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 | | |  | | |  | | | | | | Name:
Ian Stevenson
Building:
Marine Gate, Marine Drive
Location:
Brighton
What is your relationship to this building?: Marine Gate has been my home since October, 1993.
Why do you love this building?:
I love Marine Gate because it is a magnificent example of a late art deco/modernist apartment block. It is nestled close to Brighton's sea front in Kemp Town and has breathtaking views over the downs and sea,it even has portholes to add to the nautical feel.
Built in 1937,it has 142 apartments set in 3 acres of land scaped gardens.It originally had a restaurant/cocktail bar and terrace,a ballroom,servants quarters and shops,up until 1955 when they were converted into extra flats. We do have our own library still. My apartment is on the 8th floor with east/west views and can see the sea from every window,with a beautiful southeast facing balcony in blue and cream. Many apartments retain the original features,i still have the bell pulls in each room and the original 1937 bathroom. During the war it was used as lookout post for the R.A.F.and was hit by a bomb,however,being fortress like it suffered little damage.
Marine Gate is well cared for by a Board of Directors, resident manager and secretary and a team of support staff. I feel it should be a grade 2 listed building as i don't think there are many residential blocks of this architectural merit on the south coast or elsewhere on our islands. I love this building because of its combination of unique position,style,huge windows and its magical ability to convey me to a world of scintillating light,space,inner silence safety and happiness.
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Name:
Nik Baldwin
Your comments on this building:
Myself and my girlfriend have just purchased a stuio appartment in June of this year (2003). The studio was previously one of the facilities you mentioned before it was converted in 1955. The conversion was unpractical for two people to live in so I have remodelled the layout as I am a kitchen and bathroom fitter. As soon as we saw Marine Gate we knew it would be a great place to live as it had character. We hope to move in before Christmas. Maybe we'll see you around the building.
Name:
Mahesh Vinayagam
Your comments on this building:
Hi Nick and Ian. Me & my wife rent a flat in Marine Gate since Oct'02. I completely agree with your comments. The sea views at the front and view of the Race hill at the rear are so amazing. The garden maintained by a lovely lady adds more life to the complex. We hope one day we will buy a flat in this lovely building.
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