Contact Luxurious Heritage Home on Withdean Road Up for Grabs
Luxurious Heritage Home on Withdean Road Up for Grabs
A magnificent seven-bedroom property located on the exclusive Withdean Road in Brighton is now available for purchase at an impressive £3.35 million. Previously owned by the celebrated New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell, this residence seamlessly blends period features with modern design elements.
Historical Charm Meets Modern Elegance
Nestled behind secure gates, the detached house spans over three floors, covering a substantial 5,683 sq ft. It comprises seven spacious bedrooms and four bathrooms, two of which are en-suite. Among its noteworthy features is a large annex, which includes three additional bedrooms, a living room, and an adjoining kitchen.
The annex is designed to function as a self-contained living space, accessible via the main house or through a separate entrance. Estate agents speculate that it would be perfect for guests or teenagers seeking a degree of independence.
Heart of the Home
At the core of this luxurious abode is the kitchen/diner. Two large skylights flood the space with natural light, complementing the integrated appliances. Double doors lead from this central area into the reception room of the annex, enhancing the fluidity of the space.
The house boasts five reception rooms. According to estate agents, these rooms could serve multiple purposes, such as a playroom, home office, or reading room, offering versatile living options for families.
Outdoor and Additional Features
The property is not just about indoor sophistication. It includes a triple garage, a substantial cellar with three storage zones, a garden gym, and a landscaped garden with a wooden terrace. Accessible from the living room and kitchen, the terrace offers the perfect vantage point for al fresco dining while enjoying the beautiful views.
Michael Campbell, renowned for winning the 2005 U.S. Open and the £1,000,000 HSBC World Match Play Championship, formerly owned this stunning property. It presents potential buyers with not only a home steeped in history but also the prestige of its previous owner.
Overall, this grand residence offers an unrivalled living experience in one of Brighton’s most coveted locations.
Photo (C) Fine & Country
Surrey Hills Set for £200m Transformation with New Housing and Leisure Development
Plans have been greenlit to transform a site on the edge of the Surrey Hills into a £200m housing and leisure complex. The Grade II* listed building, known for its role in Wonder Woman 1984, will be converted into 299 homes, featuring a mix of private residences and later-living units.
Historical Significance and Development Goals
The iconic Legal and General House in Kingswood will undergo refurbishment under the approved plan. Developers aim to preserve its historical value while introducing modern amenities. The rehabilitation of the site seeks to secure the building’s long-term future while averting the loss of its architectural heritage.
Diverse Living Options and Facilities
The project includes 122 later-living homes alongside 177 private residences. The leisure complex is set to feature sports courts and a pavilion. While the final operator remains unconfirmed, discussions suggest potential collaboration with familiar brands such as David Lloyd.
Community and Council Reactions
During the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council planning meeting, opinions varied on the development’s aesthetic. Councillor Sam Walsh critiqued the site’s previous design but praised the updated plans for their sophistication. Councillor Michael Blacker highlighted the positive implications for housing in the area.
Developers faced the challenge of balancing the restoration costs with affordable housing needs. The financial commitment to restore the listed building necessitated a focus on full-price units to maintain viability.
Environmental and Infrastructure Considerations
The site’s redevelopment will see a reduction in car parking spaces from 1,500 to 709, aligning with contemporary urban planning trends that encourage reduced vehicle dependency. Developers aim to integrate sustainable practices throughout the refurbishment.
Beyond providing new housing, the project promises to stimulate the local economy, create jobs and offer leisure facilities accessible to the broader community.
While some community members express concerns over the green belt development, the transformation is projected to give a new lease of life to the area, marrying preservation with modern living.
Photo (C) Reigate and Banstead Borough Council
25 Years of Cliftonville Farmers Market – A Community Gem by the Sea
This month marks 25 years of Cliftonville Farmers Market bringing fresh, local produce, independent traders and a real sense of community to Thanet. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Walpole Bay, it has become a much-loved monthly destination for local residents and visitors alike.
The community-run market was founded in September 2001 by the Cliftonville Residents Association, which continues to run it today. The team gives their time voluntarily, helping to create a market that is firmly rooted in the local community.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this month, the market has certainly earned its place as one of Thanet’s community gems. It is a multi-award-winning farmers market, having now been voted ‘Best in Kent’ on seven occasions, alongside receiving three other prestigious awards.
Today, between 54 and 62 stalls attend each month, offering an impressive choice of food, drink and plants. Four farmers attend regularly, helping to maintain the market’s traditional farmers-market character.
Shoppers can pick up everything from fresh vegetables, free-range eggs, raw honey and farm-reared meats to Kentish cheeses, British cheeses, fresh fish and shellfish. There are also olives and oils, jams and preserves, kimchi, mushrooms, fresh fruit, plants and flowers.
For those with a sweet tooth, there is plenty to tempt you, including cheesecakes, cookies, chocolates, fudge, cakes, blondies, brownies, tiramisu, crumbles, Turkish delight, baklava, sugared nuts and more. Bread lovers can enjoy sourdough and croissants, while specialist stalls offer gluten-free, Cypriot, Venezuelan, Japanese, Russian, Asian and Caribbean-inspired produce.
There is also a fantastic choice for vegan shoppers, including vegan bakes, plant-based ‘cheezes’ and vegan hot food. Three hot food stalls provide something delicious to enjoy while you browse, alongside two coffee and tea stalls.
Drinks include speciality teas, kombucha, juices, Japanese yuzu drinks, Kentish beers, ciders and spirits. There are even treats for four-legged visitors, with dog treats available too!
The market offers more than food. Visitors can find a mobile sharpening van, an eco-refill stall and a selection of plants and fresh flowers, making it a great place to shop for everyday essentials while supporting independent traders.
The setting is another part of the market’s charm. Located on the green behind the iconic Walpole Bay Hotel, the market overlooks the sea and is just a stone’s throw from the lower promenade, sandy beach and tidal pool. The Bishop family at the hotel are hugely supportive of the market and its community spirit.
Many visitors travel from outside the area to enjoy the market, often combining their visit with afternoon tea or drinks on the hotel’s veranda. There is free parking along Palm Bay Avenue, while toilet facilities are available at the Walpole Bay Hotel.
Perhaps most importantly, the market is a wonderful place for families. It is lovely to see children enjoying the open space while their parents’ shop. They can discover where food comes from and see that not everything is pre-packaged or bought from a supermarket.
After all, today’s young visitors are tomorrow’s shoppers, and Cliftonville Farmers Market is helping to introduce them to the value of fresh, local produce and independent businesses.
So, whether you are a regular shopper or have never visited before, why not make the next market part of your Sunday? Come along, support local producers, enjoy the seaside setting and discover one of Thanet’s true community gems.
New Skatepark in Cobham Opens to Support Youth Wellbeing
A new skatepark has officially opened in Cobham, Surrey, offering a state-of-the-art facility designed with extensive community input. The park, led by Martin Elbourne, a retired marketing consultant, aims to provide a recreational outlet for local youth affected by the Covid pandemic.
A Community-Driven Initiative
The Cobham skatepark project stemmed from a desire to address the overlooked impact of the pandemic on young people. Martin Elbourne spearheaded the initiative, recognising that while efforts were concentrated on safeguarding the elderly, the younger demographic faced educational disruptions and mental health challenges.
Driven by this realisation, Elbourne engaged more than 200 local youths to shape the park’s design according to their preferences. The £850,000 project was funded through a combination of Surrey County Council’s Your Fund, Elmbridge Borough Council, and community contributions.
Designed for All Skill Levels
Maverick Skateparks crafted the facility, spanning between 650 to 700 square metres. It includes features such as a bowl, a volcano, and wavy rails, accommodating skateboarders, BMX riders, and even wheelchair users of various skill levels. The diverse design elements ensure the park is accessible and challenging for everyone.
The opening event, held on Saturday at Leg O’ Mutton Field, featured demonstrations from professional riders, competitions, and lively music. It marked the handover of the site to Elmbridge Borough Council, ready for public use.
Long-Term Benefits and Community Pride
Elbourne expressed his pride in the community’s collective achievement, highlighting the park as a “fantastic, free-to-use facility” that promises to deliver both physical and mental health benefits to the region’s youth. He hopes the skatepark will foster a sense of community and offer an outlet for young people to socialise and develop skills.
The Cobham skatepark stands out as a testament to effective community collaboration, showcasing how local initiatives can make a significant difference. By providing young people with a dedicated space to express themselves and stay active, the project looks to have lasting positive effects far beyond the immediate recreational benefits.
Majority Supports Sustainable Redesign of Eastbourne’s Carpet Gardens
The famed Carpet Gardens in Eastbourne is set for a permanent transformation after a significant majority voted in favour of a sustainable makeover. An independent consultation indicated that nearly 70% of respondents supported the shift from traditional Victorian-style flowerbeds to a more environmentally viable approach.
Background on the Carpet Gardens Change
Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC) initiated the redesign in 2025, aiming to lessen the gardens’ carbon footprint. The move was controversial, with some local businesses expressing anger at the loss of the vibrant and traditional flower displays. Critics initially likened the early stages of the gravel-surfaced layout to “a cat litter tray.”
Councillor Jim Murray defended the new design as “beautiful, resilient and more environmentally friendly,” noting that while it stirred debate, the changes were not without merit.
Community Feedback and Decision
The independent consultation surveyed over 16,000 individuals, with 69.56% endorsing the sustainable gardens. Only 30.44% desired a return to the previous Victorian-style arrangements. Resident feedback, gathered by BBC Radio Sussex, echoed growing appreciation of the change. Peter Martin-Smith, a local, praised the gardens as “absolutely fabulous” in a radio interview earlier this year.
Financial and Environmental Implications
EBC suggests the revamp could save the council approximately £750,000 over a decade. Cost savings stem from reduced need for flower imports from the Netherlands and the hardy plants’ minimal water requirements. Councillor Murray expressed gratitude to the public for their input, asserting its central role in shaping the gardens’ future.
An EBC spokesperson confirmed plans to continue refining the sustainable scheme, enhancing the planting as part of their environmental strategy.
Embracing Sustainability
The decision marks a significant stride in Eastbourne’s environmental initiatives. While initially contentious, the gardens’ new look appears to have won broad public support, transforming the iconic seafront landmark for future generations.
Photo (C) Eastbourne Borough Council
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