Belgrave Place
Belgrave Place
Front elevation
House at dusk
The garden
Heading 1
A favourite indoor reading spot
Proud Cabaret
Sunset from Belgrave Place
Under cliff path, high tide, bigger waves
house and garden
Belgrave Place
Belgrave Place is the only cul-de-sac off Brighton's seafront.
Situated in Kemp Town, between the pier and marina, and named after Thomas Kemp who conceived and developed this Regency style estate in the 1840's.
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Belgrave Place runs north-south and is 7 houses deep. No.12 is towards the top on the right hand side of the photo, the house that steps up with bay windows all the way down.
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Half of the houses have remained as single residences and their owners typically stay long term. This enclave has naturally formed its own community with discreet, friendly and respectful neighbours. Doorstep chats are not uncommon and we share a group Whattsapp. Before lock-down we would meet in the local pub (Bristol Arms) once or twice a year.
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Quieter than properties on the seafront as there is no through traffic, this residence also has the rarity of a sunny south facing walled garden.
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NB the buildings in the background are part of the Royal Sussex County Hospital, two blocks inland, which is undergoing extensive improvements.
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The house
Comprising 5 stories, these houses are beautifully proportioned with high ceilings and many large windows allowing the morning sun to flood into the back and the afternoon sun into the front which also enjoy fabulous sea views.
The house has 6-7 bedrooms, two of which are in the separate 2 bedroom lower ground floor apartment with its own front door accessed by steps down from the pavement. This could remain separate or the internal staircase simply reinstated to incorporate it back into the main house. It has unusually high ceilings and is also light with its own front and back patio, both sunny.
The top floor is currently arranged as a one bed flat and again this has the flexibility to easily be adapted to 3 bedrooms with 1.5 bathrooms or 2 bedrooms with their own en-suites, or whatever else is desired. Large skylights here make it particularly bright, one of which allows access to the roof.
The kitchen/dining room runs from front to back as does the drawing room/library. Both are separated by their original triple folding doors.
The third reception room is a cosy mezzanine TV snug. The room below on the ground floor is a dedicated coatroom with ample room for coats, shoes, umbrellas etc keeping the hallways clutter free.
Beyond this is a hardwood conservatory where one can sit by the mature fig and pear trees in complete privacy. Before the coatroom is a downstairs loo.
The master bedroom has an en-suite which is large, panelled and very warm.
A cosy bedroom, ideal for short term guests is above the TV snug with an incorporated en-suite.
There are four original fireplaces, three working.
Most of the windows, doors, skirtings and plasterwork are original.
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Storage: four roof spaces, built in wardrobes, under stair cupboard and three coal store arches, two of them interconnecting under the pavement. Ideal for bicycles, paddle boards, ladders etc.
The garden
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Gardens only exist on this side of Belgrave Place, the other side and top end have much smaller patio areas where the sun cannot reach. Moreover this is the sunniest, most private and mature garden to be found here. A true oasis.
It is divided into three zones: a patio opposite the conservatory, the main sandstone paved mid section with low maintenance borders for al fresco dining under the mature fig tree and the back corner with vine covered pergola for comfortable relaxing on the corner sofa.
The vines and the trees have been strategically planted to provide maximum privacy. Sheltered from the wind and noise of the seafront this is a perfect haven to spend time in either full sun, dappled or full shade cocooned by vegetation, in contrast to the wide open expanses of the sea.
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Another delight are the birds who live here also, most notably the blackbirds, blue-tits, robins and even wrens.
With the aid of garden lighting and candles, time can be spent here after dark, even in cooler weather lounging around the fire pit.
Living here
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(See "locale" for more information)
The sea, beach and nature
Living here brings one closer to nature. Each season has its own beauty and each day brings a different sea view. Open up the windows on warm days and let the sea breeze flow through. Spend time reading in the sun drenched drawing room bay window with clear sea views or watch a storm approach over the water.
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Lie in bed and listen to the different wave patterns of the rising and ebbing tides as logs burn in the open fireplace.
Every day brings different colours, water textures and cloud formations. Sunrise and sunset here are remarkable, as is the moonlight that turns the sea into a mercurial wonder.
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Within minutes you can be swimming in the sea, just stroll down in a robe. Dawn and dusk swims are particularly magical.
Or take a coffee down to the beach as the sun rises over the marina or watch the sun set with a glass of wine.
Take out a kayak, paddle board, jet ski, wind surfer or kite surfer as yachts glide past further out.
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After a calm spell the water is as blue and clear as any found in the Mediterranean.
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For a longer walk or cycle take the wonderful under-cliff path which hugs the chalk cliffs and starts at the marina village and stretches for miles along the water's edge.
Civilization
One block inland, minutes walk away is the effervescent hustle and bustle of Kemptown's popular cafe culture which offers a fantastic community feel along with a huge variety of independent shops, bars and restaurants. From the quirky antique and vintage markets of St George's Road and Upper St James's Street to the upper clubs of Proud Cabaret, there's always something to do in the local area.
For day-to-day needs a car is not necessary. There are two supermarkets within walking distance, several convenience stores two minutes away, post office, bakery, greengrocers, butchers, chemist, dry cleaners, bookshop, florist, card shop, hardware store etc a little further on. Use a bicycle and halve the travelling time.
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The city centre can be accessed on foot also, about 30 minutes away. A choice of four routes to get there: either past the shops of St George's Rd which becomes St James's St arriving at the Royal Pavilion or by the sea, along the beach level of Madeira Drive, the street level of Marine Parade or via the pretty Madeira terraces at half level (currently being refurbished) arriving at the Palace pier.
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Or take the bus...
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Kemptown shopping
