Compton Avenue, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1

Exceptional styling, high ceilings and a wealth of period features come together in this three-storey maisonette to showcase how Edwardian properties can be transformed for modern, 21st century living. Bespoke design has been combined with the natural character of the building for a truly refined finish, creating the perfect balance between home comforts and a luxurious lifestyle.

The scale of the property ensures it feels more like a house than an apartment with generous receptions rooms, four double bedrooms and three bathrooms offering versatile spaces for families and professionals alike. Elevated on the upper floors, it also benefits from sole use of the roof terrace, looking out over the local landscape towards the South Downs.

Standing in the heart of Seven Dials, with its vibrant café culture and boutique shops, it is also just minutes from Brighton Station. The local schools are exemplary, and the beach, St Ann’s Well Gardens and the city centre are within walking distance. With so many desirable features, it will appeal to anyone looking to live in style and comfort by the sea.

Style: 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor Edwardian maisonette

Type: 4 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms,
2 reception rooms

Location: Seven Dials/West Hill Conservation Area

Floor Area: 2534 Sq Ft

Parking: Permit parking zone Y

Council Tax Band: C

Compton Avenue offers an impressive streetscape within the West Hill Conservation Area with period properties lining either side of a wide tree-lined road. Entirely unique within the road, this house in red brick with decorative architectural features was built slightly later than its Victorian neighbours. It remains a substantial building, however, with this maisonette spanning its upper three floors with its own street entrance at ground floor level.

Stepping inside, the exquisite interior design and wealth of period features are evident in the entrance hall, where patterned floor tiles, high ceilings and wooden stairs greet you, rising to the first-floor half landing. These continue throughout the property which impresses more at every turn.

From the first split-level half landing, the family bathroom sits to the rear of the house with a modern take on a period style. A freestanding claw foot bath sits below the window, where brick tiles rise halfway to the dado rail. Vintage cabinetry has been fittedwithin the original hearth and wall-mounted, both of which may be available by separate negotiation.

Stepping up, there are two exceptional reception rooms spanning the rest of the first floor. To the front is the open plan kitchen, dining and family room where the ceilings soar, and shuttered bay sash windows bring in a wealth of natural light from the south. In a room of this size, the open plan kitchen does not dominate, creating a social space with a island with seating below pendant lighting. There is ample space elsewhere for formal dining and relaxation by the wood burning stove sitting within the original period fireplace and mantel.

Using a traditional cabinetry style and marble worktops, the kitchen sits in keeping with the era of the building. It offers a wealth of storage alongside integrated ovens, a dishwasher and an induction hob, leaving space for an American fridge freezer.

Next door, the sitting room offers a second space for complete relaxation on sumptuous sofas; a tranquil space with an open fire for cosying up during the cooler seasons. As a versatile room with traditional cupboards built-in to the alcoves, it would also work perfectly as a fifth bedroom if required.

Rising through the levels to the second floor, the original timber staircase is a stunning architectural feature and focal point of this home, leading first to the second half-landing and the first shower room. Bringing drama to the space, black, rough plastered walls are paired with metallic pops of bronze and gold for a chic, industrial and bold scheme.

Bedrooms two, three and four span the second floor, all beautiful double room with painted wood flooring, period fireplaces and tall shuttered windows to filter in natural light. Once more, original features have been retained with picture rails, deep skirtings and built-in wardrobes, adding huge character to the home.

Elevated further on the third floor, the principal bedroom suite offers an elegant and tranquil hideaway space, away from the hubbub of family life. Limed oak parquet flooring is paired with natural plaster and calico cream walls which serve to brighten the room; already well-lit via two large Velux windows. Even with a king size bed, seating area and freestanding furnishings, the floor space is not compromised, and the en suite wet room is lined in marble for a final flourish if luxury.

Seven Dials has managed to retain an air of ‘cool’ for many years without being pretentious. There are establishments and families who have lived here for decades, and yet new and exciting shops and bars pop up all the time too, keeping it fresh. The beach is just a stroll away, as are several popular parks, schools and the city centre and the proximity of Brighton Station makes it ever popular with commuters. It is truly cosmopolitan, and that’s what attracts so many people here.