Ravens Mews, London SE12

Built in 1980 to a design by south London local Joyce Lowman, this house on Raven Mews is bathed in natural light. Interconnecting internal mezzanines and a soaring pitched roof creates rational, dynamic and versatile living spaces. The house was the subject of a recent renovation that saw a series of tactile materials added. A garden opens up at the rear with sports grounds a short distance behind that lend a private, leafy feel, as well as a convenient spot for dog-walkers and runners alike.



The Architect



Joyce Lowman is best known for her design of high-end apartment blocks in her native south London. These blocks, many of which were designed for the renowned developer Frank Pullen, are still well regarded today as examples of well designed, high-density housing. Aside from her design work, Lowman is a renowned Le Corbusier scholar, publishing a number of important articles and essays on the architect's work.



The Tour



The house is positioned on a peaceful cul-de-sac mews, just off Eltham Road in Lee. The private stretch of road is made up of a row of four studio houses, each complete with a front carport and rear garden.



Entry is through a compact porch, which opens up into a large kitchen/living area with cork flooring running its length, and plenty of space for dining between. Double doors at the far end of the plan invite light in from the patio garden. Being end of terrace, an elevated sidelight window encourages natural light to spill in from the west well into the evening.



The crisp white kitchen is complete with an induction hob and stainless-steel sink. An open stainless-steel catering-style shelf runs above a row of units, while a freestanding island offers extra space. Beyond it, an exposed red-brick chimney breast adds texture to the palette.



There is plenty space for seating in the living area. Above, a soaring pitched roof extends to the upper floors, guiding the eye to the mezzanine sleeping quarters above.



The bedroom is bright and airy, enhanced by a small balcony with south-facing double doors to one side. A further single bedroom (or study) is accessed directly from the mezzanine - it unfolds into a surprisingly clever, compartmentalised space, currently used as a children's vertically stacked twin bedroom with a platform level above. The uppermost level is accessed by a ladder; each has its own window along with space for some storage.



The bathroom is at ground level and is complete with a shower over bath and pearlescent green tiles.





Outside Space



A patio garden is a sun-trap in the summer months. It lies adjacent to the Bowring Group Sports Centre playing fields and pavilion, and as such, is not overlooked. A wonderfully private and secluded space, it provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor planting.



A car port at the front of the house offers sheltered storage, while there's a handy utility room accessed from here too.





The Area



Ravens Mews is well located for the shops and restaurants of Lee High Road. Local highlights include The Darjeeling, Panas and The Old Tigers Head. Local café Jerome’s Kitchen is a popular spot for coffee and brunch; it also runs a supper club. Wine and Such is a much loved wine shop and bar on Burnt Ash Hill.



Blackheath Park and Manor House Gardens are a short walk away. The Manor House itself has recently been refurbished as a public library; the park also has a play area, tennis courts, an outdoor gym, a lake and a café.



Hither Green is also nearby with a wide range of restaurants, including Sapore Vero pizzeria, Fera Lebanese grill, Station Hotel & Pub and cafés such as Arlo & Moe, all within walking distance. Slightly further afield lies Blackheath, one of London’s most popular and attractive residential areas with a great selection of shops, restaurants and pubs.



Lewisham is currently undergoing a large redevelopment of its town centre. The Lewisham Gateway development, designed by Axis Architects, is bringing new shops, restaurants and cafés, as well as a gym, a co-working space, open spaces and increased pedestrian connectivity to the town centre. It will also house the borough’s first major multiplex cinema; Curzon Cinemas is set to take over the former Ladywell Baths, which will include four cinema screens, a public events foyer, a café, a bar and a restaurant. The centre of Lewisham is a half-hour walk from the house.



Eltham Palace is a 10-minute drive away and boasts a rich and varied history, reflected in its architecture and interior decor. The palace retains its 15th-century Great Hall, but was leased by the Courtaulds in the 1930s, who made extensive art deco additions with the help of architects Seely and Paget.



The closest primary schools are Brindishe Manor and Brindishe Lee, both just around the corner. A handful of secondary schools, including Trinity Church of England School, St Matthew Academy, Thomas Tallis, and Prendergast Vale School, are all within easy reach, and the independent Colfe’s School - which also operates as a brilliant public leisure centre - is also nearby.



Lee Station is a 13-minute walk away and runs mainline services into London Bridge in 20 minutes. The house is conveniently located in close proximity to the A20, with fast road links via the M20 to Dover and the Kent coast, as well as to East Anglia, via the Dartford Crossing.



Council Tax Band: D