Marlow Cottages, London TW11

The considered renovation of this one-bedroom, first-floor apartment in Teddington brings a refined country charm to a quiet pocket of the city. Select fittings, a natural colour palette and the reinstatement of period features combine to create a comfortable, charming interior, where clever design discretely conceals storage. Set on Victor Road, the flat is within easy walking distance of train stations in Teddington and Strawberry Hill, as well as excellent parks, local restaurants and independent shops.

Setting the Scene 

Teddington has a rich history dating back centuries. Originating as a primarily agricultural area with an economy centred on farming and fishing, its strategic location on the river made it an essential crossing point, ensuring its growth and prosperity over time. By the 17th century, Teddington began to evolve into a more urbanised community with the establishment of local brewing and milling industries. 

Teddington's transformation into a residential suburb accelerated in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway in 1863. The development of suburban housing attracted affluent Londoners seeking refuge from the bustling city; elegant Victorian and Edwardian villas sprung up across the area, along with terraced streets like Victor Road. In the 20th century, Teddington Studios, which opened in 1912, became renowned for producing popular TV shows and films, contributing to the town's cultural significance. 

Grand Tour 

Originally named Marlow Cottages, this smart Victorian terrace was built in 1897, the year of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Its neat London stock brick façade is bound with red-brick detailing that loops above the windows and ties the street together, in a fashion typical of the era.

This flat is accessed from a private hallway. Internally, the care and consideration taken during a recent renovation is immediately apparent. Broad, engineered timber flooring runs from the front door through to the kitchen, adding warm tones that complement the light that enters through the living room window. In the living room, the space is articulated by a range of textures; butt-and-bead boarding has been cleverly utilised to create rhythm and conceal storage space, while softly patinaed Zellige tiles line the fireplace.  

Bright and thoughtfully designed, the kitchen takes subtle inspiration from its countryside relations: a large ceramic sink sits beneath the window, while brass tapware and ironmongery contrasts against deep green-painted shaker joinery.

A lesson in tone and colour can be sought in the bathroom, with Little Greene’s 'Tuscan Red' used with aplomb to highlight the window reveal and bathboard. Neutrally toned but varying in scale and texture, the floor and wall tiles break up the space and delineate uses.  

Placed to the front of the building, the bedroom is a calm retreat lined with bespoke storage and painted in 'Light Blue' by Farrow and Ball.  

Out and about 

Once a leafy suburb nestled into a meander of the Thames, Teddington’s superb rail connections ensure it is firmly part of the London landscape. The busy high street has a range of shops, services and eateries, including the stalwart café Parsnips. For date night, kick things off with aperitivo at Primitivo Club followed by a short walk down the high street for elegant Italian food Shambles. The surrounding streets are home to great neighbourhood pubs, the craft beer-focused Abercorn is at the end of the street, while The Railway serves resplendent roasts made for sharing.

This area was once royal hunting grounds and there is no shortage of green space, from the expansive Bushey Park and Richmond Park, to the riverside wilderness of Ham Lands Nature Reserve. Neighbouring village centres still charm at Richmond, Twickenham (see The Modern House's guide to the area here), Kew, and Hampton, with its delightfully heated outdoor pool. This area is rich with historic homes including the manicured grandeur of Hampton Court and the ornate Gothic style of Strawberry Hill.  

Teddington and Strawberry Hill's train stations are both on the same direct line to Waterloo, reaching central London in under 40 minutes, while Fulwell Station provides local connections. Heathrow is under half an hour’s drive, and the M3 and M4 are within easy reach for access to the countryside.  

Lease Length: 89 years remaining
Service Charge: Approx £395.76 per annum
Ground Rent: Approx £150 per annum
Council Tax Band: B