Take a glimpse back at Victorian life in a house tour which reveals the opulence, taste and lifestyle of a nouveau riche gentleman.

Palmeira Mansions are two south facing terraces built 1883-4, these large Victorian properties are on the north side of Palmeira Square in Hove.

Number 33 Palmeira Mansions was purchased in 1889 by Arthur William Mason at the age of twenty-nine, a widower after the tragic death of his first wife, he moved into the house with a young daughter Christine. In his early years living in the house Mr Mason used the family fortune to refurbish the interior in a lavish eclectic mix of fixtures, including elaborate fireplaces some with stunning overmantels, carved mahogany doors, a variety of lincrusta wall papers and exquisite stained-glass windows were added to various rooms. 33 Palmeira Mansions is now part of the English Language Centre in Hove.

33 Palmeira Mansions is on the corner of Salisbury Road & Church Road, Hove BN3 2GB. Note there are many stairs.