Summary
Style: Detached contemporary family home (2019)
Type: 4 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en suite) + WC, 1 open plan kitchen/reception room, 1 utility room
Location: Westdene
Floor Area: 1344 sq. ft.
Outside: South facing garden terrace
Parking: Forecourt for 2 cars, free on street
Tenure: Freehold
Council Tax Band: F
Why you’ll like it:
Skirting the South Downs National Park, Westdene was built into the Withdean Valley, so it is surrounded by greenery and enjoys far reaching views across the city. In recent years, the area has gained in popularity with more and more families moving here, looking for a little more space both inside and out; fresh air and free parking while also having easy access to excellent schools and commuter links.
Not only is this house beautiful, but it is also a feat of engineering and contemporary design as it has quite literally been carved into the hillside. This gives it a wonderful, open aspect at the rear which is also south facing ensuring all three levels of this substantial house are filled with natural light and the garden is a suntrap all year round. Using cutting edge building materials, architect Alistair Dodd designed the home to bee naturally insulated to reduce its carbon footprint. Nudura ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) were used for the main structure which were then covered in K-rend K1 render for a contemporary and streamlined finish. The roof is natural slate and stainless steel was used for the exterior pipework and guttering giving the house a modern yet timeless appeal.
To the front, the house is clearly modern and well-designed, set back from the road behind a neat brick drive. It seems unassuming, yet it becomes a Tardis as soon as you step through the door. A glass balustrade leads down through a triple height stairwell and tall white, plastered walls rise up to vaulted ceilings in the rooms on this level. All internal doors are oak by Doors of Distinction and it is clear no corners have been cut in the creation of this exceptional home.
Ground Floor Bedrooms & Bathroom:
Taking full advantage of the views on the southerly side of the house, bedrooms three and four have large aluminium charcoal framed windows which are double-glazed for added warmth and quiet. The floors are carpeted and being elevated on the hill to the rear of the house, it is incredibly quiet, so you can always ensure a restful night’s sleep.
These rooms share use of the family bathroom across the hall which has timeless appeal with large scale marbled wall and floor tiles around a contemporary Duravit bath suite. The freestanding bath has central wall-mounted taps allowing comfortable bathing for two at either end and a Waterview TV is inset to the wall so you can kick back and relax after a long day. Underfloor heating can be found throughout the property – ideal for keeping toes cosy on wintery mornings.
Lower Ground Bedrooms & En suite Bathrooms:
While these rooms are technically lower ground, they do not feel as such as they are open to the south with large picture windows framing far-reaching views. Natural light is able to stream in and the larger double room on this floor has ‘tilt-turn’ windows which open completely to a Juliet balcony so during summer they can be left open to allow the cool breeze to flow through. Bedroom two is another substantial double room, and both have access to chic en suite shower rooms with wet room rainfall showers and urban grey wall tiles around luxury white Duravit sanitaryware.
Living Room, Kitchen & Dining Room:
Spanning the entire lower floor with one set of triple bi-fold doors and a set of French doors leading out to the garden, the open plan living room and kitchen is a vast space which balances family time and entertaining perfectly. During summer, the social space doubles to include the garden, while in winter, it is naturally warm inside due to the generous amount of glazing on the southerly wall. There are clearly defined areas for formal dining, relaxing with friends and family and cooking in the Balham kitchen which is streamlined and stylish using handle-free charcoal grey cabinetry running full height along one wall while also forming an island with seating for three at the breakfast bar. These are paired with mirror chip quartz stone worktops into which the sink and induction hob have been seamlessly cut-in on the island. Above the hob, the extractor is ceiling mounted and several appliances have been integrated to include a full height larder fridge, a full height freezer, dual ovens with ‘Bake-off’ slide and hide doors, and a Bosch dishwasher, while the washing machine and tumble dryer are concealed in the adjoining utility room. A Larosa Arroscia boiling water tap, engineered oak flooring and ceiling mounted speakers complete the luxury finishes to this room.
The garden:
Spanning the width of the house to the rear, the sun terrace garden has a stone patio area close to the house alongside an area of faux grass, ideal for children to play on without getting muddy. As a south facing garden it is a complete suntrap during summer, but there is plenty of space for a parasol and an outdoor dining table and chairs for alfresco food and drinks. Contemporary linear fencing ensures privacy, although the vies are also spectacular from here too. Ready for the modern lifestyle, it is particularly low maintenance, although you could add potted plants for a kitchen garden if desired.
Agent’s thoughts:
This house is completely unique within the area offering a vast amount of space for larger families. Every surface and fitting is of the finest quality and its eco-specifications will attract families looking to lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint on the planet.
Owner’s secret
“This was quite a big project due to the hillside location, but the benefits are of course the natural light and views you get from within the house and garden. We are incredibly happy with the results and while it has been a great investment as a rental property since we completed the build in 2018, we are now starting a new big project, so it is time to sell. It is ideal for families or professionals as the spaces are versatile and the area is great for so many.”
Where it is:
Shops: Local 2 min walk, city centre 15 min bus ride
Train Station: Preston Park Station 8 min cycle, 25 min walk
Seafront or Park: School fields opposite, Seafront 15 min drive
Closest Schools:
Primary: Westdene Primary, St Bernadette’s RC
Secondary: Patcham High School, Cardinal Newman RC
Private: Brighton College
