Chartfield Avenue, London SW15

The result of outstanding originality and innovative construction, this brilliant four/five-bedroom house is a testament to the distinguished portfolio of architects Eldridge London. Its structural Corten exoskeleton conceals a home of almost 3,600 sq ft, set between an off-street driveway and private rear garden, while its two lower levels are beautifully arranged around a central courtyard.

The Tour

From the quiet and wide residential street, a Corten electric gate leads onto a cobbled driveway for off-street parking. Though distinguishable from its more traditional neighbours, the façade achieves a stealthy humility in its seemingly simple form. The irregular fenestration cleverly achieves privacy while inviting in masses of light, and the softening effect of planting at its base serves as a reminder of the various organic elements of which the house is composed. Bin and bike stores line the right side of the driveway.

An oversized steel front door leads through to the entrance hallway. From here, birds-eye maple floors and birch ply panelling reflect the light from swathes of glazing overhead. To the right of the hall, separated by a glass balustrade, is a narrow set of stairs designed specifically for the owner’s dogs to descend to the lower-ground floor shower room after swims in nearby Beverly Brook.

The kitchen is situated to the left, concealed from the street behind a steel panel within an origami-esque oriel window. The entirety of the space follows the circular form set by the sculptural central staircase. Bespoke walnut cabinetry by Luke Haughton is topped by a honed Broughton Moor slate worktop. Opposite is a walnut counter, with a built-in bench for informal dining tucked behind. A curved walnut panels move on tracks to allow for the kitchen to be closed off from the remainder of the level. There is a pantry at the far end of the space, along with a dumbwaiter that serves that lower-ground floor cinema room.

The dining room is situated on the other side of the staircase and can also be reached via the entrance corridor, as can a guest WC. The former offers some exceptional views through to the skyline and the trees that interrupt it, as well as the rear garden beyond and the cedar-clad courtyard below.

Glazed along one side, a wide hall between the dining and living room acts as a bridge over the courtyard garden, linking the dining space and the living room. Clerestory windows meet an entirely glazed room, with shade provided by electric awnings in the warmer months.

The sitting room at the rear of the house is a superb space that enjoys the verdant terraces of the garden through full-height sliding glazing and views across the courtyard to the dining room. A log-burning fireplace is suspended against a backdrop of seagrass wall covering in a geometric pattern.

The central staircase is encased on both sides by book shelving and is the primary route to all levels.

The lower-ground floor has a great versatility. Almost entirely open plan, but subtly zoned, it has concrete floors and masses of storage. It has been used as a cinema room and office, and at its end is a bedroom that look onto the Nottinghamshire stone courtyard and the amelanchier that punctuates it. There is also a kitchenette as well as utility and laundry rooms on this level, along with a separate WC and shower, allowing this level to function autonomously if necessary.

The first floor has two similarly sized bedrooms that can be joined by a sliding pocket door. Each has built-in wardrobes and its own steam shower or bathroom, both of which have been crafted in teak by specialist yacht fitter William Garvey.

The second floor is currently arranged in an open plan but could be divided to provide two bedrooms rather than one. There are two bathing areas on this level: one has a large double-ended bath and a teak basin, while the other has a teak shower and a teak basin, all again by William Garvey. Tatami mats are used for flooring, and the glazing at both ends of the room provides some wonderful views across London.

There is air conditioning and an MVHR system throughout the house. Solar panels heat the water. The house is also fully wired with a sound system.

The Area

West Putney has long retained its leafy, village-esque feel. Access to open space is unrivalled, with around 1,140 acres of countryside between Wimbledon Common, Putney Heath, and Putney Lower Common. For both amateur and dedicated cyclists, it doesn’t get much better than the expanses of the open road that loop around Richmond Park, or, for a more leisurely experience, Stage Lodge Stables offer horse riding for all abilities. Meandering along to the north, a stretch of the River Thames is an ideal route for riverside dog walks, marathon training, rowing, or a more sedate Sunday stroll.

Putney High Street with its full range of amenities, the Edwardian Wandsworth Park, and Barnes Wetlands Nature Reserve are all within easy reach. It’s a lovely walk over the park and Wetlands towards Barnes, which we’ve written more about in our residents’ guide. The village high street has been well retained and independent shops, cafés and pubs abound. An exceedingly popular farmers' market even sets up each Saturday opposite the duck pond.

The wonderful Olympic Studios cinema offers all-day dining, while the enduringly popular Riva is the spot for classic Italian dishes, the perfect counterpoint to the new and contemporary take on pub dining at the Waterman’s Arms. Popular brunch and/or coffee spots include Orange Pekoe in Barnes, Culver and Nelson in Sheen or its neighbour Le Swine (also to be found at Broadway Market) which offers the best bacon butty in the city. A little further afield are the iconic bastions of outdoor dining: the inimitable River Cafe and Petersham Nurseries.

The area is near unbeaten in its choice of fantastic schools. A brief stroll away is Peregrines Nursery, while nearby Prospect House offers private primary education. For prep and secondary school, Putney High School is a short walk away.

There are also excellent connections to schools in central London. East Putney (District line) and Putney are within walking distance. There are also easy connections out of London via the A3, to the south of the house.

Council Tax Band: H