1930s E. William Palmer art deco house in Saltdean, Brighton
This 1930s E. William Palmer art deco house in Saltdean, Brighton, was last on the market a decade or so ago. It is now available once more.
It was popular then, and it might well be popular now. Bold architecture in a sought-after part of the world, a stone’s throw from Oval Park, Lido, and beach. Although it has changed in the last 10 years or so, I would hasten to add, for the better.
The house is one of a group designed by architect E. William Palmer and built in 1934. This property adjoins its ‘twin’ via the matching garages. It’s not unusual to see art deco houses in this part of the world, but the interior and finish for this one stand out from the crowd.
I know updating art deco houses is something that divides the room, but the majority or updating was carried out by the previous owner. The current owners have added their own stamp, but have also added in some of the ‘art deco’ that might well have previously been lost.
For one, all of the (not original) windows have recently been replaced by heritage windows, and that really jumps out at you. It might not seem like like a big thing, but windows are key to a house of this style.
Secondly, the main modern bathroom has been replaced ‘with something much more charming and in keeping with the period’ of the house because ‘we felt that it deserved it’. Which is the perfect reason to do so.
Beyond that, and outside of functional updates like a new boiler, for example, the owners have added more character to the house compared to when it was last on the market. Everywhere has had something of a retro makeover – and it looks impressive.
Of course, the elephant in the room is the modern and open-plan reception area. As I said earlier, that was carried out by a previous owner, and I know a number of you would have preferred an original layout, even if it meant a tiny kitchen to the side.
But that’s not the modern way of living. The open space at the heart of this house is very much a design statement and, equally, the way many people live their lives in the 21st century. The frame of this house is firmly in the 1930s, and functionality is more akin to how we live 90 or so years later.
Personally, I love the interior here, and if I were looking for a family home with character in this part of the world (and had the budget), I would be all over this one.
There is plenty of space on offer here, too. A well-maintained front garden and steps lead to the entrance, which in turn leads to the entrance hallway with stairs and a modern WC.
Beyond that is the main feature area of the open-plan kitchen/living room. The kitchen consists of industrial-style stainless steel cupboards, a display fridge, and the kind of state-of-the-art appliances you would expect to be within.
In front of the kitchen is a seating area (set up for some vinyl listening right now), with dining space in front of the full-width sliding doors that lead out to the rear garden. A lot of natural light, as you would expect from full-height glazing and the perfect party area.
Off the kitchen is a double bedroom with a shower room en-suite. There’s also a utility cupboard, and the single garage has been converted into a utility room – which is currently being used as a photography darkroom/bike store. But I’m sure you can think of other uses if two wheels and a camera aren’t prominent in your life.
A second reception room is accessed via frosted glass sliding doors from the kitchen or from a separate entrance in the hallway. It is a cosier space with more of an art deco vibe than the main reception. Large windows overlook the street outside and offer views towards the sea.
Head up the stairs for the first-floor space, which is made up of the principal bedroom, with built-in wardrobes, and the refurbished bathroom I mentioned earlier with jade tiles, chequered tile flooring, a bath, and a shower along with more sea views. Three more bedrooms are at the back of the house, one of which is currently being used as a home office, all with access to a large terrace that overlooks the garden.
An external set of stairs runs from the first floor to a much-loved feature of this kind of house – a roof terrace. This one provides panoramic views across Saltdean, out to sea, and to the South Downs. Get the sun lounger out, take in the sun and survey all around you. A great way to kick back in the summer.
This 1930s E. William Palmer art deco house in Saltdean is just on the market for £1,000,000.
Images and details courtesy of Number Twenty Four. For more details or to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
