Drake Court, Tylney Avenue, London SE19

This immaculate two-bedroom apartment is situated on the fourth floor of Drake Court, a much-admired mid-century tower by Austin Vernon & Partners on the renowned Dulwich Estate. Contemporary additions have been sensitively fitted alongside original features retained from its late 1950s inception, including a glass partition wall, Iroko flooring and Crittall windows with an elegant terrazzo sill. Quiet communal grounds surround the building, creating a feel of remove despite its proximity to the centre of Crystal Palace. This apartment also has a private garage en bloc, and there is free residents’ parking on the estate.

The Building

An area well-known for its exceptional modernist architecture, the Dulwich Estate occupies approximately 1,500 acres and includes numerous private roads that are managed by the estate. It is noted for its concentration of outstanding 1950s and ’60s design, much of it by Austin Vernon & Partners. The mix of houses and thoughtful landscaping makes for an appealing and unique place to live. For more information, please see the History section below.

The Tour

This exceptionally bright apartment is on the fourth floor of Drake Court, accessible by a newly refurbished lift or stairs. A circular plan sees rooms adjoining a central hallway, with original glass partitions that ensure light is carried from one side of the apartment to the other. Original Iroko flooring extends underfoot, enhancing the crisp architectural lines of the plan and pairing elegantly with white-washed walls.

The south-facing main living area has a striking wall of original Crittall windows along its length, with panoramic woodland views. The window frames have been recently restored, exposing the raw steelwork – a hallmark of mid-century design.

An original sliding glazed door opens onto the contemporary kitchen, fitted with plywood cabinetry and a Siemens oven, gas hob, integrated fridge/freezer and dishwasher.

The bedrooms are at the far end of the hall, where timber floors give way to soft wool carpet. Large built-in wardrobes provide an abundance of storage in each room. Both have a pervading sense of serenity fostered by long, leafy views.

The bathroom has a neutral palette, with a cork-tiled floor, restored timber joinery and light grey tiles around the bathtub.

Outdoor Space

Drake Court is peacefully situated among woodlands and communal gardens dotted with a variety of mature trees.

The apartment has a private garage, and there is unallocated guest parking on the forecourt below.

The Area

Despite its leafy feel and sequestered setting, Drake Court is wonderfully connected. Local attractions include the Dulwich Picture Gallery, the Horniman Museum and the local town centres of Crystal Palace and Dulwich Village.

Crystal Palace, which was included in Lonely Planet’s 'greatest little-known neighbourhoods in the world', is a short walk away and is a vibrant area with award-winning restaurants, bars and mid-century furniture shops. Haynes Lane market offers an array of fresh produce on the weekends. The Everyman cinema, which occupies a carefully restored art deco building, is also within easy reach.

The Dulwich Estate is extremely close to Dulwich and Sydenham Woods, now a wildlife nature reserve; the lake, maze, and open spaces of Crystal Palace Park are also a short walk away.

There are excellent primary schools in the area, including the well-regarded Paxton Primary School.

Drake Court is excellently positioned for access to the London transport network; Gipsy Hill station has direct rail links to London Bridge (26 minutes) and Clapham Junction (15 minutes). Crystal Palace station (Windrush overground and mainline trains) is also within walking distance (approximately 20 minutes). Connecting trains (via Sydenham) arrive at Canada Water in 20 minutes and Shoreditch High Street in 30. Sydenham Hill station is also only 15 minutes on foot and runs direct services to Victoria (15 minutes). There are excellent bus links to central London.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 123 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £1,600 per annum / Council Tax Band: C