London SE22

This two-bedroom apartment in Dulwich has been meticulously renovated, creating a series of bold yet exceedingly comfortable living spaces. It brims with original features, from cast-iron tiled fireplaces to tripartite sash windows. The apartment’s rooms unfold sequentially, arriving at a smart, low-maintenance rear garden that captures the bright morning sun.

Setting the Scene

East Dulwich is arguably the finest example of 19th-century suburbia found in the Borough of Southwark. It rapidly transformed from fields and market gardens into housing during the Victorian era between 1865 and 1885, in large part due to the development of just two estates and the coming of the railways.

Local services were developed concurrently and included the grocery shops of Lordship Lane, St Clement’s Church on Friern Road (replaced in 1957) and Dulwich Baths. To this day, there is a remarkable variety of architectural styles within the area, from the simplicity of Nutfield Grove to the flamboyant Victorian Gothic of Barry Road.

The Grand Tour

Tall, and formed of stock brick with stucco flourishes, the house that this apartment lies within embodies the handsome Victorian domestic architecture associated with this part of London. The apartment unfolds across the ground floor, with entry from the side of the house.

From here is an entrance corridor that establishes the muted and earthy palette used throughout. Pegs along one side provide a space to hang up coats, while floorboards run underfoot.

At the fore of the plan is the reception room and adjoining kitchen, arranged in front of a shuttered bay window. Soft dual-tone walls act as a subtle backdrop to an impressive cast-iron fire framed by ornate tiles. A wide mantel provides a space to place favourite objects, along with tall bookcases and cupboards fitted into either alcove.

The floorboards continue up to the kitchen, which is subtly demarcated by Mandarin Stone tiles. Tucked into an extending nook, the kitchen is a masterclass in maximising space: cupboards provide plenty of storage, while an oak counter is extended by pull-out worktops opposite. Appliances have been neatly slotted in and include an AEG dishwasher. A refined but bold combination of Farrow & Ball colours is adopted here, with green panelling and tiling offset by mink and cream cabinetry.

There are two peaceful bedrooms, the smaller of which is presently used as a study. The principal bedroom is at the rear and has direct access to the garden via French doors. Its walls are washed in the serious ‘Pantalon’ by Farrow & Ball,  a dark shade that cultivates an embracing ambiance.

A bathroom lies between the two, with a large walk-in shower and a sculptural sink from Tikamoon.

The Great Outdoors

Deftly designed, the apartment’s generous garden is largely given over to a decked terrace area, with plenty of space for seating and/or a barbecue. A bed has been cut out in the centre and filled with skimmia japonica, heather, flox and red-barked dogwood – a fuss-free combination chosen to provide year-round visual interest.

Out and About

The house is to the east of sought after Dulwich Village, just an eight-minute walk away from Dulwich Park. Here, the wonderful Dulwich Picture Gallery is sited; it lays claim to being England’s oldest public art gallery, designed by Sir John Soane in 1817. Camberwell Cemetery is also nearby, and Dulwich Leisure Centre has a public swimming pool and gym.

Lordship Lane is home to a vast number of independent shops, including Mons Cheesemongers, Moxon’s fishmongers, Franklin’s delicatessen and the Picturehouse Cinema. For cheese lovers, The Cheese Block has been the local go-to since 1991.

The Crown and Greyhound in Dulwich Village is a Grade-II listed pub with an excellent Sunday roast. East Dulwich is also home to a number of boutiques. Iyouall, the design and lifestyle store is a favourite for furniture and stylish accoutrements.

Dulwich is known for its schooling; state-run options include primary schools Rosendale, Dulwich Village, and Dulwich Hamlet, while private schools include Dulwich College and Dulwich Prep and Senior.

North Dulwich station is around a 15-minute walk away; a service runs to London Bridge from here every 15 minutes, and every half hour to East Croydon.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: Approx. 118 years remaining
Ground Rent: Approx. £300 per annum
Council Tax Band: B