Commuting to Brighton

[HansBananss]

DH and I have been offered new jobs in Brighton. We will rent for a year but then we want to buy. We have a budget of up to £1.2 mil but ideally we would come in below this.
We have twin 1 year olds, won't have any more children.

Our criteria is

• Good schools, mainly looking at indies
• Mix of rural and urban, a big village or small town preferably
• Decent commute to Brighton General Hospital (30-45 min)
• Access to a good tennis club (our main hobby)

House wise 4/5 bed and a nice garden.

Anyone have any ideas where we should look?

Buy my house! It's currently on the market with Sawyer (on Rightmove). It's in Saltdean, a lovely place to live on the coast. Takes about 20 mins to drive to the General. There's a lovely school here - Saltdean Primary, my son went there and loved it. I have a gorgeous sea view and 2 minutes away you can walk on the South Downs. The house is currently a 3 bed bungalow with a huge attic which is crying out to be turned into 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. There is also a lovely size garden. I've been here 25 years and will be sad to move on but needs must. Come have a look if you fancy it. It has huge potential!

I would hold your horses, Brighton prices have been on a downward trickle since late 2022 and its not likley to suddenly bounce back in a hurry. Further falls more likley imo.
Use the year in rental to really get to know the areas and what sells quickly and what doesn't. Lots of kite flying property prices in that area that sit unsold for weeks and months.

I like Saltdean, too. Convenient buses, Newhaven to France is just there. Fab climate.

You probably want Lewes. Hosted the last Sussex Championship. Train Links to Brighton and London. Right side of Brighton.

Sounds exciting!

Rottingdean nice village by the sea near the hospital
Badgers tennis club Kemptown (this is a cute little club)
Or Queens park tennis club bigger

2 small good primary’s in the village, also Saltdean primary next door.

The newly renovated Lido is amazing as well.

Nearby Roedean (11-18 girls) and Brighton college (4-18 mixed)

I've got to ask, how big is the cellar bit under the house? I can see the door but it's not on the plans.

Id look at lewes, much better schools, a proper town rather than being on edge of Brighton.

Thanks everyone - with Lewes what do people do for prep/primary school?

Is Lewes old grammar any good? Or do the kids travel into Brighton?

No advice on schools but should have added that Lewes is 20 mins from the hospital. Has the famous bonfire societies and parade (although not as full on as the Ottery Tar Barrels!).

But if I had your money (and didn't care about being in a town) then I'd go for this place backing on to the Knepp Rewilding Estate (see YT) - 40 mins from work.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/142483664#/?channel=RESBUY

Am I the only one a bit nervous that the only query Noon has is about the size of the cellar .
Shades of Luther/Dexter/add A.N.Other serial killer ....

There are 3 separate under-house storage area. Suitable for keeping gardening equipment etc.

@70isaLimitNotaTarget You aren't that far off, the entrance to our cellar is where we store the hunting and butchery gear. Once you get further in there is more of a Mad Max theme than Hannibal Lecter. 😇

@1Strawberrycat Thanks, you should get the EA to add them in the plans, it will be a selling point.

DC I have known in Lewes have commuted to Burgess Hill , Bede's, Brighton College or gone further afield and boarded.

I'm actively looking if you're still selling. We lived on lustrells vale before emigrating and looking to move back.

I’d start with schools and decide firmly whether you want and can afford independent, and from what age. Then work out what locations based on your preferred school (and ‘plan B’ school if your preferred one is selective and/or has a small catchment area) that’s also do-able for work.

For example with the potential to have local work and school and all the pros of that sey up I would prioritise being near those and DC being able to get around independently as they got older over being in a village / small town. I would rule out anywhere that would involve it taking a long time and own transport to get the DC to school.

Heavens, if I had the money I'd move to Lewes yesterday!

Schools are no longer a concern to me, but Lewes has a brewery, decent pubs, tons of history, nice shops, a liberal attitude but is slso very quirky too. Of course, Bonfire Night is a massive draw to it too. And Brighton is so commutable. You are in London too within 90 minutes.