Clapham Common South Side, London SW4

This elegant one-bedroom flat occupies a commanding position in a Grade II-listed building on the south side of Clapham Common, from which it has sweeping views over the park. The open-plan living space is characterised by its high ceilings, exposed wooden floorboards and cast-iron fireplace. The wonderfully retained period features are enhanced by the use of white and neutral tones throughout. Its enviable location means it has ready access both to a thriving local neighbourhood and to central London.

We’ve written about life here in more depth.

Setting the Scene

Set on the third floor of a beautiful Grade II-listed building, the apartment is defined by the quality of light that streams in throughout the day from every aspect. Set on the edge of the expansive and green Clapham Common, the building is among a row of houses constructed in the late 1800s. Its Victorian origins are evident in the façade, with its yellow brickwork with geometric red and grey detailing, dormer windows, ironwork, slate roof, and beautifully maintained soldier brick lintels. Originally large houses, the buildings have since morphed in their purpose, with shops on the ground floors and the upper floors converted into flats. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

Entry to the apartment is to a small hallway and through to the bright kitchen, living and dining room. Here, high ceilings are coupled with two north-facing sash windows, allowing light to flood the plan and with views over Clapham Common. The quality of light is maximised by the deliberately pared-back aesthetic that flows throughout the apartment. Whitewashed walls allow original features, such as the cast-iron fireplace and window frames, to sing while creating the perfect backdrop for artwork. On the right is the galley kitchen. Recently refitted, white cabinetry is topped with a pale marble, merging seamlessly with the rest of the room’s palette; chrome details add a refined touch, and built-in bookshelves create space for cookbooks.

The bedroom is at the back of the plan. Here, a large south-facing sash window overlooks a small green private park with mature and leafy trees, which cast a dappled light over the cream walls. Bespoke built-in storage is situated on either side of the window.

In the elegant bathroom, sand-coloured marble tiles with a cream vein clad the floor and walls. There is a WC and a walk-in shower. Extra storage is situated in the entrance hall, including a capacious utility cupboard.

Out and About

The apartment is right on the edge of Clapham Common. Spanning 220 acres, the common was converted into parkland in 1878 and features a Victorian bandstand and three ponds. It continues to be a popular place for locals to enjoy, either for strolls or for exercise, with a range of sporting facilities such as a running track, bowling green, cricket, football and rugby pitches.

Clapham Common South Side is also well-situated for many restaurants, shops and cafes. Over the past decade, in particular, this area has undergone a rejuvenation and is now a thriving community. Among the most popular delicatessens and shops are M.Moens & Sons butchers, Village Wholefoods, and MacFarlane’s Delicatessen.

For dining, Minnow offers refined Modern European cuisine, Sorella serves up Italian dishes from the team behind Michelin-starred The Dairy, Trinity holds a Michelin Star, and Dumplings and Baos is a neighbourhood favourite. Head to Doctor Espresso for exceptional coffee made on the second oldest coffee machine in London – an 1857 vintage Gaggia Tipo lever espresso – and Nardulli for authentic Italian gelato. COMMON is the place to meet for coffee or evening drinks. Venn Street Market is a weekly affair with traders offering local produce such as cheese, organic vegetables and freshly baked bread.

Attractions in the area include the contemporary art gallery, Studio Voltaire, and the four-screen Clapham Picturehouse.

Clapham Common tube station is located minutes from the building’s front door. Its situation on the Northern line offers direct access to a range of stations in central London, such as London Bridge, Charing Cross and Bank, within 15 minutes, while the interchange at Stockwell connects with the Victoria line.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: approx. 157 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £1,050 per annum
Ground Rent: £50 per annum
Council Tax Band: C