Royal Parade, Eastbourne

Sensational seaside setting

Recall the golden age of beach excursions, at this handsome Edwardian guest house that epitomises the joie de vivre and the essence of seaside living in Eastbourne.

Dating back to 1910, a large, detached home, was converted eight years ago to serve as a guest house, with owner accommodation on the lower ground level; redecorated in 2023 whilst at the same time the outer walls received a fresh coat of paint.

Tantalisingly situated over the road from the seafront, it overlooks the rocking waves, with prevalent sea views from many of the rooms on the first and second floors.

Three designated parking spaces are available to the rear. Returning to the front of the home, steps lead up to the main entrance, where period tiles are reminiscent of the Edwardian origins of this respectable home.

Throughout a subtle seaside theme can be felt in the décor and furnishings, creating the perfect 'beside-the-sea' ambience for guests keen to leave their cares behind and relax in the restorative coastal air of Eastbourne.

Sun kissed living

Feast your eyes on the breakfast room to the right, where a broad bay window draws in so much natural light, with leafy views in the direction of the coastline. With ample space for tables and views out to the sea, behind the breakfast room opens up to a kitchenette area, currently furnished with sink, dishwasher, microwave and with space for a table-top hob and air fryer.

Returning to the entrance hallway, admire the handsome period door, as you step beyond the Minton tiling and into the lobby, where stairs lead up to the first floor, and there is also a door providing access into the inner hallway.

Refresh and revive

Sneak a peek at the first of the six inviting bedrooms. Bedroom two, a snug single bedroom is awash with light courtesy of a large window that looks out over the rear. Overhead, ornate plasterwork conjures memories of Edwardian splendour from bygone days. In here, you can also find a comfortable ensuite shower room.

Bright and bountiful, the ground floor is also home to bedroom one, a king size room with a deep bay window, looking out over the pretty courtyard to the rear. Dressed in sea foam tones, this bedroom features a tiled shower room ensuite.

Returning to the lobby, ascend the carpeted stairs, past walls dressed in blue sky hues, to the first-floor landing. Take time, on route, to admire the striking colours of the original stained-glass windows, inviting an abundance of light through the stairwell.

Sweetest of dreams

Nestled to the rear, sandcastle yellow soft furnishings add a sunny feel to bedroom three, where a duet of tall sash windows bring the outdoors in. Powder blue walls marry with crisp white skirtings and ceilings, a refreshing motif that continues throughout the mainstay of this guest house.

A king size family room, bedroom three comes replete with its own tiled, shower room ensuite.

On the first-floor landing, a large, shelved linen closet is the perfect place to store all the sheets and towels for the guest bedrooms.

Drink in the view

Capturing spectacular sea views is the bay-fronted, king size fourth bedroom, nestled to the front. Swimming in light, and dressed in vanilla white walls, with duck egg blue accents to the soft furnishings, this guest suite is a relaxing, sun-kissed sanctuary. Spacious, serene and with its own large balcony, this room is ideal for romantic seaside retreaters, who can share morning coffee and an evening drink as the sun drops over the horizon. A large shower room ensuite adds to the luxury of this bedroom.

Elevate your expectations

Ascend the stairs once more to arrive at the uppermost floor, where the majesty of bedroom four is repeated in bedroom six, again a spacious king size bedroom. Positioned directly above bedroom four, the sixth bedroom also features a large, seated bay window, where guests can rest, relax and admire the changing colours of the sky over the sea as they prepare for an evening exploring the highlights and culture of Eastbourne. Refresh and relax in the ensuite, with large bath containing showerhead attachment. This bathroom also offers lovely sea views.

Bedroom five, a comfortable double bedroom, also benefits from an ensuite with deep bath, and enjoys an intimate, cosy feel courtesy of its angled ceiling, with views out to the rear.

Deep eaves storage for all your guest house essentials can be found on this uppermost level.

Owners' accommodation

Accessible from the inner hallway, and also with its own separate, external access, is the lower ground floor apartment.

Stairs lead down to a hallway, diagonally tiled underfoot and where light pours in through a glazed door to the external pathway leading to both front and rear.

Off this hallway, a cloakroom with wash basin and WC can be found neighbouring bedroom two, a single bedroom dressed in light shades and with modern flooring underfoot, where a window invites natural light through.

At the end of the hallway, enjoy a soak in the Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom.

Light floods into the main bedroom, with a bay window overlooking the front. A king size bedroom there is ample space for wardrobe storage.

Relax and unwind after a busy day in the main lounge, where a modern minimal feel exudes from the light tones in the chic décor. Snuggle up in front of the fireplace on winter nights. Beyond, another snug sitting area basks in sunshine, offering access out to the terrace.

Cook up a feast in the kitchen, currently housing two large fridges, washing machine, Range cooker, dishwasher and sink, and featuring a sociable breakfast bar.

Sunshine and shade

Outside, a large south-facing patio soaks up the sunshine throughout the day, the perfect spot for a lemonade and paper wrapped fish and chips with the family after a fantastic day exploring all Eastbourne and the seafront has to offer.

To the rear, there is a smaller patio, perfect for the owner's personal use, which is bathed in sun until late on in the evening.

Stash your parasols and deckchairs in the large garden shed, served by power and lighting.

Out and about

If ever a town had it all, Eastbourne can lay a strong claim to being 'the one'. With its iconic coastline (including the eminent chalk cliffs of Beachy Head) packed with long, sandy beaches, grand and elegant seafront promenade dotted with formal gardens which nod to the town's Victorian heritage, Eastbourne is a sure-fire winner among those who love to be beside the sea.

Not limited to its glorious and convenient seafront, however, guests residing at this guest house are also within easy reach of the rolling green hillsides of the South Downs, renowned for their connection to the Downs poets and of course, William Blake. Featured poets during the South Downs Poetry Festival 2023 included Roger McGough, Rosie Jackson and Kate Noakes among others.

With an average age of 43, Eastbourne is by no means a cliched seaside retirement town, attracting visitors of all ages throughout the year; many of whom come for the culture, with Eastbourne, renowned for its cinemas, theatres, firework shows and bandstand concerts, playing host to the Turner Prize 2023.

Attracting more than five million visitors annually, Eastbourne is perennially popular among tourists, and has a devoted following of sporting enthusiasts, courtesy of the Rothesay International Eastbourne tennis tournament.

Brimming with a wide range of shops, restaurants, bars, boutiques and coffee shops, there's always something to do in Eastbourne, even in inclement weather.

Handy too for those seeking a seaside break from the city, train connections between London and Eastbourne average around 90 minutes.

For those seeking a change of pace, an escape from the hustle and bustle and fast pace of the city, Bay Lodge, overlooking the golden beaches of Eastbourne, offers the perfect combination of business, pleasure and leisure.


Council Tax Band: A
Tenure: Freehold