These days it is rare for a house to be owned more than 30 years but Austin Gray auction department will be offering one in their next auction on 16th April that was purchased by the owner one month after the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

The house in question was one of the first built in Nizells Avenue, Hove, on land conveyed by Osmond D’Avigdor Goldsmid directly opposite St. Ann’s Well Gardens. Two bricks at the front of the building are etched June 1925 to show the date that it was built.

It was purchased in July 1953 by eminent local GP and consultant anaesthetist Rex Binning who not only worked at the Royal Sussex County Hospital but also ran part of his practice from the house.

He conveyed the property into his wife’s name (Geraldine) in 1972, a document witnessed by their close family friend Lord Laurence Olivier who resided at Royal Crescent, Brighton.

Geraldine is still alive and well but has moved into a smaller property.

The house is a substantial six-bedroom detached property which would require a programme of modernisation, refurbishment and structural alterations to turn into a magnificent family home. The property has the benefit of being in an excellent central location directly opposite the park which features tennis courts, a bowling green, playground and café.

The house will be offered in Austin Gray’s next property auction on 16th April at a guide price of £825,000-£850,000.

Other highlights in the auction include a 5000 sq ft house, just beyond Lewes with outstanding views guided at the same price and six very good flats in a converted Willett-built Victorian building in The Drive. The building has just been refurbished and the flats will be offered individually with guide prices ranging from £120,000 for a large studio through to £275,000 for a 1200 sq ft garden flat which has a 100 ft rear garden. These flats would be perfect for owner occupiers and investors alike.

For further details and viewing times, please contact the auctioneers at Austin Gray 01273 201980.