Compton Avenue

Defined by Victorian elegance, evident in the white façade, delicate stucco work and soaring ceilings

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This elegant four-bedroom townhouse is positioned in the elevated Seven Dials in Brighton. Set on Compton Avenue, the house forms part of a Victorian terrace, characterised by a white façade, ironwork detailing and dentil cornicing. The house unfolds across four floors, defined by a pared-back colour palette that maximises natural light and allows the original features to shine. Seven Dials, a historic junction, is minutes from Brighton train station, with fast and direct access from London, yet it has a lively neighbourhood feel.

Setting the Scene

Seven Dials underwent initial development at the start of the 19th century following the opening of the Brighton Main Line in 1841. As such, the houses built in the surrounding area are typically Victorian in design and are now part of a designated Conservation Area. On the tree-lined Compton Avenue, the houses are set back from the road behind pretty front gardens, creating a wonderful sense of tranquility. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

A flight of steps decorated with mosaic tiles leads to the striking blue front door that, set within the white facade, establishes the colour scheme that pervades the house. The door opens to an imposing hallway with ornate architrave and a handprinted foliate blue wallpaper.

On the right are two reception doors partitioned by a set of wedding doors, allowing the space to be used as one or two rooms when required. In both spaces, oak floorboards run underfoot, adding warmth, and soaring ceilings are decorated by beautiful cornicing. Pale woodwork accents the spaces, and large fireplaces create focal points in both rooms. A large bay window at the front overlooking the Indian Bean Tree in the front garden and Compton Avenue beyond allows light to flood the plan. At the back of the plan is the extension, currently used as a studio and library space. Extending into the rear garden, it is exceptionally bright, defined by its full-length windows and a skylight, which invites a soft dappled light into the room.

On the lower-ground floor is the kitchen. A serene space, here, white walls are offset by teal accents and wide wooden floorboards. The bespoke cabinetry is made by Harvey Jones, finished in pale green, with the island coloured a complementary teal. Chrome accents and marble worktops add a considered finish while a double fronted larder cupboard provides ample storage space. The dining space is set next to the French door leading to the garden, meaning it is light and perfect for entertaining in the summer. A white ornamental fireplace is a handy space to store wood, flanked on either side by storage in the alcoves.

Four bedrooms are set across the first and second floors with a stained glass skylight at the top of the staircase adding an interesting feature. The calming main bedroom overlooks Compton Avenue through a large sash window. Here, an ornate ceiling rose and exposed floorboards lend character, while a full-height wardrobe extends the length of one wall and is fronted by linen curtains, adding a softness. An en-suite bathroom has a deep bath, a WC and a further window overlooking the avenue.

The other three bedrooms are set at the back of the house, one on the top floor. South-facing, all of these bedrooms overlook the garden and catch a clear quality of light throughout the day. All rooms are finished in a white palette, accentuating the moulding and adding a sense of harmony across the rooms.

Bathrooms are dotted throughout the house. The main family bathroom is on the lower ground floor. White and blue tiles reference the colour scheme in the rest of the house, as well as the home’s seaside position. Here, a deep freestanding rolltop bath has views into the garden through a 6×6 sash window. A separate shower and a steam room for days when relaxing is high on the agenda.

The Great Outdoors

The garden is south-east facing, meaning it catches the very best sunlight. The current owners have made the most of its orientation, creating an almost tropical oasis. Verdant planters line the borders, and a wooden seating area has been installed in the walls, meaning the garden perfect for summer get-togethers. A mature palm tree adds interest and provides shade on a sunny day.

Out and About

Seven Dials has gained a reputation as a thriving neighbourhood. From the eponymous roundabout emanates an array of restaurants, bars and shops. The Flour Pot bakery is popular for coffee and freshly baked bread. Hellenic Bakery specialises in baklava, while T @ Seven Dials serves plant-based and locally sourced products. Restaurants are aplenty in the area. Local favourites include The Crescent, a brilliant gastropub, Sevendials for modern European cuisine and L’Atelier du Vin for charcuterie, cheese, and a great wine list and for a local wine merchant, head to Seven Cellars. Shops in the area are eclectic and include Kate Langdale florist, Salvage and Sawdust vintage clothing, Tinkers hardware and Hi Cacti plant shop.

The neighbourhood is also well situated for Brighton and East Sussex’s array of diversions. It is a 20-minute walk to the Brighton coastline with its pier and lengthy promenade. A short drive in the opposite direction leads to the South Downs with its abundance of walks across the undulating landscape: a favoured spot is Devil’s Dyke, the elevated position of which provides exceptional views over the English countryside.

Brighton train station, a seven-minute walk from Compton Avenue, has rapid access to London in just under an hour and Gatwick in 30 minutes. The Southern line leads to London Victoria while the Thameslink line goes through London Bridge, Farringdon, London St Pancras International and northwards to connect to Bedford and Cambridge. Brighton is also excellently situated for road transport: the M23 leads directly to the M25, while the A27 connects to most of the southeastern coastline, from Hastings to Portsmouth.

Council Tax Band: E

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. Inigo has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.

History

Seven Dials, which forms part of the designated West Hill Conservation Area, became fashionable as a residential area due to the construction of the Brighton to London train line in the mid-19th century. A key moment in the development of the area was the construction of the station buildings, which are now Grade II* Listed and designed by David Macotta. After it opened, many Londoners left the City in search of the cleansing sea air or bought holiday homes for summers on the beach.

As the Seven Dials implies, the name comes from the seven roads that radiate from the central roundabout. It is constructed on an east-facing slope of the Downs hence its elevated situation and was until the 1840s an area of market gardens and paddocks. The development of the area saw this land being developed the large open field system. Seven Dials itself connects directly with Devil’s Dyke along Dyke Road which served to connect Brighton to London. From these roads, many others were added, with the aim of creating a villagey and sophisticated neighbourhood. Development was to a certain extent piecemeal over the following decades but the houses are collectively defined by their Victorian elegance: white facades, delicate stucco work on the exterior, soaring ceilings and ornate fireplaces on the interior. Compton Avenue is of particular interest for being the former location of All Saints Church.

Compton Avenue — Brighton, East Sussex
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