May 23, 2025
Five years ago, Jacobs Steel opened its doors in Hove — in the middle of a pandemic, no less. Bold? Maybe. But we’ve always backed our team, our clients, and our belief that people deserve a better kind of estate agency.
Since then, the branch has gone from strength to strength. We’ve grown the team to cover not just residential sales, but lettings, commercial property, and mortgage services too — and for the last three years running, we’ve proudly taken home the “Best Agent” award.
So when we ran out of space, we didn’t just shuffle desks. We knocked through to the office next door and did something really special.
A Victorian living room… but make it a branch
When we expanded, we didn’t want “just another office”. We wanted a space that felt comfortable, homely, and genuinely welcoming. A place where clients could relax and chat about their next chapter over a coffee by the fireplace.
So we took inspiration from a Victorian living room, complete with plush velvet sofas, a statement fireplace, and a curated selection of pre-loved furniture that gives the space soul.
Our Interior Designer, Joanna Pratt, took inspiration from a Victorian living room, complete with plush velvet sofas, a statement fireplace, and a curated selection of pre-loved furniture that gives the space soul. With years of experience working for brands such as Oliver Bonas and Laura Ashley as a homewares buyer, we knew we’d chosen the right person for the job.
“I believe that design should be timeless while pushing creative boundaries. I am drawn to work with meaning and character, mixing old and new and staying away from fleeting trends. I focus on creating lasting spaces, being mindful of sustainability, and incorporating local craftsmanship and heritage. ” Says Joanna.
“My aim for the Hove office was to design a space that was both functional and beautiful, as well as warm and inviting – like stepping into a beautifully styled home – while still delivering that all-important ‘wow’ factor through thoughtful design details and a palette of rich, cosy colours.
By incorporating carefully sourced vintage furniture from charity shops and flea markets, along with lush foliage in weathered terracotta pots, the space suggests a sense of timeless charm—inviting visitors to step into a warm, welcoming environment that feels both lived-in and thoughtfully curated.
While it takes dedication and skill, it’s what I love to do and I enjoyed every minute of this project.”
For us at Jacobs Steel, it’s not just a transformation. It’s a reflection of who we are.
Meet the team
Our Hove office is now home to a brilliant, growing group of property experts, each one committed to providing genuinely outstanding service, whether you’re buying your first flat, letting a portfolio, or remortgaging your forever home.
Matt Jacobs, Managing Director, said:
“Opening in Hove was a leap of faith at the time, but one of the best decisions we’ve made. The branch has grown because of the people behind it; and this new space is a way of showing how much we believe in them, and in the clients we serve every day.”
Adam Seymour, Hove Branch Manager, added:
“We wanted a space that reflects how we treat our clients: warm, personal, and with real character. This is so much more than an office. It’s a home for the people and the stories we help shape.”