Waterloo Street, Hove, East Sussex, BN3

Brunswick Town Conservation Area has long been heralded as one of the most fashionable areas to live in this city; known for its rich history, striking architecture and the eclectic mix of boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and bars which give it a unique character. This elegant, Grade II listed townhouse sits to the east of the main square and being spread over five substantial floors it offers versatile living accommodation to include a self-contained apartment on the lower ground level. Above this, the maisonette has five double bedrooms and two reception rooms. The property has been used as a comfortable family home for many years prior to becoming a high yield rental. It has recently undergone renovation, refurbishment and redecoration, but many period features have been detailed throughout. While it is ready to move straight in to, it is also a blank canvas, so there is plenty of scope to put your own stamp on the place. The local schools are excellent and there are two commuter stations within walking distance, plus the beach is virtually on your doorstep. With so much space and potential, this house would suit families, professional sharers and buy-to-let investors alike- but either way, it is sure to attract the attentions of many.

Style: Period townhouse
Bedrooms: 5 double in upper level, 1 in LGF
Bathrooms: 7; 5 en suite, 1 ensuite in LGF
Living rooms: 2 very spacious in upper level, 2 in LGF
Outside: Full width east facing balcony
Location: Brunswick Town Conservation Area
Parking: Permit Zone M
Tenure: Freehold
Council tax band:

Why you’ll like it:
Brunswick Town was the grand design of renowned architect Charles Busby in the early 19th Century and was to be a ‘new town’ for all levels of society, built around the regal homes of Brunswick Square. The townhouses of Waterloo Street were built slightly later than the square in 1840 so they have the beautiful architectural features of the Early Victorian period which have been maintained over the years and protected by their Conservation Area, Grade II listed status.
While many have been converted into generous apartments, this house is unique as it is one dwelling with a self-contained one-bedroom flat on the lower ground floor. The staircase between the two remains, so it could be reinstated as one single property if desired.

The exterior has undergone recent refurbishment and redecoration, so the façade is fresh in ‘Hove cream’ with its timber framed, double glazed sash windows. Some traditional tiled steps lead up to the door, and once inside, it is the sheer scale of the house which impresses first. The ceilings soar and the original features are plentiful with decorative corbels high above your head, deep skirtings below, and both dado and picture rails winding their way around each space.

There are two large rooms on the GF level which could have any number of uses, be they as bedrooms, spacious home offices, sitting rooms or workspaces. At one point they were opened with bi-fold doors to link them, this could be reinstated to create a grand reception room, much like the one on the first floor. Also, on this level is a spacious utility room with an additional shower and WC, ideal for the GF bedroom and for the front reception room to double up as a guestroom. All the other bedrooms are en suite.
From the first-floor half landing, there is a room to the rear which could be a home office, it has an en suite WC and basin. There is some built-in storage and the views from multi-pane windows look out over the neighbouring gardens.

As was always intended, the main reception room is on the first-floor where the ceiling is at its highest and floor to ceiling windows almost cover the easterly wall bringing in a wonderful morning light. As with every window to the front of the building, these have been replaced with timber-framed double glazing and they open to a full width balcony. From here you can see the sea at the bottom of the hill and with the windows open, the cool coastal breeze can flow right through the house. There is ample space for comfortable furnishings and a formal dining table and chairs. In the kitchen, units run along two walls with a gas hob and fan oven integrated within them.

The upper two floors are almost identical; each containing two double bedrooms – all with modern en suite shower rooms. Each floor has a larger double spanning the front of the house with a smaller – yet still substantial double with views over the historic landscape to the west. There is an extra bathroom on the second floor over the rear extension. These rooms feature wardrobe storage and fireplaces.

Lower ground floor apartment:
With its own street entrance, the lower ground floor is completely self-contained from the main house, although the staircase has been retained behind stud wall storage. This allows it to be used as a secondary income or it is ideal for families looking to live with elderly relatives who seek the security of being nearby while keeping a level of independence.

You enter into a long hall with the main bedroom to the right. Plenty of natural light can stream in via a large window on the easterly wall, while the lower ground position allows for some privacy. This room has an en suite bathroom for convenience, while there is an additional WC accessible from the dining room conservatory – ideal for guests.

Sitting centrally, the living room links through to the conservatory dining area. This room also has close access to the kitchen and utility room to the rear of the flat which are fully equipped with plenty of storage and some integrated appliances to include an oven and a five-ring gas hob, while space and plumbing have been left for your other machines.

Agent’s thoughts:
Steeped in history and sitting in a hugely popular location for families and professionals alike, this property already has a lot going for it. But being so incredibly spacious with additional accommodation and offering a huge amount of versatility – it really is quite a unique property for the area, so it will appeal to many types of buyer.

Owner’s secret:
“This was a wonderful family home for us for many years. There is a lot of history and character to the area which this house reflects. The many improvements we have made since we have been here will make this a lovely home for many more years to come. Brunswick Town has a mix of families and professionals. Living so close to the beach with easy access to the day and night life of Brighton was simply amazing for our family and the renters alike. We will always cherish the time we lived in this great home.”

Where it is:
Shops: Local 1 min walk, city centre 8 min walk
Train Station: Brighton Stations 20 min walk. Hove 25 min walk
Seafront or Park: St Ann’s Well Gardens 10 min walk, Seafront 2 min walk
Closest Schools:
Primary: Brunswick Primary, St Mary Magdalene RC
Secondary: Hove Park, Blatchington Mill, Cardinal Newman RC
Private: Brighton College

This impressive house is perfectly situated in a popular area with lots of local shops and the beach on your doorstep. The city centre shopping districts and parks are also within easy reach, and this home also offers easy access to Hove and Brighton Stations which have direct and fast links to the airports and London.