Point House, West Grove, London SE10

This wonderful two-bedroom apartment is on West Grove, an ancient lane in the heart of Greenwich that lies close to Blackheath and Greenwich Park. The apartment occupies a portion of a significant Grade II*-listed building and extends over 950 sq ft. Residents have access to one of the largest private gardens in Greenwich, formerly the tennis courts of the Carlton Club. Thoughtfully reimagined under current ownership, this exceptionally well-executed apartment respects and celebrates its refined original features while establishing itself as a home conducive to easy contemporary living.

Setting the Scene

The building has had a phenomenally rich and intricate history over the past three centuries. This began in 1701, when John Hoare (of the Hoare banking family) commissioned it as a country residence within close proximity of the City of London. There is little doubt that he would have found the vista looking across to the Docklands deeply satisfactory.

Point House was then sold in around 1750 to the Grote family, handsomely portrayed by Joshua Reynolds, who created the building as it is today. By the end of the 18th century, it was home to Commander William Larkins of the East India Trading Company, who fashioned the second floor as a private observatory, taking full advantage of the overlook.

The Grand Tour

The apartment is accessed through a beautifully maintained communal vestibule with marble chequerboard tiles underfoot and a six-over-six sash window. Stairs wind up to the second floor, where the apartment lies, taking in exceptional stucco plasterwork, original cornicing and a ceiling rose en route.

A white-painted front door opens into a wide, arterial hallway. The main living space is at the front of the plan, overlooking verdant communal garden below. The room, which extends to over 20 ft x 30 ft, is bookended by glazing: five sash windows disperse light throughout the space, which has been cleverly delineated into areas for relaxing, dining and cooking. Dark wooden floorboards extend underfoot and a beautiful Carrara marble surround with bullseye corner blocks frames the gas fire. Contemporary grey kitchen units by Bulthaup house Miele double ovens and a central island provides space for four chairs.

The main bedroom has retained its 18th-century panelling and has a row of brilliant built-in wardrobes. Across the hallway is the second bedroom, which has views over Blackheath. The bathroom is clad in Welsh slate and has underfloor heating, and is fitted with a rain-style shower.

The Great Outdoors

Expansive terraced communal gardens unfold at the rear have commanding views over London’s iconic skyline. Large enough to get lost in, they provide ample space for outdoor dining and picnicking.

Out and About

Exceptionally located, the house is a 10-minute walk from the centre of Greenwich and a couple of minutes from the open expanses of Blackheath and Greenwich Park. The pretty old town, famous for its maritime history, has an excellent selection of restaurants, pubs and shops, as well as a Picturehouse cinema and a theatre. The Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 18th century, hosts a popular programme of events in the gardens, including concerts, an open-air theatre and a jazz festival.

The closest station is Greenwich, which runs services to Canary Wharf and Bank on the DLR and rail services to London Bridge and London Cannon Street (taking eight minutes and 12 minutes respectively). The Thames Clipper can be boarded from Greenwich Pier and runs services to Westminster in one direction and the O2 Arena in the other.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: approx. 145 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £4,000 per annum
Ground Rent: approx. £150 per annum
Council Tax Band: F