Lavish Brighton penthouse on the market for £700,000, but it has a HUGE secret

This plush penthouse may appear to be perfectly normal, but it hides a very big secret - it has a secret coastal tunnel that was once used by King George IV.

That's right, the 100-ft tunnel connects the basement to one of Britain's best beaches, so that his majesty could visit the owner of the apartment discreetly from the beach.

Still accessible today, the tunnel runs beneath the promenade in front of the property and the road between the house and the beach.

Panoramic views of the picturesque pebbled coastline and the iconic Brighton pier can be seen from the building, which overlooks the beach.

And the inside is just as impressive as the outside.

Upon entering the building, a Regency style staircase - one of the finest examples in Brighton - spirals up beneath an enormous vaulted roof light.

But the penthouse, which is on the market with Brand Vaughan, is more contemporary. Situated on the top floor, it boasts windows that are so tall and wide that you can see the glittering and ever-changing vista of the sea from any angle.

Some traditional elements have been maintained, such as the original wooden shutters and ornate fireplace, fitted with a gas fire for convenience.

The whole design has been carefully thought through, with the kitchen diner tucked away from the main living area, but still close enough to be sociable. Wide doorways connect both ends of the sitting room to the rest of the pad.

In the kitchen, minimalistic ivory units with crisp, white surfaces and contemporary fixtures create a sleek and streamlined look.

There's easy access to the dining area, in which the dining table has been placed beside the large windows to make the most of the view.

A spacious guest bedroom sits at the end of a lengthy hallway with a modern bathroom nearby.

Another impressive staircase ascends to the master bedroom beneath a skylight. Windows on two of walls keep the large bedroom light and airy, but the warm colours prevent it from being too cold. An en-suite, marble-lined bathroom with vaulted ceilings is shared with a third double bedroom.

Access to a large balcony with a decorative balustrade spans the front of the building, with further access to roof with breathtaking views of the city.

And as if that wasn't enough, there's also access to a shared gym for residents to enjoy if you don't fancy a run along the beach or a dip in the sea.