Ashmore Road, London SE18

This handsome Grade-II listed house in Woolwich lies within an 19th- century building that once served as the East Officers' Quarters of the Royal Military Academy. It has been transformed into a bright and spacious house that spans some 2,300 sq ft with four peaceful double bedrooms. It lies within The Academy, a renowned and quiet gated development of significant architectural emblems of British military history which also includes its own storied cricket pitch. The development is close to the centre of Woolwich and an array of restaurants, bars and green spaces.



The Development



Established in 1741, the Royal Military Academy (RMA) at Woolwich was the first training centre of its kind in the country, designed to facilitate the rapid advancement of artillery officers’ technical skills and to deliver education in maths and science. Later, the RMA expanded to include officer training for the Royal Engineers. The imposing central building was designed by James Wyatt, Board of Ordnance Architect, in the Tudor style and constructed of London stock brick. Ready for use by 1806, the RMA is defined by its four turrets crowned with lead cupolas referencing the White Tower.



Victorian and Edwardian additions make up the environs of Wyatt’s creation and together they now form the select development of apartments and townhouses known as The Academy. Spearheaded by Durkan, in conjunction with English Heritage, these Grade II-listed buildings have been sensitively transformed for contemporary living. The site offers concierge, a gym and secure parking among other shared facilities for resident’s convenience. The nearby Oxleas Woods, Woolwich Common and The Academy's historic cricket ground provide excellent access to green spaces and an escape from the city.



The Tour



The house is sited in a quiet corner on The Academy’s east boundary. A bold façade of earthy red English-bond brick and juxtaposing sandstone surrounds highlights its handsome windows, while battlements atop the central block define its striking profile.



Entry to the house is through an imposing black double door. Within, the hallway is painted an enveloping shade grey and has bespoke cupboards as well as cabinetry that forms a bench, coat and shoe storage. Oiled Tilo oak flooring runs underfoot throughout.



The ground floor reveals a collection of defined but interconnecting reception rooms. At the front is a semi-enclosed snug with walls washed Farrow and Ball's Card Room Green; behind, a large dining room has soaring ceilings and an additional space sheltered by the enclosed historic chimney breast serves as the ideal spot for a children's play or study area.



The generous kitchen is arranged separately with light taupe matt cabinetry arranged in a U-shape. A quartz countertop affords plenty of prep space and there is an additional wall mounted larder unit for storage. Appliances include an elegant Smeg range cooker and extractor fan, fitted microwave oven, Smeg fitted dishwasher and full-size integrated fridge-freezer.



The historic bones of the house sing in the garden room, which has a glorious exposed old external wall of the building. Light cascades down from the glass roof and there is a sense of peace and remove from the outside world. A large sitting room/ library with wonderful built-in bookshelves and a WC complete the ground-floor plan.



The first floor is given over to two sizeable double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The first bedroom, arranged at the front of the plan, is a calming space painted in Red Earth by Farrow and Ball, a shade reminiscent of the house's exterior. The second is set to the rear and washed in a soft blue. A wonderfully textured new wool carpet runs underfoot throughout the stairwell and upper floors.



There are two additional double bedrooms on the second floor. The principal has a spacious en suite shower room and fitted wardrobe. Its outlook is a peaceful one, stretching across the storied rooftops of neighbouring buildings.



Outside Space



Accessed via the garden room, or through a private gate at the rear of the home, the terrace is a neat space for sun-soaked lunches in the warmer months. There is plenty of potential to cultivate a potted urban garden of herbs and colourful blooms for the green-fingered.



The development itself is interspersed with verdant lawns and shared green spaces as well as secure bicycle storage, children’s play area and the RMA's historic cricket pitch which sees club matches throughout the year.



The Area



Woolwich has an array of expansive parks and waterfront walks. Ashmore Road stands next to Woolwich Common, a centuries-old park and parade ground that has recently become a wildlife haven. Shooter’s Hill is awash with beautiful architecture and eateries such as City View Restaurant. The Charlton Lido – an Olympic-sized heated swimming pool is nearby.



The centre of Woolwich Arsenal is a short bus ride away, offering a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs. Local highlights include The Guard House, SALT, Boulangerie Jade, and culture hub Woolwich Works which puts on exhibitions and live music alongside its café.



There is a popular farmers’ market at the Royal Arsenal every second Saturday and the Folly at the historic Severndroog Castle, Shooters Hill also hosts a fabulous market of local produce. The ancient deciduous forest Oxleas Woods is also close by, with an 18th-century folly and a café at the top of the hill with spectacular views across London.



Several schools are within walking distance, including Deansfield and St Peters primaries and Ark Green Free School at secondary level.



The pretty centre of Blackheath is less than 15 minutes by car, as is Greenwich. Woolwich Arsenal DLR is a 20-minute walk and runs services into Bank and mainline services into London Bridge in 20 minutes. The Elizabeth Line also runs from Woolwich and connects to Canary Wharf in eight minutes, Liverpool Street in 15 minutes, and Farringdon in 17 minutes and to Heathrow at the end of the line. City Airport, for domestic and international trips, is also close by.


Tenure: Leasehold | Length of Lease: Approx. 235 years remaining | Service Charge: Approx. £1,800 per annum | Ground Rent: Approx. £450 per annum | Buildings insurance: £3,500 per annum | Council Tax Band: G