Go through the keyhole of some of Brighton's poshest homes (From The Argus)

Go through the keyhole of some of Brighton's poshest homes

7:00am Tuesday 11th August 2009 in

By Emily Walker, Chief Reporter »

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With its own putting green, complete with mini-bunker this plush family home is just one of the palatial city homes selling for a fore-tune.

But who could live in a house like this?

Behind a security gate on Withdean Road, Brighton, top New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell has lived in luxury with his Australian wife Julie for nine years.

Now as he tees up a new life in Sydney, the rest of the city has the chance to go through his keyhole.

Fans of the 40-year-old golfer, who beat Tiger Woods to win the US Open in 2005, may be interested in the artificial putting green, complete with miniature bunker, which he had built at the bottom of the garden.

Bought for £810,000 the seven bedroom mansion is now on the market for £2.75million.

Pam Buckley, of Winkworth estate agents, said: “It is a substantial family house with a huge garden.

“It's got a golf bunker and an outside gym so his golfing links may help it appeal to buyers.”

For a chance to call Norman Cook, Zoe Ball, Nick Berry and Heather Mills your neighbours, or just to see how the other half live, a house on Western Esplanade, Hove is expected to sell for £4 million.

The home is the biggest of all the beach-front mansions on the celebrity filled road, known as Millionaires's Row.

Despite the recession and the price tag, the agents selling the luxurious property do not think there will be a shortage of willing buyers.

Mark Astley, partner at estate agents Jackson-Stops &Staff, said: “It has the potential to be the best house in Brighton and Hove.

“It had a lot of work done in the 1970s and could do with a little updating, but it has been very well looked after.

“But it is definitely one of the best homes in Brighton and Hove.

“It was built in the early 1900s by Michael Pagett-Baxter and he built number one as his own house.

“It is by far the biggest.”

Owner Beryl Norris is selling the house after her husband Lew died in February.

Lew designed the land speed record breaking Bluebird racing car, and the couple lived in the house for 30 years.

Mrs Norris said the house is perfect for the celebrity lifestyle, but did not want to live there without her husband.

She added: "Nick Berry and Rachel and their two boys come down in the summer and for Christmas.

“Zoe and Norman are here all the time if they are not working, as their little boy Woody goes to school locally.

Millionaires on a celebrity shopping spree may also be interested in Eastenders actress Patsy Palmer's £3million Kemp Town home.

Deirdre Lythe, from agents Mishon Mackay selling the Eaton Place town house said: “It is nothing to do with who's selling it.

“It has been marketed without anyone knowing who owns it.

“There are not many opportunities to purchase a property like this.

“It is huge and beautiful.”

Comments(16)

TheInsider says...
7:06am Tue 11 Aug 09

Posh?
I don't think so.