Brighton, East Sussex£650,000 Share of Freehold

Lewes Crescent

In the evenings, the setting sun casts the room into an enchanting play of light and shade

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This one-bedroom apartment occupies a commanding position in one of Brighton’s most historic squares, Sussex Square. The Grade I-listed Lewes Crescent is an imposing sweep of Regency buildings, spanning 840 ft across, making it the longest crescent in Britain, with expansive communal gardens known as Kemptown Enclosures. Southerly-facing windows frame far-reaching views over the Sussex coastline from every room, ensuring the apartment’s rich colour scheme is enhanced by light throughout the day. A recent restoration and redesign have seen the space finished with a striking combination of Italian and Danish fittings that sit readily alongside the period architecture. Lewes Crescent sits just east of the city centre in the much-loved area of Kemptown.

Setting the Scene

Under the reign of the Prince Regent, George III, Brighton flourished. This was tied to the widespread belief in the curative powers of cold waters that pervaded early 19th-century society. This stimulated the influx of an affluent population, keen to take to the waters and mingle in the high society that decamped from London. In order to accommodate this, enterprising landowners embarked on new developments that could serve as elegant summer residences.

Lewes Crescent is one such example, and it forms part of Sussex Square, a project instigated by Thomas Kemp, from whom Kemptown takes its name. Originally, these properties were intended as single residences, but by the start of the 20th century, the costs of maintaining them saw their conversion into distinct apartments. The present apartment is situated in a commanding position on the favoured eastern side of the Square, endowing it with vistas across the coastline and capturing the best of the day’s light. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

An ornate communal staircase, with a mahogany balustrade and striking red walls, leads to the second-floor apartment. The front door opens to an entrance hall where the same varnished wooden flooring used throughout runs underfoot. A sitting and dining room is situated in the northernmost part of the apartment and adopts a rich colour scheme. Painted in ‘Sage Green’ by Little Greene. It is a capacious space with the focus revolving around the sleek white fireplace with built-in shelving on either side, excellent for both storage and ornament. Two sash windows look out onto the Square; the west-facing orientation means the setting sun casts the room into an enchanting play of light and shade.

The kitchen is adjacent, painted a lighter shade of green, ‘Sir Lutyens’ Sage’ by Little Greene. Epitomising the play of modern and classic that defines this apartment, the decision was made to install freestanding kitchen units by Vipp. Cast in striking black and steel, one long unit comprises a Miele induction hob and a deep sink with ample storage space below, while the other unit contains an oven, dishwasher and large fridge-freezer together with further storage.

The bedroom is at the southerly end of the apartment, with two sash windows looking out to sea. Painted in a gentle white, this large room has a breezy atmosphere that reflects the coastal setting. Below the windows, there are cast iron Carron radiators that can be remotely controlled, and these have been fitted throughout the apartment. It is lit by a vintage French pendant light that has remained in the apartment for over 20 years, and there is a large inbuilt bespoke wardrobe with internal lighting. The bathroom reflects elements of Italian design with Salvatori Cream D’Orcia stone tiling on the walls. A freestanding oval bath, sink, and loo by Boffi contrast with sleek grey stainless steel fixtures, creating a minimalist feel that sits elegantly within the historic setting.

The Great Outdoors

The apartment has access to a large and lavish communal garden at the centre of Sussex Square. Planted with a myriad of foliage and topiary with lovingly tended flowerbeds, there is ample space to stroll, linger on one of the many benches, or stretch out on the lawn. A private passageway leads directly to the seafront.

Out and About

Lewes Crescent is located on the beachfront of Kemptown, a lively area that is one of Brighton’s most beloved neighbourhoods. There are a host of independent cafés, restaurants and shops situated on St James Street and St George Road. Marmalade is a cafe and delicatessen that serves homemade food and drink all day; Purezza is a local favourite for pizza; Dilsk is recognised for its ethical focus; Daddy Longlegs is a gastropub with an exceptional selection of natural wines. On the seafront, The Cafe at Yellowave is an excellent spot to catch the sunset. The boardwalk at Black Rock has been redeveloped, and the Sealanes National Open Water Swimming Centre has recently opened on the beachfront, a short walk from Lewes Crescent. The South Downs National Park surrounds Brighton with its extensive pathways for walking and cycling in the undulating open countryside.

In the centre of Brighton are The Lanes, known for its bohemian charm. The area is home to an abundance of independent fashion and interior design boutiques and the renowned Snooper’s Paradise. For organic food, Infinity Foods is the place to go, while Wølfox Cafe specialises in excellent coffee. Many of Brighton’s finest restaurants are within a 20-minute walk of Lewes Crescent. Plateau and Mange Tout are renowned for their natural wines, while The Coal Shed is famous for its steak. Burnt Orange, their sister restaurant, specialises in wood-fired cuisine. The area is brimming with a wide selection of restaurants to cater to various tastes.

Brighton train station has rapid access to London in under an hour and Gatwick Airport in just 30 minutes. The Southern railway 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.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Underlying Lease Length: 974 years approx. remaining
Service Charge: approx. £4335 per annum
Ground Rent: A peppercorn
Council Tax Band: D

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

The row of 28 houses that comprise Lewes Crescent is among the imposing buildings that surround Sussex Square with striking white façades that exemplify Regency architecture. Entrances have Corinthian pilasters and balconies with railings on the third floor to guide the eye.

The 6th Duke of Devonshire purchased the shell or carcass of No 1 in 1829, and the Duke described it as being like a ‘fan without a handle’. Subsequently, in 1845 he wrote about his experiences of living on what was effectively a building site until it was completed, with royalty and the elite visiting the property even in its unfinished state. In the following years, Lewes Crescent and Sussex Square have been home to a range of fascinating residents and guests, including Lewis Carroll, who was particularly fond of the verdant gardens. Most fascinatingly, he was enchanted by the secret tunnel that leads from the gardens to the beach, and it in turn, inspired the opening scene of his classic: Alice in Wonderland.