Totland Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2

A great first buy or investment, this spacious 1 bed garden apartment on a quiet, leafy street with plentiful permit parking also offers a sophisticated city lifestyle with the Level and fashionable Open Market at the foot of the North Laine a 20 min walk, and Brighton Station’s direct trains to Gatwick, London and Sussex University 25-30 mins walk or 10-15 min cycle.

Inside has light and spacious rooms to enjoy with leafy views, making it an unusually private home, although sociable, the layout would also suit if you work from home and owned by an interior designer, there’s a stylish, contemporary finish throughout and even a wood burning stove in the living room. Just off Elm Grove with a grocery store at the end of the street and bistro pub a stroll but out of hearing, access to the Downs at the top of the hill and within easy reach of the sea, it’s ideal for professionals with 4 popular primary schools within a 5 min radius, Brighton General Hospital a 10 minute walk and other major employers like Amex, police station, Brighton College, the County and Nuffield Hospital all within a 6 minute drive – or short bus ride.

At the bottom of the hill, the Level’s open green spaces also provide events during festivals (out of hearing) and both London Road and the North Laine have a great buzz with their eclectic mix of exotic street food from around the globe, vintage clothing, antique shops, independent boutiques and fresh produce making both a magnet for locals and tourists.

Quietly tucked away, this spacious apartment spans the whole of the lower floor of a classic Victorian terraced house with only a maisonette above and its own private entrance which has a store large enough for bikes opposite. Set down from the street behind a verdant front garden, with a cheerful east/west orientation, big windows, high ceilings and glazed doors, built in an age reliant on natural light inside has plenty of it, and the door opens to a hallway with open views through the whole apartment to the garden, so first impressions are good!
To the left, the living room is a private retreat looking over the deep front garden which shields it from the street. A classic beauty with plenty of space to share, it blends old with new where generous period proportions have a contemporary finish and the chimney breast now houses a wood burning stove.

Next door, the tranquil double bedroom is a delight to return to with plenty of floorspace even with a double bed in situ, alcoves for wardrobes and glorious, restful views reaching over the private walled patio to the large, leafy gardens behind.

Along the hall, the stylish kitchen opens to the sunny garden for an easy, al fresco lifestyle. Galley by name but not by nature, it’s sociable with a custom built breakfast bar which comfortably seats four and there’s plenty of storage and practical, solid wood surfaces which also look great. Good to go, the gas hob and electric oven are integrated beneath a lit hood, there’s a discreet built in wine rack and microwave, the fridge/freezer is also integrated – and so is the washing machine. Ingenious design has a discreet, surprisingly spacious shower room with a designer finish. The Etsy hand basin sits on a bespoke stand, the mirror above the bath is antique whilst the brass fittings which include Vardo taps and a dual head shower over the tub are right on trend.

Outside the unusually large garden is a rare, southwest facing sun trap made private and secure by walls and is landscaped to entertain in style. There’s a sunny seating area level with apartment and then the first of two broad tiers rises to the paved dining terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the last of the sun’s rays. Full of birdsong, this tranquil refuge is also designed for scent and all year interest, but it is also easy to look after so you’ll have more time to enjoy this relaxing outdoor space where it’s easy to forget that you’re within walking distance of the beating heart of the city.

Agent’s Thoughts
“This is a laid back, unpretentious area which appeals to families, professionals and investors with lots of local amenities and it bridges Kemptown’s beaches access to the Downs and the city centre.”

Owner’s secret
“The apartment is light, inviting and easy to live in. We love the leafy views from the living room and bedroom so you don’t feel hemmed in even though its just 4 mins drive to the city centre. We have enjoyed having both the countryside and the sea nearby as we run – you’re on the Downs in minutes and we run to the sea in 10 mins. The street is friendly and quiet but convenient with local organic shops, cafes and bistro pubs nearby and has a mix of people as this is a great spot if you’re a couple, an older person or a family. There is always something to do whatever you’re into and in the evenings, you won’t need to use the car to go to restaurants or theatres as you can walk or bus everywhere.”

What’s around you:
Shops: Local 1 min walk, Open Market & North Laine 20 mins on foot
Train Station: Brighton mainline about 15-20 on foot, 10ish by cab or cycle
Seafront or park: The Level 6 mins on foot, seafront 10 mins by cycle, 15-20 by bus

Closest schools:
Primary: Elm Grove, St Luke’s, Queen’s Park
Sixth Form: Varndean, BHASVIC, MET, BIMM
Secondary: Varndean/Dorothy Stringer
Private: Brighton College, Brighton Waldorf

Elm Grove is known for its organic shops, bistro pubs and bakeries as well as its easy access to the open spaces of the Level which holds events during the arts festivals, and the city centre. If you teach, Elm Grove Primary is around the corner and other good schools including St Luke’s and Brighton College are easy to reach. Kemptown is on the doorstep which hosts Amex, Police Station, the hospitals – and Pride- and has a relaxed café culture as well as useful amenities, beach bars and outdoor pool by the sea. The station serving Falmer, Lewes, Gatwick and London is about 15 mins on foot, there is no waiting list for S zone parking and Elm Grove will take you up to the racecourse and open countryside or to London & Lewes Roads for swift access into or out of the city.