Sussex combines natural beauty with modern convenience - and developers and buyers alike have fallen for its charms. Johnny Turner finds out what makes Sussex special.
Sussex is popular with home buyers for many reasons – the sea is nearby, the towns and cities are varied and vibrant, and the choice of home types is vast. There are currently many excellent developments to tempt today’s buyer.
We start in popular Horsham, where Antler Homes is selling six detached five-bedroom houses a short distance from the town centre. One particularly appealing aspect of this development is the fact that it is within the catchment area of the highly prestigious Millais Girls’ School. Prices for these homes start at £435,000. Obtain more information by calling the Antler Homes sales office on 01959 547100.
Also in Horsham, Sunley Homes has revealed its plans to convert the Grade II listed former headquarters of the RSPCA into The Manor, an elegant development of 14 stylish family town houses and 19 two- and three-bedroom apartments. Of the apartments, 11 will be new build and eight will be converted from part of the original building.
The show apartment is a very light and spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom conversion on the ground floor of the listed building. It has an extensive 2,000 sq ft of space, which allows for large reception areas. The town houses have been designed to reflect the local vernacular, which includes Victorian buildings. They sit around a romantic sunken garden and water feature and are positioned behind the Manor House in a transitional area between it and a new commercial piazza. The skilful placement of the landscaped communal gardens allows a sight line through to the piazza.
The Manor represents a one-off opportunity to live in an unbeatable location within what is surely the town’s most desirable area. Prices for the apartments start at £305,000, while the town houses are priced from £395,000 for three bedrooms and from £430,000 for four bedrooms. The marketing suite and show home are open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call 01403211466 or visit sunley.co.uk.
In Worthing, CDC2020 has something special for those who love a sea view. Just one luxurious top-floor apartment remains at the Nautilus development. The apartment is ready to move into and features two double bedrooms and two large terraces to maximise the views to the sea and the Downs. Other features include fully fitted carpets throughout, secure underground car parking, a video entry system and lift access to all floors. This apartment is priced for an early move-in at £375,000 – and CDC2020 may also be able to make available its advantageous part exchange scheme to make the moving process that much easier. Make an appointment to view by contacting the marketing suite Thursdays to Saturdays between 10am and 5pm, on 01903 232287. At other times contact the selling agent Michael Jones & Company on 01903 213281.
In Brighton and Hove, Gleeson Classic Homes is launching Salisbury Court, its brand new collection of just 14 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in the ‘Little London’ area in the heart of Hove. This will take place over the Valentine’s Day weekend, 14 and 15 February, at the offices of selling agent Mishon Mackay at 170 Church Road, Hove between 11am and 2pm. The homes at Salisbury Court are aesthetically pleasing both inside and out, with Juliet balconies, high-spec interiors and gardens to the ground floor apartments.
Alan Day, sales and marketing director for Gleeson Classic Homes says, ‘Just about everything is within easy walking distance of these apartments. They’re just two blocks away from the seafront and shops, restaurants, sports and leisure facilities and the railway station are all within easy reach.’ Call Mishon Mackay on 01273 829300 for more information or just turn up at Valentine’s weekend to see what Salisbury Court has to offer.
The Cape in Rottingdean is located on the white cliffs just four miles outside Brighton. Offering two- and three-bedroom apartments and town houses, The Cape is yet another seaside success from CDC2020. The homes offer easy access to both the beach and the Sussex Downs, and Brighton is virtually on the doorstep. These apartments and town houses have constantly changing, panoramic views of the sea from full-height windows in the main rooms. The architecture of the development is influenced by art deco, the perfect style for seaside property. Some homes feature galleries overlooking living or dining areas, reached by spiral stairs – and two apartments have circular dining rooms dramatically lit by full-height windows.
The Cape is a secure gated development with on-site parking and a video entry system. It will appeal to both owner-occupiers and investment buyers. Apartments are priced from £325,000. The on-site marketing suite is off Nevill Road, Marine Drive, Rottingdean and is open Thursdays to Mondays from 10am to 5pm. Call 01273 3900020. You can also contact the selling agent, Wyatts, on 01273 304453.
From KingsOak comes Worth Park in Crawley, where phase two of this highly successful development has been launched ahead of schedule. Eighty-five per cent of the first release of superb apartments has already been reserved. The second phase will feature a selection of luxuriously appointed one- and two-bedroom apartments, all of which are set to appeal to commuters. The development’s superb position, within 300 yards of Three Bridges railway station, means those who work in London or Brighton or from Gatwick Airport will be assured of a convenient journey each day. London workers can easily reach Victoria, London Bridge and Blackfriars stations.
Crawley is known for its varied and convenient shopping as well as its entertainment and leisure prospects. The County Mall is nearby, with many high street names. There is also an ABC cinema and a Hollywood Bowl. For sporty types, the Crawley Leisure Centre is very convenient. Prices at this new phase at Worth Park currently start at just £187,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. The sales office is open Thursdays to Mondays from 10am to 5pm. For further information contact 01293 523572 or visit kingsoakhomes.com.
KingsOak also offers Ashdown Court in East Grinstead, a superb development of one- and two-bedroom apartments. The two-bedroom homes are particularly spacious, with up to 999 sq ft of well-planned accommodation. ‘This development has become one of our best sellers,’ says David Caught, sales director of KingsOak Southern Counties. ‘The spacious two-bedroom homes available here have been attracting widespread attention, in particular from those wishing to downsize from larger family homes once their offspring have “flown the nest”.’
East Grinstead is not only set within the beauty of the Sussex countryside, on the border of Sussex and Kent, but is also within reach of the motorway network. Gatwick Airport is only 15 miles away. Prices at Ashdown Court currently start at £164,995 for a two-bedroom apartment with en suite facilities. Call the sales office on 01342 300669 for more information.
Another development currently available in East Grinstead is Try Homes’ Tollgate Place, which is beginning to take shape. This development will comprise 14 one- and two-bedroom apartments within an attractive building which has been designed to fit in with the historic environment of East Grinstead. Dormer windows, balconies and a corner turret combine to give a sculptural feel to the building, with brick, stone and timber detailing picking up the style of neighbouring buildings. Each apartment at Tollgate Place has been individually designed. Many benefit from en suite facilities, kitchen/breakfast rooms with integrated appliances, balconies and secure parking. The first apartments are expected to be ready for occupation in the summer. Prices range from £215,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to £425,000 for a penthouse. Call the sales information centre on 01342 410972 or visit tryhomes.co.uk.