Crewdson Road, London SW9

This vibrant two-bedroom apartment in Oval unfolds across the first, second and third floors of a traditional red-brick Victorian terraced house. It takes a partly inverted plan, with the bedrooms and living room on the second floor and the light-filled kitchen at the top. A considered use of colour throughout characterises the home - in particular touches of pink and green - and a wonderful quality of natural light ripples throughout.



The Architect



The widely celebrated and award-winning practice Knox Bhavan Architects have completed a range of remarkable built work, including bespoke houses, residential projects, public buildings, and historic conservation projects. With a deep appreciation for materials, simplicity of form, and environmental sensitivity, their designs demonstrate meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.



The Tour



The building has a dramatic profile, with wide tripartite bays protruding from its typically Victorian red-brick frontage. A communal staircase within leads to this apartment's private front door; painted turquoise 'Arsenic' by Farrow & Ball, it sets the tone for what unfolds beyond.



Both bedrooms and the main living space are positioned on the second floor, reached via a flight of stairs on entry. The living room has a green wall, and a large bay window that floods the space with brightness.



Both bedrooms are generous spaces of almost equal size. One utilises a palette of simple white walls against the wooden floorboards, while the other has been partly painted in a blushing pink hue. The rooms share a bathroom, which has a large walk-in shower finished in camel-coloured tiles.



On the top floor is the brilliantly bright kitchen and dining area. The kitchen is bespoke, by John Lewis of Hungerford. Using the curve of the roof above, storage has been built into the wall in a triangular shape. A lime green rubber floor by Nora adds another dash of colour to the plan, while a white-tiled backsplash creates a simple backdrop above granite worktops. Three large skylights welcome light into the space, which is centred around a dining area with built-in bench seating that conceals storage. This is open to the living area below, setting the rooms in dialogue with one another.



The Area



Oval has established a reputation for its pubs and leafy parks. Among local favourites are The Fentiman Arms and the Canton Arms, both of which serve delicious food. There is a weekly farmers' market at St Mark's Church, Kennington, while Brunswick House, a Georgian mansion, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Popular coffee shop/café Italo can be found in Vauxhall, opposite Bonnington Square.



Grade II-listed Kennington Park is a five-minute walk away, as is the smaller (but as delightful) Myatt’s Fields. The River Thames and its meandering footpath can also be easily reached. Only slightly further afield are Camberwell and Peckham with their great restaurants and bars.



This area is exceptionally well connected; both Stockwell (Victoria and Northern lines) and Oval (Northern line) stations are under 10 minutes' walk away. There are also good bus connections and access to cycle superhighways.



Tenure: Share of Freehold / Lease Length: approx. 111 years remaining / Service Charge: approx £900 per annum / Ground Rent: peppercorn / Council Tax Band: D