Painters Mews, London, SE16

Transformed by Architecture for London, this handsome two-bedroom mews house occupies part of a former paint factory in Bermondsey. Exposed brickwork and honest materials, including steel, oak and stone, uphold its earnest industrial heritage. Two large reception rooms - one on each level of the house - provide flexible living space, with broad glazing that draws in plenty of natural light. The house is close to the shops and restaurants of Bermondsey Street, and is within walking distance of the City and central London.



The Tour



Just eight homes make up Painters Mews, which unfolds behind a set of secure gates. Underfoot, postal railway tracks embedded into the cobbled footpath remind of its industrial past.



Located at one end of the mews, this house is shielded from view. Its glass and steel façade cuts a striking profile against the backdrop of its more traditional brick neighbours. The space was a later addition to the mews and has been cleverly reimagined by the current owners.



Entry is directly into a welcoming open-plan kitchen and living space via glazed timber doors. Exposed variated brickwork, a suspended oak ceiling and steel joists sit modestly beside a refined Sebastian Cox Kitchen by deVOL. The induction hob-topped range is from Smeg, and integrated appliances include a dishwasher and Smeg washing machine/dryer.



There is space for a large dining table and chairs before the living room extends towards the rear of the room, which has a different mood with textured plastered walls. Here, an inviting DEFRA approved Charnwood log burner has been added. Large format stone concept tiles run underfoot with underfloor heating, and there are steel column radiators upstairs. All internal door handles and light switches are by Corston.



An exquisite oak staircase with steel rods leads upstairs to a second living room, this time crowned by a glass roof. The light quality here is superb, thanks to sliding windows that capture views over the mews. Grounded by oak floorboards, this room has a flexibility that would lend well to alternative use as a studio, or as a home office.



From here, sisal carpet guides towards two double bedrooms at opposite ends of the plan. One is currently used as an office space and has floor-to-ceiling wardrobe space. There is also a shared shower room, with a Crittall-style glass screen and Moroccan pink tiles. A bespoke vanity lit by brass wall lights has Azezzo taps. Underfloor heating and a heated towel rail warm the room.



Outside Space



The outdoor space shared by the mews has a unique and unified feel. An elegant maple tree takes centre stage among potted plants. There is also plenty of space for a table and chairs here, in anticipation of an impromptu gathering or dinner.



Area Guide



Painters Mews sits in the heart of Bermondsey opposite a large green. The area is celebrated for its food scene; local favourites include community events and food stalls at The Blue, plus seasonally lead Natoora, Little Bread Pedlar bakery, Farmer Tom Jones, the butcher, The Fresh Fish Shop and The Kernal Brewery in Spa Road.



Nearby Bermondsey Street has undergone a significant transformation over the previous quarter of a century, with White Cube Bermondsey and Zandra Rhodes’ Fashion & Textile Museum. Excellent nearby restaurants include Café Murano, Pizarro, Jose Tapas, Casse Croute and Pique-Nique, and there is a multitude of other pubs, bars, cafés and retailers.



Tanner Street Park provides a green oasis as well as four community tennis courts, and one block west is the landscaped Leathermarket Gardens, off Leathermarket Street. In addition to the permanent retail offerings, the street comes alive for the Bermondsey Street Festival every second Saturday in September.



The world-famous Borough Market is a short stroll away, as is Maltby Street Market and the Ropewalk. For theatre lovers, the Bridge Theatre and the Menier Chocolate Factory are both within easy reach.



The river is to the north where you’ll find the walkways of More London Riverside, City Hall, the green space of Potters Fields Park, Tower Bridge and the restaurants and bars of Shad Thames.



Painters Mews is a short walk away from Bermondsey station (Jubilee) and a variety of bus routes.



Council Tax Band: D / Tenure: Share of Freehold / Lease Length: Approx. 994 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £2,180 per annum (includes building insurance, freehold administration, repairs to shared areas and outside, bike store and communal gardens) / Ground Rent: Approx. £50 per annumm