The Street.

There are 17 houses in our street. On average I would say that there are two people to each house (they're very small houses); that makes aprox 35 residents. There are no children in the street, and only two dogs. How many cats there are, I'm not sure; but I would guess about 6, along with a fox or two.

All the houses have parking, but some have more than others. Some have off street parking spaces, and others (like us) have separate garages. There is just one communal parking space for visitors, which is rarely used.

We have a communal private garden, which is situated behind the first five houses on the left (the home of the Black Car Club). This has a locked gate to which we all have a key, and is surrounded by tall hedges and fencing; it is VERY private. We hardly ever go there. We also have more formal open gardens that are looked after by a gardener. He does a good job, and they are very well kempt.

If I told you that the street runs parallel to Brighton's busiest road; you may not believe me. I took the above photo on a Saturday afternoon, in beautiful sunshine, whilst just a short distance away, great hoards of people from the London trains were coming from the station, and heading for town or beach. Our little street remained totally calm and quiet.

Our particular house has a through sitting room/dining room/kitchen, with a tiny patio at the rear, which is reached by newly installed sliding doors. Upstairs there are just two bedrooms and a bathroom. It is all very compact and bijou. Perfect for two, and the occasional visitor. Our maximum has been six.

I really like this little house, it's perfect for our 'old age'. It's a rather strange 1960's build, and not at all the type of development I would have imagined liking. All the best shops are within easy reach, London is 50 mins away by train, and Gatwick airport is about 25 miles away. The Ferry port of Newhaven is 20 minutes from our front door.

Brighton has the reputation for being a bit eccentric, and I must say that the reputation is merited. One sees more of the wackier side of life here than almost anywhere else in the UK. It is simply a part of daily life, and always has been. I suppose they are attracted by the relaxed bohemian atmosphere, and it makes Brighton a wonderful place to live. People are extremely friendly.

The bad bits? Well, such a town obviously attracts rough-sleepers, smack-heads, and all those who'd rather spend their time in a pleasant environment rather than somewhere less salubrious. And who could blame them. There is far too much traffic, occasional football hooliganism, and thieving Seagulls, but you can't have it all.