Recently restored Lansdowne House in Hove is a grand Regency guesthouse by the sea – perfect for a spot of coastal R&R with nothing’s-too-much-trouble hospitality

After a busy few months in magazine land, I check into Lansdowne House for the weekend feeling completely wiped out and craving fresh air, good food and great sleep. And didn’t it just deliver! In the first 12 hours alone, the Hove seafront helps to blow away the cobwebs, I spend at least an hour reading in the bath with a gin and tonic the size of my head, have a solid nine hours’ sleep in the comfiest – and biggest – bed I’ve ever enjoyed and tuck into a delicious breakfast to send me on my way along the seafront the next morning.

This recently restored Regency guesthouse is perched just minutes from the seafront, on a smart street close to independent shops, bars and restaurants in Hove – Brighton’s cheerful and slightly more peaceful neighbour.

It was a rather unloved B&B in earlier times, and has been wonderfully restored by the owners who previously worked in a London auction house and have filled the place with a mix of antique and designer furniture, which keeps every room interesting. A sweeping staircase and ceiling roses have been put back, and printed Hermès scarves are framed into pieces of art throughout the rooms.

There are several accommodation options: we check into the Green Room, where the aforementioned ‘comfiest bed ever’ sits next to two huge windows and a stunning period fireplace. The ensuite is a showstopper to match, with an epic bathtub, scene of the previously mentioned gin-and-tonicsponsored soak. I’m lucky enough to take a peek inside some of the other bedrooms, which are of varying sizes but all with their own interiors to die for.

After a cup of tea and a flick through the design magazines in front of the fireplace, we stroll down to the seafront and walk in the opposite direction to the Brighton-based crowds, before setting up camp on the beach. The vibe here is easygoing with families and couples taking a dip and paddleboarding as the sun shines.

Post-swim ciders, crisps and pale rosé wine are served at Rockwater along the front, where we watch the last of the day’s swimmers taking the plunge. If you’re peckish, there are several options along the seafront to keep you going – or join the queue at Marrocco’s for a delicious Italian ice cream. Between that tub and that bed, I’ve never felt as well rested as I do after my stay at Lansdowne House.

On our last morning, we enjoyed a leisurely few hours reading and snoozing, before breakfast in the suntrap garden (there’s an indoor garden room if the weather turns). Posh granola and yogurt alongside lots of coffee and a full English sets us up for another day at the beach, before we reluctantly head home, dreaming of returning for more Regency-style R&R on the coast.