Historic Sea Front Home

Architecture and Interior

While much of the historic detailing of the house has been retained, the current layout of the property means that it could be used in multiple ways: as one large family house; as a house with a separately accessed lower ground floor workspace; or as a property which provides a lovely self-contained home along with two separate flats (one on the entrance level of the house and one at lower-ground floor level). This could offer a substantial income from holiday letting, or self-contained accommodation for family members, subject to any consents required.

The new owner may choose to carry out some modernisation and refurbishment to bring it up to modern standards.

On the entrance level is a broad hallway leading to two large rooms and a staircase leading down to the potentially self-contained lower ground floor, which has its own street entrance via the external stairway. Alternatively, this lower floor area would make a lovely, light-filled workshop, studio or office with a loo, space for a bathroom and a separate large room to the rear of the property, plus an outside courtyard area.

From the entrance level, stairs ascend to the first floor (there is consent in place to reinstate the ground-floor staircase location). The imposing salon on the first floor has three floor-to-ceiling windows giving access to the balcony, which spans the width of the house and has space to sit out and watch the sunrise and sunset. Filled with light, this south-facing room has three fireplaces and extends into an L-shape with an additional outlook to the rear and the greenery and old sea cliffs of St Leonards. On this level is a kitchen, with a utility room on the half landing.

Up again to two sea-facing double bedrooms, a further rear facing bedroom, and a family bathroom. There is a large, unconverted loft, and other listed properties in the terrace have converted theirs into extra accommodation, with some incorporating a roof terrace (subject to appropriate planning permission).

Outside

To the rear of the property is a private courtyard area. The current owners rent a nearby garage and this arrangement could be passed on to the new buyers.

In the neighbourhood

St Leonards and Hastings continue to thrive as hubs for creative thinkers and the number of independent shops, galleries, restaurants and bars also grows. Within easy reach of the house are all of the facilities that make living in this seaside town so attractive. On Norman Road there is an independent cinema, Kino, lauded restaurants including Galleria and St Clements as well as a growing number of interesting independently owned shops, wine suppliers and galleries. On nearby Kings Road is Bayte, now gaining recognition for its modern British style of serving fresh food with good provenance. Also on this road is Farmyard, The Royal and more casual eating and drinking opportunities.

In Hastings there’s another array of great independent pubs and restaurants including The Crown, The Albion, Fagins.

The whole area is known for its inclusive and accommodating style and for many years now people from all parts of the creative industries have made this charming seaside town their home or second home.

Transport and Connections

St Leonards Warrior Square Station is within a walking distance from the house and this connects to London Victoria, London Charing Cross, London Bridge and Waterloo East as well as, via a change at Ashford the high speed connection to Kings Cross St Pancras International. Brighton, Eastbourne, Gatwick Airport and Ashford International are all easy to access direct by train.