When Frederique Etienney-Pope and her husband discovered they were expecting their third child in 2020, they decided to leave London. They sold their small Brixton flat and purchased a five-bedroom Edwardian home in Brighton for £850,000, but the move came with unexpected challenges, including asbestos.
The Decision to Move
Frederique, originally from France, had lived in London for 23 years. The couple loved Brixton but wanted more space and to be closer to her husband's family in Sussex. “We really wanted to move to Brighton because my husband went to Sussex University so was familiar with the area. It felt like a smaller version of London somehow, being by the sea,” she said.
They were specific about staying central in Brighton, avoiding Hove because “you have to drive everywhere.” Their home is a 10-minute walk from the station and near the Lanes, with favorite spots like Berry and Sons antique store and Snoopers Paradise.
Financial Details
The property cost £850,000 during a period of high demand as people fled London. “It was extremely competitive. We would do eight or 10 viewings a day,” Frederique recalled. They had a 40% deposit from selling their previous home, which they bought for £350,000 and sold for £575,000.
Their monthly mortgage is around £2,100 on a five-year term. Winter bills are high due to poor insulation: about £400 for gas and electricity every two months, dropping to £140 in summer. Council tax is £300 monthly, and water is £50 per month.
Asbestos Discovery
Shortly after moving in, they found asbestos in cupboards where a boiler used to be, and elsewhere. “At the time, I was heavily pregnant. We had to clear the house, and we were so worried it could be contaminated,” Frederique said. They boarded wooden floors upstairs to prevent contamination. “It was a nightmare, but we got over it.”
The house, previously a student property, needed significant work. They loved its potential: “old properties with lots of light, character, and high ceilings.”
Interior Design Journey
Frederique recently started an interior design business, inspired by renovating her first home. Her style is bold and eclectic: “I can't live in a white or beige house; it just doesn't fit my character, which is loud and busy.” She mixes vintage pieces with bright colors, and each room reflects the family's personality. Her favorite room is her teal bedroom with a yellow bath, and a recently finished spa-like bathroom with wallpaper on a curved ceiling.
She upcycles furniture and sources from antique shops. “I like to bring history back into our home.”
Ongoing Issues and Future Plans
The boiler has broken down multiple times; they now have insurance. The roof leaked, and some walls need replastering. A planned kitchen extension is on hold due to cost. “We've decided to park it for now and make it work with what we have, so we've just repainted it. I got a lot of spray cans and covered all the cabinets for about £35,” Frederique said.
Despite the stress, she doesn't want to move again soon. “I'm still recovering, but maybe we'll move back to France one day.”
