Born again Brunswick

Andrew Kay meets the men behind a massive restoration project that creates seven beautiful new apartments to let in Brunswick Place

There’s something very sad about seeing a beautiful building falling into disrepair, whether it be from neglect or from abuse. This particular property, at the heart of beautiful Brunswick, has suffered from both. Neglected for many years it had already started to fall apart, but then with invading squatters it was seriously abused, both the interior and the structure were willfully damaged until the integrity of the building was in danger of total collapse. Enter three property developers with a vision and a mission.

It was never going to be an easy project, the building carries a Grade II Listing, so a great deal of care and consultation would be needed from the very start. Squatters had done their worst so very little remained that was salvageable. The team, Messrs. Coleman, Coleman & King benefitted from one partner, John Coleman, being a working architect, so that element of much needed expertise was already in place. Development partner Adrian King was already an experienced property developer, and Peter Coleman, the third partner, was an experienced developer and property owner too so together they pooled their resources to create a team set to take on this major project.

Immediately it became apparent to John that the whole of the rear of the building needed to be rebuilt and extended. His clever wood-framed structure blends effortlessly into its Regency surroundings and after some discussion was accepted by the planning department as the best way to breathe new life into this ailing building.

The project required lots of specialist tradesmen – carpenters, plumbers, decorators plasterers, electricians and creators of fine decorative mouldings – but the finished result is exceptional and much is owed to the expertise of Paul Brogden of Providence Carpentry who played such a large role in the success of this project.

The once sad property now stands proud in the terrace of bow-fronted Regency town houses. Inside they have created seven beautiful apartments, four 2-bedroom and three 1-bedroom homes, all finished to the very highest standard. Wherever possible the original proportions of the interiors have been retained, as have any remaining features, often in a witty and stylish way. A now unused staircase remains to provide a charming decorative feature in two of the apartments. Original fireplaces have been carefully restored and sensational decorative mouldings have been expertly replaced.

Throughout there are stylish kitchens with top quality appliances, and the bathrooms and shower rooms have been fitted to a very high specification. In fact the whole project has been handled as if the apartments are going to be offered for sale on the open market – and at the high end of that market.

Interestingly though, now they are complete, they are being offered on the rental market by lettings specialist Simon Kay, director of Just Lets. Simon is excited about taking these stylish homes to the market. He is impressed not only by the team’s vision but also their commitment to completing the project to this very high standard, and he is confident that demand for homes of this quality in such a desirable location will prove to be very popular.

Here at Latest Homes we can’t fail to agree; beautifully decorated and finished in soft neutral tones with quality carpeting throughout each of the apartments has attractive features. The larger ones have all the grandeur of Regency living with high ceilings, original wooden window shutters and ornate covings. The smaller ones are well designed to offer the maximum effect and comfort. There are delightful quirks too, as one might expect from a period building, and the ground and lower ground floor apartments each have a rear terrace, again restored.

From near disaster, Coleman, Coleman & King and their team of property specialists have given their all to rescue this beautiful house and create seven great new homes.

Prices
Flat 1 £1,300pcm
Flat 2 £1,400pcm
Flat 3 £1,150pcm
Flat 4 £1,100pcm
Flat 5 £1,300pcm
Flat 6 £1,050pcm
Flat 7 £1,250pcm

For more information call Simon Kay on 01273 208020. Just Lets, 87 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2BB