Happy 90th Birthday Embassy Court!

Originally the flats were rented out rather than sold to owner-occupiers.  Rents varied between £150 and £500 per year—expensive for that time, and similar to the cost of a house in Brighton. 

Unfortunately, the building’s high-class status declined from the 1970s and it gradually fell into disrepair.  In 1997 the then freehold company, Portvale, was put into liquidation when a court case resulted in a demand to spend £1.5 million on maintenance.  The Crown Estate Commissioners then took possession of the freehold, but Embassy Court’s leaseholders established a company called Bluestorm Ltd to buy it, which was achieved after another court case.

In July 2003, Bluestorm announced a £5 million refurbishment investment plan and by 2006 Embassy Court had been restored to its original status as a high-class residence.  

At 90 years of age this great building requires considerable love and attention.  Along with a local firm of surveyors, Harper Stone Properties Ltd. have had the pleasure of maintaining this iconic building for the past 10 years.  Therefore, it is unsurprising that on its birthday the building’s south elevation is masked in scaffolding.  These works mark the first phase of a three year, million-pound plus project to rejuvenate this reinforced concrete construction with its iconic Crittall style metal windows.

It is reassuring that Embassy Court is in the safe hands of its resident’s freehold company whose enthusiasm remains unabated.  Indeed, some of the residents offer guided tours to other enthusiasts.  If you would like to learn more then please do visit their website here.