Flat for sale in De Montfort Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2

A stylish first buy or great investment, this spacious one bedroom garden apartment on a quiet, leafy street with plentiful permit parking also offers a sophisticated city lifestyle with the Level and fashionable Open Market at the foot of the North Laine a 6 min walk, and Brighton Station’s direct trains to Gatwick, London and Sussex University 15-20 mins walk or 10 min cycle. Inside has light and spacious rooms to enjoy with leafy views, making it an unusually private home, although sociable, the layout would also suit if you work from home and there’s a stylish, contemporary finish - although you could add value in the bathroom. Just off Elm Grove with a bistro pub, chemist and store at the end of the street, access to the Downs at the top of the hill and within easy reach of the sea, it’s ideal for professionals with 4 popular primary schools within a 5 min radius, Brighton General Hospital a 10 minute walk and other major employers like Amex, police station, Brighton College, the County and Nuffield Hospital all within a 6 minute drive – or short bus ride.

In brief:
Style lgf garden apartment
Type 1 double bedroom, 1 shower room, living room, kitchen dining room
Area Elm Grove
Floor Area Please see floorplan
Outside Space West patio garden
Parking Permit Zone V, no list
Council Tax Band A

Why You’ll Like It:
At the bottom of the hill, the Level’s open green spaces also provide events during festivals (out of hearing) and both London Road and the North Laine have a great buzz with their eclectic mix of exotic street food from around the globe, vintage clothing, antique shops, independent boutiques and fresh produce making both a magnet for locals and tourists.

Quietly tucked away, this spacious apartment spans the whole of the lower floor of a classic Victorian terraced house with only a maisonette above and its own private entrance which has a store large enough for bikes opposite. Set down from the street behind a verdant front garden, with a cheerful east/west orientation, big windows and high ceilings, built in an age reliant on natural light inside has plenty of it, and the door opens to a hallway with open views through the whole apartment, giving an immediate feeling of space.

To the left, the living room is a private retreat looking over the deep front garden which shields it from the street. A classic beauty with plenty of space to share, it blends old with new where generous period proportions have a contemporary finish which includes one of the sleek radiators which feature throughout the property.

Next door, the tranquil double bedroom is a delight to return to with plenty of floorspace even with a double bed in situ, alcoves for wardrobes and glorious, restful views reaching over the private walled patio to the large, leafy gardens behind.

The hallway broadens to allow space for a dining area, which comfortably doubles as a workstation and which leads to the stylish kitchen which opens to the patio for an easy, al fresco lifestyle. Good to go there’s plenty of storage and practical working surfaces which also look good. The electric hob and oven are integrated beneath a lit hood, there’s a discreet built in wine rack and space for a tall fridge freezer within reach of the dining area, and there’s also plumbing for a washing machine. At the far end, a shower room is of dual aspect, so if you wanted to replace the door to the w.c to close it off from the shower, both spaces would have windows. The shower is a Triton T80, so water pressure shouldn’t be an issue and the current owners explored the idea of putting in an eco-bath, which we’re told was possible, but haven’t pursued this option as they are relocating for work.

Outside a west facing sun trap is made private by painted walls and has space to entertain in style. Backing onto large, mature gardens on the same level (so no -one can see in) you can’t see any building behind either. A tranquil refuge which is easy to look after and where you can enjoy lush planting which you don’t have to work on, it is one of the most relaxing outdoor spaces we have seen this close to the beating heart of the city.

Agent’s Thoughts
“This is a laid back, unpretentious area which appeals to families, professionals and investors with lots of local amenities and it bridges Kemptown’s beaches access to the Downs and the city centre.”

Owner’s secret
“The apartment is light, inviting and easy to live in. We love the bedroom and patio which feel really big as they look over the large leafy gardens behind so you don’t feel hemmed in even though its just 5 mins walk to the city centre. The street is friendly and quiet but convenient with local organic shops, cafes and bistro pubs nearby and has a mix of people as this is a great spot if you’re a couple, an older person or a family. There is always something to do whatever you’re into and in the evenings, you won’t need to use the car to go to restaurants or theatres as you can walk or bus everywhere.”

What’s around you:
Shops: Local 1 min walk, Open Market & North Laine 6-10 mins on foot
Train Station: Brighton mainline about 15-20 on foot, 10ish by cab or cycle
Seafront or park: The Level 6 mins on foot, seafront 10 mins by cycle, 15-20 by bus

Closest schools:
Primary: Elm Grove, St Luke’s, Queen’s Park
Sixth Form: Varndean, bhasvic, met, bimm
Secondary: Varndean/Dorothy Stringer
Private: Brighton College, Brighton Waldorf<br /><br />Elm Grove is known for its organic shops, bistro pubs and bakeries as well as its easy access to the open spaces of the Level which holds events during the arts festivals, and the city centre. If you teach, Elm Grove Primary is around the corner and other good schools including St Luke’s and Brighton College are easy to reach. Kemptown is on the doorstep which hosts Amex, Police Station, the hospitals – and Pride- and has a relaxed café culture as well as useful amenities, beach bars and outdoor pool by the sea. The station serving Falmer, Lewes, Gatwick and London is about 15 mins on foot, there is no waiting list for V zone parking and Elm Grove will take you up to the racecourse and open countryside or to London & Lewes Roads for swift access into or out of the city.