lavender and camelias. Expertly landscaped and discreetly lit, a paved terrace by the house has custom seating for dining and a few shallow steps rise to a level lawn where stepping stones lead to the gate for bikes/buggies-and there is designated space for a shed.

Returning inside, on the first floor the second double bedroom is a restful refuge with leafy views. Simple but stylish it is not directly overlooked and it is ready to move into with calm decoration, and we are told that the freestanding wardrobes will stay. At the front of this substantial property, the principal bedroom is a soothing sanctuary with the generous dimensions only period properties can deliver, 5 wardrobes which the vendor says are included as a good will gesture and a chic, classic finish which will stand the test of time.

Agent says:
“One of the largest houses in this popular spot, properties here are quiet but convenient – and sell fast. By one of the best schools in the country and within walking distance of the hospital, law centre and Amex, this is a sought after no through road where the friendly community have summer parties in the surrounding terraces, and the good news is that the vendor is willing to discuss items of furniture/light fittings etc which were bought specifically for the house.”

What’s around you:
Shops: Local 1 min, the Village 10 on foot, Lanes about 20-25 minute walk, 5 by cab.
Station: Brighton 15 mins by bus.
Seafront or Park: Sea 10-15 mins walk, 4 by car (part of seafront same C zone), Queen’s Park 6 on foot, 1 by car – same permit zone on some surrounding streets.

Closest Schools:
Primary: St Luke’s, Queen’s Park.
Secondary: Varndean, Dorothy Stringer.
Private: Brighton College, Brighton & Hove High, Brighton Waldorf.

Between the beach, Lido, beach bars and volleyball courts of Kemptown Village and tennis courts of Queen’s Park which also hosts arts events, ‘Baker’s Bottom’ has local shops and a bistro pub to serve your every need. On the doorstep, the al fresco café culture of the Village -10 mins on foot or 2 by car- also includes a Boots, Post Office and a pharmacy as well as a farmer’s market on Fridays. Nearby bus routes take you into the city or to the cinemas, waterfront restaurants and health club of the glamorous Marina, the vibrant St James’s Street (on the Pride route) is easy to reach and the picturesque heart of the city is a reasonable 20-25 minute stroll or a short bus or cab ride. By Brighton College, woodland walks and access to the Downs are close by and for commuters, the station serving Gatwick and London is about 15 minutes by bus. If you need a car, access to the A23/A27 is swift and permit zone C has no waiting list at the time of writing.