About this space

Calm, intimate and closely connected to nature, the Gardener is a two-bedroom garden apartment within The Very Thought of You, a historic Regency house in central Brighton.

The house takes its name from the celebrated song by composer and bandleader Ray Noble, who was born within these very walls. A commemorative plaque beside the entrance recalls his connection to the building.

Each apartment evokes the private world of a different imagined inhabitant – Gardener, Dandy and Illusionist. The Illusionist, the third and final apartment in the collection, is currently being carefully renovated and will be available from early 2027.

With its soft palette, natural materials, botanical details and antique pieces, the apartment feels as though it belongs to someone who finds beauty in things that have grown slowly and been gathered over time. At its heart lies a secluded courtyard filled with palms, ferns, weathered pots and unusual plants – a hidden garden quietly flourishing in the centre of Brighton.

The space

The apartment unfolds along a long corridor, where oak flooring, gentle earthy colours and a botanical runner introduce its calm, nature-led character. At the far end, the rooms open towards the greenery of the courtyard.

The open-plan living room and kitchen form a warm and sociable space. Soft green armchairs, natural fabrics, woven lighting and botanical motifs sit alongside antique furniture and objects collected over time. Broad glass doors bring the garden into view, allowing the plants and changing light outside to become part of the room.

The sitting area offers a generous sofa, armchairs and a television, with plenty of space to slow down after a day in Brighton. The adjoining dining corner seats four and can be laid with handmade Wonki Ware and antique porcelain, each piece chosen for its individual character.

The kitchen is modern and well equipped, with painted cabinetry, wooden worktops and a traditional butler’s sink. It includes an oven, gas hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, espresso machine, cafetière, blender and toaster.

Tea is taken seriously here too, with a kettle, teapot and selection of teas provided – best enjoyed from the antique porcelain, either around the dining table or outside amongst the plants.

Guests also have access to a washing machine and tumble dryer, as well as an iron and ironing board.

The two bedrooms each have their own atmosphere. One is warm and romantic, with terracotta velvet, floral patterns, an antique chair and a writing desk. The other is quieter and more botanical, with soft sage tones, woven lamps and bamboo-framed mirrors. Both are furnished with organic mattresses and high-quality Green Fibres bed linen, creating restful rooms for up to four guests.

The first bedroom has its own en-suite wet room, while the second bedroom is served by a separate shower room. Both bathrooms combine natural stone, wood and traditional fittings, with generous walk-in rainfall showers and underfloor heating. Organic cotton towels are provided.

The soul of the Gardener is its secluded courtyard, reached through the glass doors in the living room or directly from the second bedroom. Antique Greek pots, mature palms, ferns and more unusual specimens create a richly layered garden where something new catches the eye at every turn.

A rustic wooden table and outdoor seating make this a lovely place for a slow breakfast, an afternoon with a book or dinner amongst the greenery when the weather permits. Though only a short walk from the energy of central Brighton, the courtyard feels like a small world of its own.

The Gardener occupies the lower-ground floor of the building and accommodates up to four guests.

The Gardener may be booked independently or together with the Dandy, a separate one-bedroom apartment within The Very Thought of You. Together, they offer a total of three bedrooms – ideal for families or friends who wish to stay close to one another whilst retaining the privacy of their own spaces. Joint bookings are subject to availability.

The neighbourhood

Montpellier Terrace lies in one of Brighton and Hove’s most desirable neighbourhoods – peaceful and elegant, yet within easy walking distance of the seafront, the city centre and the independent shops, cafés and restaurants of Western Road.

The seafront is approximately five minutes away on foot, whilst central Brighton can be reached in around five to ten minutes. Brighton railway station is approximately a 15-minute walk or a short taxi journey, and Waitrose is just around the corner.

The nearest public parking is at Regency Mews Secure Parking, approximately five minutes from the apartment.