Listed for £3,000,000
February 2, 2026
Sold for £1,350,000
2016
Bedford House sits proudly as an end of terrace residence on Brighton’s iconic Marine Parade. With sweeping views across the English Channel, this exceptional home marries Regency splendour with modern convenience. A luxury cinema room, a sun filled south facing courtyard and a sea facing balcony are complemented by off street parking, secured behind an electric gate. The property also includes a glamorous three bedroom apartment on the lower ground floor, providing superb guest accommodation or the option to rent independently. Standing within the East Cliff conservation area, Bedford House has a rich and colourful history. The house was built around 1810 (potentially for the Duke of Bedford) and later became home to the painter Cecil D’Oyly John (a favourite of the Queen Mother), the playwright Sir Terence Rattigan and more recently the theatrical agent Roger Hancock. Many celebrity friends of these previous owners including Vivien Leigh, Margaret Leighton and Laurence Olivier were welcomed here. Rattigan’s previous ownership is commemorated by a Regency Society blue plaque. A detailed narrative of the rich history of this stunning sea-side home, meticulously compiled by the current owner is available on request. Upon arrival to the raised ground floor, great care has been taken to honour and preserve the character shaped by its influential occupants. The reclaimed sweeping staircase, installed in the 1960s by Sir Terence Rattigan to impress his famous guests with a dramatic entrance, remains the striking centrepiece. From here, the reception room opens through a grand archway, with natural light pouring through tall windows set above oak stained panelling. This enormous space is still made wonderfully inviting and cosy thanks to the clever mixture of, the Chesneys wood burning stove set within the white carrarra marble fireplace, the cast iron radiators all then complimented with Brinton Tartan carpet throughout. To the other side of the house, the handmade real wood kitchen and breakfast room achieves the perfect balance of modern design and period charm. An Everhot electric range offers three ovens alongside induction and a traditional iron griddle, while high specification Miele appliances include a steam combi oven, microwave, two fridges, two freezers and a dishwasher. No expense has been spared, with walnut drawers seamlessly matching the bespoke solid walnut table and the walnut engineered flooring. Bespoke cabinetry by Woodworks of Brighton speaks to the meticulous attention the owners have poured into every detail, ensuring day to day living feels effortless while entertaining remains truly impressive. A particularly rare and delightful feature is the sliding curved wooden sash shutters within the bay. Discreetly positioned on this level, the guest WC continues the theme of considered luxury with Verde Guatemala Marble, original Drummond fittings and Lefroy Brooks lighting. On the first floor, the grand drawing room is a showpiece of period craftsmanship, set against a breathtaking backdrop of sea and sky. Ornate plaster cast ceilings are enhanced with gilded accents, while a beautiful open marble fireplace sits beneath the elegant proportions. The luxurious Teak wooden flooring is complimented by the floor to ceiling windows which open onto a wrought iron balcony, creating a room that is both dramatic and serene. Much of the wood panelling was reclaimed from a 1720s country house by previous owners who transformed the property between 1967 and 1988. Their restoration included employing a gilder for a full month to decorate the plasterwork and sourcing the working marble fireplace from the ballroom of the Cadbury family’s London house. Adorning the walls are four paintings by the celebrated artist and former owner Cecil D’Oyly John (Sold subject to separate negotiation) Across the hallway, the tranquil study offers a quiet retreat and a fantastic space for calm and creativity. The bookcases which frame the original Georgian fireplace and cover the opposite wall were installed in Rattigan’s ownership, a room where he likely spent many hours in creative thought writing amongst other things his play “Man and Boy” which is currently playing at the National Theatre in London. A bust of Sir Terence Rattigan will remain in place, offering a fitting connection to the home’s remarkable past. The principal suite enjoys captivating views of the beach and sea, with luxury designer wallpaper by Timorous Beasties bringing a playful elegance to the space. A dedicated dressing room offers extensive storage, finished with hand painted, solid wood wardrobes and walnut drawer interiors. For added practicality, a washing machine and tumble dryer are neatly incorporated, set on concrete plinths to minimise sound and vibration – a modern luxury in a period home! The ensuite is finished to an exceptionally high standard with a Lusso stone bath, toilet and basin, Lefroy Brooks lighting finished with surrounds of gorgeous Spanish black marble, which is streaked with a stunning mass of white lines. Rising to the second floor, the west wing holds the Margaret Leighton Suite, named in tribute to Rattigan’s muse. He originally created a pink ensuite for her, and the current owners have honoured this history by updating the bathroom with underfloor heating, a marble mosaic tiled floor and a drench style shower. A signed photograph of Margaret Leighton will remain with the home. On the third floor, the final bedroom was historically two rooms but has been reconfigured to create a generous guest suite. With a substantial walk-in wardrobe and a private ensuite, visitors are afforded both comfort and privacy in equal measure. Two loft spaces offer plenty of storage. Descending to the lower ground floor you will find a particularly special art-deco inspired three double bedroom, two bathroom apartment. This space can be accessed either via an internal bespoke staircase, or its own street entrance should you wish to keep it separate. What makes this floor particularly special is the extraordinary cinema room, perfectly suited to the film star guests who once frequented this period property. This Art Deco inspired room is a complete indulgence, with a stunning stained-glass entrance, a lit staircase and a high gloss rosewood and Birdseye maple bar. Electric curtains open to reveal the large TV, wired with surround sound, it offers a true cinematic experience for both film and television. The granite topped bar includes a double Klarstein wine cooler, along with a Miele fridge and dishwasher. The whole floor has been extensively renovated to include tanking to the cinema room, soundproofed bedroom ceilings, new heating and electrics, new windows and its own separate hot water tank. The only part of this level that isn’t art deco is the eye-catching kitchen, which has repurposed some of the 1950’s cabinetry previously used for the main kitchen above. The English Rose aluminium design has been skilfully restored, updated, and carefully remodelled to now fit this level. Former owners Roger and Annie Hancock, Roger being the brother of comedian Tony Hancock and a theatrical agent representing the likes of Spike Milligan, Frankie Howard, Peter Sellers, created the first cinema room here, complete with a projector suspended from the ceiling, further celebrating the home’s longstanding connection to the arts. To the front, behind a walled perimeter, the south facing courtyard patio is bathed in sunlight throughout the day and provides a wonderful setting for al fresco dining or a quiet morning coffee. Finished in Indian sandstone and supported by an irrigation system, it offers both style and ease of maintenance. To the side, the property benefits from off street parking for one large vehicle, complete with an electric charging point and accessed via an electric gate that complements the walled courtyard beautifully. Marine Parade forms the most distinguished stretches of Kemp Town’s celebrated seafront, positioned directly opposite the beach. The location offers superb access to local amenities with the independent shops, bars and cafés of St George’s Road, Eastern Road and Brighton Marina all within easy walking distance. Sea Lanes, Brighton’s popular open water swimming destination, is moments away, while central Brighton is readily accessible. Brighton Station is just over a mile away and provides fast mainline connections to London and beyond. Regular bus services link the city and the South Downs, including Devil’s Dyke. Nearby schools include the School of the Decade Brighton College, Roedean, St John the Baptist Catholic School, Queen’s Park Primary School and Royal Spa Nursery School. Broadband & Mobile Phone Coverage - Prospective buyers should check the Ofcom Checker website Planning Permissions - Please check the local authority website for any planning permissions that may affect this property or properties close by. On street parking zone H FREEHOLD This is information has been provided by the seller. Please obtain verification via your legal representative.
Like this property? Maybe you'll like these ones close by too.
EPC Rating: D