London hotelier Simon Tan has bought the four diamond-rated Topps townhouse hotel in Regency Square, Brighton.

The Grade II-listed property comprises two inter-connecting bow-fronted former regency town houses and retains a number of period features, including the first-floor balconies and original fireplaces.

It offers 15 en-suite bedrooms, lounges, a lift, and the former 40-seat Bottoms’ restaurant which has its own access from the street.

The Maidstone office of Christie + Co sold the freehold on the guesthouse off an asking price of £1.25m.

By Angela Frewin