Waterloo Road, London SE1

Towering Crittall windows disperse light throughout this spacious loft style conversion, located on the first floor of a former basket weaving factory near Waterloo, south London. Exposed brickwork and high ceilings preserve the building's industrial heritage, while an elegant open-plan configuration and two mezzanine bedrooms provide a contemporary feel. Wonderfully located for central London, the apartment is a short walk from Waterloo, Borough Market and the lively South Bank.

The Tour

The building is typical of 1920s industrial design, with warm brick punctuated by wide Crittall windows. Inside, its industrial origins become even more pronounced with a dramatically wide communal hall leading to a lift and/or exposed brick staircase.

The first-floor apartment's main living space has dramatic, lofty ceilings. Natural light casts striking shadows across exposed brick and fresh white walls, where floating shelves above low-level storage amplify the sense of scale. The spacious room allows for flexible zones to separate dining and relaxing. Dark-stained polished floorboards extend throughout the space, uniting each of its components.

The kitchen and a separate studio/office area sit behind the living room, connected by two slate top open hatch spaces. The U-shaped kitchen has white cabinetry and is fitted with glass display shelves. The kitchen houses stacked Neff ovens and integrated appliances sit neatly below a slate worktop.

In the office/studio, there is a wall of floor-to-ceiling storage cupboards.

There are two further storage cupboards in the hallway, as well as a handy cloakroom with a WC. Two staircases lead up to the mezzanine levels with two en suite bedrooms,  both with bespoke beds. Sliding glass partitions open from the spaces to the living room below, allowing light to enter from the Crittall windows below. One of the rooms has a grey-tiled shower room en suite, while the other has a built-in wardrobe that leads up to a raised bathroom with a bath, basin and WC.

The Area

Waterloo Road is well-placed in its cosmopolitan Zone 1 setting. The Cut is just around the corner and home to both the Young and Old Vic and many convenient local amenities, as well as popular restaurants The Anchor and Hope,  Ristorante Olivelli and Meson Don Felipe. Traditional pub The Kings Arms is very much in keeping with its Victorian setting and is a short stroll away. There are some lovely independent shops on Lower Marsh, of note are Lower, Greensmiths, and Little Bread Peddlar.

The South Bank is 15-minute walk to the north. Here, Tate Modern, National Theatre, the BFI and Festival Hall, as well as some excellent restaurants and bars, can be found. Flat Iron Square, Maltby Street Market and Borough Market are all within walking distance. We've written more about our recommendations in the area in our Journal.

For those seeking greenery, the grounds of the Imperial War Museum have lovely spaces to sit on the lawn beneath shady trees. The River Thames is a short stroll away and the Thames Walk heads towards green spaces on the banks along the river.

The apartment is very well placed for transport. Lambeth North (Bakerloo line) is the nearest station at just eight minutes away on foot. Southwark (Jubilee line) can be reached in nine minutes, while Borough and Elephant and Castle (Northern line) are approximately a 16-minute walk from the apartment. Waterloo station is a 12-minute walk for extensive National Rail services and access to the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo and City lines.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: Approx. 974 years remaining
Service Charge: Approx. £4,520
Ground Rent: Approx £150 per annum 
Council Tax Band: F