Highcroft Villas, Brighton, BN1

GUIDE PRICE: £200,000--£220,000.

ANOTHER SALE AGREED BY BRAND VAUGHAN PRESTON PARK OFFICE.

STUDIO FLAT WITH MEZZANINE SLEEPING AREA, STUDY AREA BELOW, SEPARATE KITCHEN AND SEPARATE BATHROOM.

SHARE OF FREEHOLD.

PRIVATE BALCONY WITH STUNNING VIEWS TO PRESTON PARK.

INTERNAL VIEWINGS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.

Deceptively spacious with high ceilings and far-reaching views across the city, this characterful studio apartment is a real gem. It has been cleverly converted within the first floor of a substantial Victorian mansion house giving it the generous proportions of the era alongside many original features. It feels more than a studio flat with a raised sleeping area and a separate kitchen and bathroom, so there are clearly defined areas for relaxation, dining and working from home. The interior is stylish and has been well-maintained so you can move straight in with ease, and while the garden is communal, this apartment has access to a full width balcony from its floor to ceiling bay window.

While it is incredibly peaceful here, you are just a short walk from both Brighton Mainline and Preston Park Stations, plus Seven Dials is equally close. There are several local amenities, three beautiful parks, and the beach is easily accessible, so this would be a fantastic first or second home or a worthy investment, so is sure to attract the attentions of many.


Style: First floor Victorian studio flat
Type: 1 main studio room with mezzanine, 1 bathroom, 1 kitchen
Location: Port Hall/Dyke Road
Floor Area: 424 sq. ft.
Outside: Private balcony and a communal garden
Parking: permit zone Q
Tenure: Share of Freehold
Council Tax Band: A

Why you’ll like it:
Just a few minutes on foot from Seven Dials and Dyke Road, Highcroft Villas sweeps up the western embankment from Brighton Station, giving it an incredible viewpoint over the city in the southeast. This property enjoys the best of these views, elevated on the first floor of an attractive Victorian villa, set back from the road behind a secret communal garden made private by walled borders. There is a tranquil water feature and pond which invites wildlife while adding to the overall ambiance and there are scented and colourful flower beds which are a joy to come home to each day.

The house itself is attractive on approach, characterised by the late 19th century Arts & Crafts movement to include a decorative gable and woodwork balcony – a lovely feature of this flat. From the communal hallway you enter the flat on the first floor to a sweet lobby with a deep storage cupboard to the left and the stylish shower room to the right. With a modern take on a Victorian style, the shower room is lined in metro brick tiling and the rainfall shower head has a traditional fitting.

Stepping into the main studio room, the breath-taking views are the first thing you notice; with a full height bay sash window which frames the exceptional vista while bringing in plenty of natural light. These take your sightline over Preston Park and the city towards the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park and are ever-changing with the seasons. During the evening, the city lights twinkle below starry skies and being elevated in the building ensures your space is kept private from passers-by.

There is ample space inside for formal dining and relaxation on comfortable sofas and chairs, plus there is space to work below the mezzanine floor. Up here, via a proper staircase, there is space for a double bed and useful storage.

Adjoining the living space, the kitchen is streamlined and contemporary with more brick tiling for the splashbacks and wood effect worktops above white cabinetry. This provides plenty of storage alongside an integrated oven and hob, leaving space for an under-counter fridge freezer and a washing machine.

Agent’s thoughts:
This is a hugely attractive studio flat which feels immediately warm and welcoming, as well as being particularly spacious for a studio. The addition of the balcony and garden are a huge bonus, and the views are truly magnificent. Adding in the excellent location and a Share of the Freehold, we feel sure this property will fly.

Owners’ thoughts:
“This was my first home and I’ve loved living here as the flat feels really homely and the location is amazing for commuting and access to Seven Dials and the city. The views never tire, even in winter or at night when the city lights up. I will miss it here… but feel it’s time for pastures new.”

Where it is
Shops: Seven Dials 5 min walk, City Centre 15 min walk
Station: Preston Park Station 10 min walk, Brighton 10 min walk
Seafront or Park: Preston Park 10 min walk, Hove or Brighton Seafronts 20 min walk
Closest Schools:
Primary: Stanford Infant and Junior Schools
Secondary: Varndean and Dorothy Stringer, Cardinal Newman RC
Private: Brighton College, Lancing Prep

This is a great studio flat in a popular location which is well served for shops, parks and stations. There are plenty of local green spaces, and great transport links, but you are also only a short walk from everything this vibrant coastal city has to offer. The A23/A27 and both Brighton and Preston Park Stations are also within easy reach, for those requiring fast links to Gatwick or London on a daily or weekly basis.