Marina, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex

This elegant two-bedroom apartment is defined by its soaring ceilings and breathtaking views of St Leonards' seafront. It sits on the upper-ground floor of a striking early Victorian townhouse with shuttered sash windows and a bold marble fireplace surround. Known for its coastal light, St Leonards has long attracted artists and has a burgeoning cultural scene shared with its larger neighbour Hastings. St Leonards Warrior Square station is a short walk away and runs services to London in as little as 90 minutes.

Setting the Scene 

St Leonards-on-Sea is an increasingly popular seaside retreat, due both to its proximity to the capital as well as the bucolic and coastal wilds of Kent and Sussex. Within the town itself, an eclectic array of boutiques, restaurants and cultural happenings play out against the back drop of fine Regency architecture.

Developer-architect James Burton and his son, Decimus, conceived the resort in the early and mid-19th century, with echoes of London’s Marylebone and Belgravia where they had previously practised. The strip of waterfront townhouses where this apartment lies was named Marina, and showcases the architectural prowess of the Bruton duo.

The Grand Tour 

Entry to the apartment is via the building's main door, painted a cheery pink. Within, the apartment's neat hallway provides space for coat and shoe storage.

The principal living space is set to the front of the plan and occupies almost the full width of the building. History is reflected in the grand scale of this space, where the ceilings rise to over three meters in height and dramatic cornicing encircles above. Two expansive sash windows captures views over the water and scatter an exceptional quality of coastal light across the walls, painted in 'Scotch Blue' by Farrow and Ball. There is an attractive original fireplace, bold and broad with its white-veined red marble.

Beyond the living space is the first double bedroom, which has similarly smart original details, including lovely slim shutters and cornicing that frame its grand proportions. Washed in Farrow and Ball's 'Sulking Room Pink', it is a serene escape illuminated by a large tripartite sash window and fitted with extensive built-in wardrobes.

The home's additional rooms are arranged along a the hallway to make the best of a light-well that runs the depth of the original house. There is a kitchen, and a generous pantry under the stairs. At the end of the hall is the second double bedroom. The family bathroom has been recently renovated to include a roll-top bath and over shower. There is also a separate guest WC.

Out and About 

St Leonards-on-Sea's Marina is arguably one of the south coast's finest seafronts. During its 19th-century heyday, it was considered one of the most desirable places to go to avoid the clatter and smog of London. In recent years the town has seen a resurgence in its popularity as a coastal escape and, together with its close neighbour, Hastings, has become a centre of cultural happenings, great food and boutiques.

The town centre is a short walk away where offerings include The Royal, for elevated pub grub and excellent ambience, SLEEPER  for strong coffee and decedent bagels and  St Clement's for seasonal menus and fresh seafood. BAYTE plates up contemporary Mediterranean inspired dishes and Three Faces  is superbly well regarded for tapas. Set within a former bank, Heist is an indoor food market offering a plethora of delicatessen delights while Graze on Grand has an extensive wine list and a superb selection of small plates.

Window-shoppers and impulse purchasers alike will enjoy St Leonard's growing array of antique and mind-century furniture shops, a number of which are on King's Road. For film buffs there is Kino-Teatr, which combines an independent cinema with exhibition space and a wonderful café.

Hastings Old Town, a short walk away, is home to some legendary antique traders and independent retailers, including AG Hendy and Co, Warp and Weft, Hawk & Dove, Vintage Bird, Robert’s Rummage and Hastings Antiques Warehouse. Art galleries are likewise abundant; the most significant is perhaps Hastings Contemporary (formerly the Jerwood Gallery) designed by HAT Projects, though there are many others of note, including The Rebel Gallery, Lucy Bell Fine Art and The Memorial Gallery. All are a short walk from the house. Bexhill-on-Sea is also close by and and boasts the award-winning De La Warr Pavilion, a cultural centre set within a Grade-I listed Art Deco building on the waterfront.

There are several state-run primary schools in walking distance of the apartment.

Trains run from St Leonards Warrior Square station to London Bridge and Charing Cross in around 90 minutes, and to Brighton in approximately an hour.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: Approx. 957  years remaining
Service Charge: c. £1,560 per annum
Ground Rent: Approx. N/A
Council Tax Band: A

For more inspiration, why not look to The Modern House's guide to St Leonards?