Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, John Archer Way, London SW18

This exceptional five-bedroom apartment forms part of the Grade II-listed Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, a wonderfully preserved example of gothic architecture near the green expanse of Wandsworth Common. It amalgamates two former flats and a workspace; the current owners have added a series of modern interventions that carefully respond to the building's period. It has a soaring pitched roof and two separate mezzanines on either side - an idiosyncratic layout that has been masterfully harnessed to maximise light, volume and space.

The Tour

The apartment is accessed via a shared grand staircase that spirals towards its private front door. Entry is to a lobby with plenty of storage cupboards. A double bedroom, utility room and WC all branch off on the right-hand side.

An arresting living space lies at the heart of the home, flanked by tall mullion windows that draw enough light in to fill every inch of its towering proportions. Bookcases provide plenty of room for a private library.

The kitchen is cleverly concealed behind a semi-circular wall at the rear. Metal is the room's material motif; stainless-steel countertops provide plenty of preparation space, while a reeded sliding door opens/closes the space to the living areas beyond. Behind the kitchen are two double bedrooms, one of which has an en suite shower room.

Separated into two 'wings', the apartment has been cleverly reconfigured over the years. A spiral staircase ascends to the first of two mezzanine levels; the main bedroom can be found here, with its dramatic pitched roof, skylights and freestanding bathtub. There is also a WC on this level and a generous storage cupboard.

A second mezzanine on the opposite side of the apartment is currently configured as an office space, with plenty of recessed bookcases sitting just behind. From here, the bookcase hinges to reveal another room with double-height ceilings and an additional mezzanine. A nod to the overarching geometry of the apartment, a triangular open fireplace provides a compelling focal point.

Outdoor Space

Residents have access to spectacular communal gardens. Immaculately maintained, they comprise a central courtyard paved with large flagstones and an impressive pond in the centre. While mature evergreen plants surround the space, it comes alive in the summer months with its multiple seating areas and places to barbecue.

The Area

The Royal Victoria Patriotic Building is just a few minutes’ walk away from the lush green expanses of Wandsworth Common. Here, The Skylark Café is a wonderful spot to enjoy a coffee on the Common, and there are plenty of footpaths to explore. Clapham Common and Wimbledon Park are also just a short drive away.

The award-winning Le Gothique restaurant is also part of the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, serving an eclectic seasonal menu with a French twist. A short walk away is the buoyant Bellevue Road, which faces the green open spaces of the Common and is replete with independent shops, cafés and restaurants, including Bonsai Espresso Room, Brinkley’s, Bella’s Fruit and Veg, and The Althorp pub. The excellent KIBOU restaurant and sushi bar is also close by.

There are a number of highly regarded schools within easy reach of the apartment, including Earlsfield Primary School and Wandsworth Preparatory School.

Wandsworth Common station is a 19-minute walk away through the park, with regular services to London Victoria in 12 minutes. There are also several bus routes in the area, all with frequent routes into central London.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 180 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £18,000 per annum / Ground Rent: Peppercorn / Council Tax Band: F