The Master Shipwrights House, Depford, London, SE8

Set on the banks of the River Thames in Central London, this extraordinary 10,000 sq ft detached residence sits within approximately three-quarters of an acre of private, landscaped gardens — a rare combination of city townhouse and verdant riverside sanctuary. Just minutes from the City and Canary Wharf, with excellent rail and road links, the property offers a unique balance of seclusion and connectivity.

Behind its handsome Georgian façade, the house reveals a series of grandly proportioned period rooms alongside more intimate spaces — perfectly suited to family life, entertaining, and modern living. With ample accommodation for guests, staff, multigenerational living or working from home, it remains as versatile as it is beautiful.

Mature trees and established planting frame picturesque views upriver toward the City and downriver to Greenwich, reinforcing the sense of calm at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic capitals. Steeped in naval heritage, the house served for centuries as the residence and office of the Master Shipwrights of the Royal Dockyard — a history punctuated by royal visits and prominent historical figures. For the past 25 years, it has been in private hands and sensitively restored, while also playing host to public arts events, architectural tours, and cultural performances.

With its riverside setting, cinematic views, and storied past, the house is also a sought-after location for filming and photography — a truly exceptional home with both presence and provenance.

Nestled on the historic Thames waterfront in Deptford, The Master Shipwright’s House is one of London’s most significant surviving pieces of naval heritage. Built in 1708 under the direction of Sir Christopher Wren’s office, it served as the official residence for the master shipwright of the Royal Naval Dockyard — once one of the most important shipbuilding sites in the world. The house has witnessed the evolution of British maritime history, from the age of sail to the decline of naval shipbuilding in the 19th century. Painstakingly restored in recent years, it retains its rich architectural character while offering a rare sense of seclusion and grandeur just moments from central London.

The accommodation is arranged across two distinct sections: the principal residence — the Main House — and a separate, self-contained “Back House” to the rear. While the Main House forms a single, cohesive dwelling of exceptional scale and character, the Back House is arranged as a series of individual apartments. This layout lends itself perfectly to multi-generational living, guest or staff accommodation, or the creation of dedicated workspaces.