Old Fort Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex

This confidently articulated seven-bedroom beach house extends over 4,700 sq ft, occupying a spectacular seafront position in Shoreham-by-Sea with uninterrupted views over the West Sussex coastline. Full-height glazing illuminates wonderfully proportioned rooms, opening onto south-facing terraces providing the perfect opportunity for indoor-outdoor living. A self-contained studio is set in the front gardens, with private gardens extending to the rear. The location is ideal for easy access to the beach, which can be accessed directly from the garden.

The Tour

The house is set back from the road by a private driveway and landscaped front gardens, leading up to the main entrance on the northern façade.

A striking spiral staircase forms a centrepiece, ascending through the house to connect the upper levels. Following an inverted layout, the living spaces unfold across the first-floor level to optimise the incredible sea views, with bedrooms on the ground and second floors.

The primary living areas are loosely arranged in an open plan, offering great flexibility for relaxing, cooking, dining and entertaining, with a cinema room set on the northerly side. The main reception room begins with a large lounge area, finished in neutral tones. Vast picture windows answer each other at each end of the plan, directing the eye towards the sea view at the rear and filling the space with light. Swathes of glazing created a light-filled, modern feel to the interior and façade, and long, slender timber boards run underfoot, directing a seamless flow within this versatile space.

The lounge area is orientated towards a log-burning fire and the dining space is illuminated by an excellent quality of natural light. A bespoke kitchen lies to one side, defined by clean lines of joinery housing appliances topped with stainless steel work surfaces. The glazed rear doors open onto a decked terrace with views over the natural flora and fauna that covers the beach leading down to the sea.

There are six peaceful bedrooms on the ground floor. Four have en suites and access to the terrace towards the sea. The main bedroom is at the top of the house, with a dressing room, an en suite bathroom, and elevated views from the sea-facing balcony.

Solar panels ensure optimal energy efficiency, with the benefit of battery storage for the solar energy. An MVHR system ensures a healthful environment, and there is also air conditioning in the cinema room and main bedroom.

Outdoor Space

Raised flowerbeds are planted to the front of the house, interspersed by a series of specimen trees. A detached garden studio, the most recent addition, is well-suited to a home study or workshop, with plumbing and heating. The private driveway runs adjacent, with vehicular storage of multiple cars and an electric hookup point, along with a double garage.

The rear garden, a fantastic suntrap, has a large decked terrace which  includes a hot tub, outdoor seating and a dining area with expansive views of the sea.

The Area

Shoreham-by-Sea is brilliantly positioned between Brighton and Worthing on a long stretch of beach much loved by water sports enthusiasts and year-round swimmers. From May onwards, the beach, a nature reserve, bursts into bloom with wildflowers. The beautiful River Adur runs through the town, offering opportunities for paddleboarding and canoeing. Every fortnight, Shoreham has a large farmers' market famous for its local produce from the surrounding areas.

Just a five-minute drive from the South Downs National Park, Old Fort Road has access to excellent walking and cycling routes to ancient landmarks such as Cissbury Ring, Devil’s Dyke and Arundel Castle. The adjacent hills and plains are now producing highly regarded English sparkling wines as well as organic meats and vegetables, sold in an impressive network of local vintners and farm shops.

The West Sussex Coast is peppered with seaside towns that have seen significant regeneration and are increasingly popular. Shoreham is no exception, with a number of renowned architecture practices promoting their projects along the beachfront. Worthing, Angmering, Arundel and Chichester (with its internationally renowned galleries) are within short driving distance of the house. Brighton is within easy reach, with some excellent restaurants and all the amenities of a city. Littlehampton is also close by, offering facilities for sailing in addition to the East Beach Café, designed by Thomas Heatherwick.

There are several excellent schools in the area, both state and private, including nearby Lancing College and Shoreham College.

The house is very well-connected, with direct trains running from Shoreham-by-Sea Station to London Victoria in just over an hour and to Brighton in around 15 minutes. There are also very good motorway connections via the A27. It is a 45-minute drive to Gatwick Airport, and nearby Brighton City Airport has facilities for domestic and private flights.

Council Tax Band: G