Westrow IV, Westrow, London SW15

Within Westrow, a peaceful Span estate in Putney, this light-filled three-bedroom house was built in 1959. Eric Lyons' design was sympathetically extended by the current architect-owner, adding a lovely sunken living space that looks out to a stepped garden beyond. The house retains the best of its mid-century features, with generous gardens, large windows and well-proportioned rooms that reflect the architect's original ethos.



The Estate



Westrow is one of the smaller and lesser-known Span estates, with 12 ‘T8’ houses all with private gardens. The cluster of houses lies within gated landscaped gardens, a short walk from Putney High Street and close to the wild green spaces of Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park. This particular house also has a separate garage with space for one car. For more information, see the History section below.



The Tour



Entry is from an immediately recognisable Span-designed steel, wood and glass porch, where there is plenty of space for coats. The house has been sensitively updated over the years by the current architect-owner, who has preserved the integrity of its original design.



At the front of the plan is an entry area, which would work equally well as a music area, reading nook or study. Bookshelves line the walls, and a full-height window welcomes natural light in. There is a cloakroom/laundry with basin and WC on the left, with neat red cut-out drawers providing storage.



A galley kitchen to the left of the space has understated geometric cutouts reminiscent of the De Stijl movement. This has black granite worksurfaces and Bosch built-in appliances including a dishwasher and fridge/freezer, making excellent use of space with hidden storage solutions throughout. A generous dining area lies adjacent.



The plan flows towards the sunken extension, which houses the living space. Velux skylights with solar switches extend overhead, flooding the area with natural light, while sliding doors with pine frames add to the bright atmosphere.



There are three well-proportioned bedrooms on the first floor: two doubles and one single, all with views either towards the communal gardens at the front or the house's private garden at the back. Original wardrobes have been carefully retained in each. Natural light pours in through a large skylight above the landing, where there is plenty of storage and a utility cupboard tucked behind concealed cabinetry. The bathroom with a generous shower-bath, basin and WC has been finished with neutral tiles and basket storage.



Outdoor Space



A stepped garden stretches from the rear of the house. Jays, blue tits and robins all flock to the area, which is often awash with wildlife.



The Area



Westrow is located just off Westleigh Avenue, close to the shops, restaurants and transport facilities of Putney High Street. There are several great pubs, bars and cafés in the area, including craft beer shop Ghost Whale and The Duke’s Head by Putney’s idyllic riverside.



It is a short five-minute walk to Putney Heath, beyond which are the much-loved Wimbledon Village, Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common.



Also nearby is the Southside Wandsworth shopping centre and the newly introduced Ram Quarter, along the River Wandle, which is home to a speciality coffee shop, Story Coffee. Barnes ‘village’ is also nearby for a further selection of restaurants, cafés and shops.



East Putney's Underground station (District line) and Putney National Rail station, which runs services towards London Waterloo and the South East, are within walking distance. There are also good bus routes, including a hail-and-ride which comes to the estate entrance, and easy access to the A3. Westrow also has off-street parking for residents.



Service Charge: Approx. £95 per month (includes maintenance of communal gardens and grounds, window cleaning and external decoration) / Council Tax Band: E