Pullens Buildings, Crampton Street, London SE17

This charming one-bedroom apartment is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on the first floor of the Pullens Buildings in Walworth, one of the last remaining Victorian tenement buildings in London. Stretching to over 760 sq ft internally, it is considerably larger than most on the estate. Access to a communal roof terrace offers breathtaking views over key architectural highlights of London’s skyline. Within a designated conservation area, it sits in a remarkably tranquil corner of London despite its proximity to both Kennington and Elephant and Castle Underground stations.

Setting the Scene

The venture of the visionary builder James Pullen, the Pullens Buildings – constructed between 1886 and 1901 – is a sterling example of a late Victorian speculative development, combining both tenement housing and workshop units along with some shops. The workshops, which were used by small businesses such as carpenters and clock repairers, were arranged in mews on the first floor at the rear of the tenement blocks with interconnecting doorways between them, while the ground floors were designed as stables. Likewise, in the tenement buildings, many of the ground floor sites were shops, some of which remain so today.

Since the 1980s, there has been a strong community of residents in the Pullens Buildings, who ensured that the estate was recognised and preserved and now work together to maintain the communal facilities. There are two open studios a year in Iliffe and Peacock Yards. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

With many of its original features intact, the exterior is formed of yellow London stock brick, white sash windows and wrought-iron railings. Every window is adorned with a detailed white stucco pediment. The shared entrance is characterised by a painted terracotta archway with a high relief keystone and capitals decorated with acanthus leaves and rendered pilasters beneath. Creamware period tiles ascend the communal stairwell to each doorway.

The apartment – thought to have once been the residence or possibly store house for the former bakery – unfurls into an elegant entrance hall with original pine floorboards underfoot and a simple palette. The now-concealed steps leading to the old bakery are delineated by a subtle change in flooring.

To the front of the plan lies the living room with its 19th-century fireplace, fitted alcove cupboards and four-pane timber-framed sash windows that allow the morning light to douse the room. The woodwork around each of the sash windows has been meticulously restored and waxed to enhance its natural tonality.

In the centre of the apartment is the large dine-in kitchen, a sociable space with a three-over-three sash window inviting a westerly view toward the city. Beyond is the ‘solarium’ (formerly the scullery), where a bank of timber-framed windows draws in plenty of light. The space would make for an ideal home study or peaceful reading nook, with a deep storage space to one side.

The south-facing bedroom lies off the main hall and has a fitted wardrobe along with an original cast-iron fireplace. The bathroom lies at the end of the plan and has glazed doors that borrow plenty of light from the solarium. Olive green and mustard tiles surround the bath and exude a period appeal.

The Great Outdoors

The apartment has access to the communal flat roof terrace, where exceptional views are captured of iconic London landmarks.

Although not for sole use by residents, Pullens Gardens and Park runs the length of Amelia Street – a tree-planted green breathing space enclosed by wrought-iron railings.

Out and About

Excellently positioned for access to the green spaces of Kennington Park (Grade II-listed) and Burgess Park, the area abounds with exciting cafes, galleries, shops, restaurants and pubs, including Louie Louie, Hej Cafe, Orbit Brewery, Diogenes the Dog, Theo’s Pizza and The Nunhead Gardener. The creative hub Pullens Yards is moments from the front door, with the lovely JamJar Flowers nearby, as is the new development around Walworth Town Hall. Walworth Gardens, an award-winning, organic community garden, is open to all and has been a community asset since the late 80s. City and Guilds of London Art School is within easy reach, with an excellent assortment of independent galleries along Kennington Road.

Kennington and Elephant and Castle Underground stations are less than a 10-minute walk away, providing access to central London via the Northern and Bakerloo lines, as well as Overground services further afield. The surrounding area is well served by a frequent bus service into the City, the West End and beyond.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: 90 years remaining
Service Charge: Approx £700 - £1000 per annum
Ground Rent: £10 per annum
Council Tax Band: A