Brighton
Cosmopolitan, carefree, creative…Brighton wears its differences well and, indeed, is proud of them. The only UK constituency to have ever elected a Green MP to parliament, it is in the nature of the city to be a little ‘left field’ and, residents would proudly boast, forward-thinking.
Yes, the city has been known for its tolerant attitude and cultural sophistication for many years, but look beyond that proud heritage and it has an even greater history as a seaside destination for all types of visitors, which is still the case today. Within an easy commute of London and enjoying a mild climate most of the year and with ‘fun for all’ as its trademark, it’s not hard to see why it is also popular as a place to live.
Its fabulous mix of period architecture with modern developments cheek by jowl means there is something in the mix for everyone and with the Sussex Downs and the wider south coast on its doorstep, it’s not hard to leave the city behind for a day or a few hours and drink in the wonders of the local environment.
What a Property Buying Agent Can Purchase
£1m buys: A four-bedroom detached house in the suburbs, or a three-bedroom apartment close to the seafront in one of the famous squares.
£2m buys: A six-bedroom detached house in the suburbs with grounds.
£3m buys: A striking five-bedroom terraced house on the seafront with breath-taking views.
Best Hotels in Brighton
The Grand (www.grandbrighton.co.uk) will forever be associated with the IRA’s 1984 bombing but, shrugging that malevolent history aside, it still remains an iconic spot right on the seafront and has recently undergone a major upgrade which only adds to its appeal. Hotel Una (www.hotel-una.co.uk) is a chic and stylish, modern spot with a fabulous cocktail bar. The Claremont (www.theclaremont.eu ) offers refined, airy rooms in an upscale hotel which has walled gardens, an elegant lounge and regular art exhibitions.
Best Restaurants in Brighton
Isaac At (www.isaac-at.com) has an unusual name to match its distinctive offering of local and seasonal British fine dining dishes in calm, Scandinavian-style surroundings. Pascere (www.pascere.co.uk) is a popular haunt with locals who love its policy of serving all its ingredients sourced from Sussex. 64 Degrees (www.64degrees.co.uk) offers an innovative, eclectic small plate dining in a sleek, industrial-style space.
Best Schools in Brighton
Brighton and Hove School (www.bhhs.gdst.net) is a popular independent school for girls aged 11-18 with a linked junior school. Brighton College (www.brightoncollege.org.uk) offers both day and boarding places to boys and girls aged 11-18 and has a linked prep school. Roedean School (www.roedean.co.uk) has a fantastic reputation for the quality of its education for girls aged 11-18)
Buying Agents Fact
The Sea Life Centre on Brighton seafront (www.visitsealife.com/brighton) is the world’s oldest aquarium, having originally begun its days as an aquarium in 1869, the project costing £133,000 or £3.5 million today.
How to get to Brighton from central London
Train: I hour to London Victoria
Car: 2 hours to central London