Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex£1,100,000 Freehold

The Old Bank

Walls across the plan have been limewashed, acting as a soft backdrop to the house's period proportions and features

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Built in 1880, this four-bedroom converted bank has been transformed into an exemplary house in the centre of Shoreham-by-Sea’s conservation area. The works were sensitively carried out in tandem with local restoration experts, bringing sensitively reinstated Victorian features to the fore. Fine wooden floorboards, beams and vaulted ceilings define the interior. Space has been made for modern-era conveniences too, including an electric car-charging station and a contemporary open-plan kitchen/living space. A four-minute walk from Shoreham-by-Sea station, The Old Bank is also exceptionally placed for rail commutes into the capital or to nearby Brighton.

Setting the Scene

Shoreham-by-Sea has a rich and varied history. Old Shoreham dates to pre-Roman times, with the newer port and town established around the 11th-century. Throughout the ages the area has had famous residents including Captain Cook, and briefly became home to the British film industry when the first commercial film was shot on Shoreham Beach in 1912. East Street is opposite St Mary de Haura, a Grade I-listed parish church that as stood as a place of worship for over 900 years. The street has long been known as one of the main shopping destinations for the town and was pedestrianised in 2011, winning an award for its community-centred approach.

The building itself was once a striking double fronted home and in the ownership of one family for almost a century. The original grounds of the house encompassed stables, a large arrangement of gardens and an office from which the local doctor was based. In the 1950s the ground floor was given over to house a branch of the Midland bank and the family took up residence in the apartments on the first floor. The Old Bank’s varied use and central position within the town render it a cornerstone structure within the minds of much of Shoreham’s population.

The Grand Tour

The front door opens directly to the hallway, which has pretty cornicing and smooth lime-washed walls that continue throughout the interior. Intricate arched wooden double doors lead down to the cellar, which contains the old bank vault, as well as a WC and wet room.

From the hallway, sliding doors open to the ground-floor living area, which stretches the full length of the plan. The living space sits at the front and is orientated towards a cream log burner. Here, the home’s hallmark soft sable interiors foster a particularly cosy ambience. Light is drawn in through a tripartite bay window at the front, spreading deep into the plan to meet the light from French doors at the room’s far end.

The kitchen occupies the latter part of the room. A row of green-painted cabinetry is topped with a oak worktop, a pleasingly rustic counterpart to the contemporary microcement worktop of the central island opposite where sits a beautiful, smoothed antique marble double sink. Appliances, including a Neff dishwasher, have been integrated, and an extractor fan has been discretely concealed in a lime plaster casing above the Rangemaster with induction hob. Opposite, neatly concealed behind glazed doors, are two cupboards: one a pantry space, the other for white goods. Underfloor heating warms the entirety of the ground floor.

There are three bedrooms on the first floor, two with en suites. The main is at the front of the plan and has a romantic window seat fitted beneath its wide bay window. Its en suite has a clawfoot bath sitting atmospherically beneath a sash window, as well another reclaimed marble sink. The bedroom at the rear of the first-floor has direct access to a balcony overlooking the garden beyond. Throughout the first floor attractive cast iron radiators have been chosen to reflect the historic bones of the house.

The fourth bedroom is accessed via a staircase from the main room; it would also make for a brilliant home office or gym.

The Great Outdoors

The walled garden has a reclaimed brick and cobble terrace with a lawned area and a maple tree. There is a stone and flint south-facing wall, ideal for planting climbers against. The terrace captures the sun and is a delightful spot for morning coffee.

There is an allocated parking space in the gated mews with an EV charger.

Out and About

East Street has an abundance of independent shops, restaurants and boutiques. La Patisserie is an artisan bakery and coffee shop a few doors down from the house, while the Best Health Shop is excellent for stocking up on organic supplies. Closer to the River Adur, Neighbourhood Store has a host of locally produced gifts, and The Living Room is an excellent option for sourcing vintage homewares.

Shoreham-by-Sea is brilliantly positioned between Brighton and Worthing on a long stretch of beach much loved by water sports enthusiasts and year-round swimmers. From May onwards, the beach, a nature reserve, bursts into bloom with wildflowers. The beautiful River Adur runs through the town, offering opportunities for paddleboarding and canoeing, and supports a variety of wildlife including wading birds and gulls. Every fortnight, Shoreham has a large farmers’ market famous for its local produce from the surrounding areas.

Further outside the town is the South Downs National Park, which has access to excellent walking and cycling routes to ancient landmarks such as Cissbury Ring, Devil’s Dyke and Arundel Castle. The adjacent hills and plains are now producing highly regarded English sparkling wines as well as organic meats and vegetables, sold in an impressive network of local vintners and farm shops.

The West Sussex Coast is peppered with seaside towns that have seen significant regeneration and are increasingly popular. Shoreham is no exception, with several renowned architecture practices promoting their projects along the beachfront. Worthing, Angmering, Arundel and Chichester (with its internationally renowned galleries) are within short driving distance of the house. Littlehampton is also close by, offering facilities for sailing in addition to the East Beach Café, designed by Thomas Heatherwick.

Brighton is within easy reach, with some excellent restaurants and all the amenities of a city. 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 Snoopers Paradise. For organic food, Infinity Foods is the place to go, while Wølfox Cafe specialises in excellent coffee. 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.

There are several excellent schools in the area, both state and private, including nearby Lancing College and Shoreham College.

Direct trains run from Shoreham-by-Sea station (a four-minute walk away) to London Victoria in just over an hour, or to Brighton in around 15 minutes. There are also very good motorway connections via the A27. It is a 45-minute drive to Gatwick Airport, and nearby Brighton City Airport has facilities for domestic and private flights.

Tenure: Freehold
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.