Foxwell Mews, London SE4

Originally built in the late 20th century, this two-bedroom terrace has been brilliantly reimagined to a design by its architect owner. Completed in 2022 by Studio Manifest, the substantial refurbishment introduced a series of new, seamlessly interrelated levels to create a dynamic sense of flow, while simultaneously reducing the building’s carbon footprint. New additions include a timber frame build, a mezzanine and a stepped rear extension, paired with a restrained palette and refined materials providing continuity throughout. The house is conveniently located minutes away from Brockley station, with the Overground line offering quick access to central London.



The Tour



The house lies in a tranquil, no-through street amid neat rows of brick terraces with off-street parking at the front. The stock brick façade rises across two storeys and is punctuated by new triple-glazed windows. At the front, a cleverly integrated bin and bike store is topped by a leafy living roof. The entrance is approached via a paved path that leads to a welcoming, yellow-painted door.



Entry is to a spacious hallway, with room to store coats and shoes. Immediately to the left an area has been cleverly divided; while currently appointed as a studio, it has also been used as a guest bedroom.



Straight ahead, the ground floor opens to the airy, open-plan rear extension, with crisp white walls and cork flooring underfoot. An understated palette permeates the interiors, subtly offset by deliberate injections of vibrant colour. Combined with an abundance of natural light, these elements imbue the space with an overall uplifting feel.



There is a spacious sitting area at the front, while the kitchen is positioned toward the back. Modern white units are organised in a functional L-shape configuration, with laminated plywood work surfaces and plenty of open shelving for storage. Across the room, the bright dining area is set beneath a full-height void with rooflights above ensuring a good quality of natural illumination throughout the day. Toward the rear, dark-toned tiles have been applied to match those of the stepped outdoor terrace, which can be accessed directly and leads up to a raised garden.



There are two bedrooms on the first floor. The light-filled principal bedroom is finished in a neutral palette and sits under a high, sloping ceiling, feeling both intimate and spacious. Expansive glazing opens to a private terrace, set atop the ground floor extension, with leafy views over the garden. A second bedroom lies at the front of the plan, while further stairs lead to the new mezzanine, currently appointed as a home office, which has room for a double bed. Each of the spaces on this floor has double-height ceilings, with skylights in the hall, mezzanine and bathroom filling them with natural light.



Combining clean geometry and a streamlined built-in bathtub and shelving, the bathroom is fully clad in square white tiles, with some warm-yellow accents, evoking a sophisticated mid-century character.



Outdoor Space



From the kitchen, a glass door opens to a brick-stepped outdoor terrace, where a generous dining area provides the ideal setting for relaxation or entertaining. Steps lead up to the raised lawn, framed by rose bushes, well-tended flower beds, and an acer tree, creating a colourful backdrop and seasonal scents. Lighting has been thoughtfully installed in the garden to showcase the plants. At the far end of the garden, a bespoke pergola, draped in grapevine and with built-in barbecue, invites to slow down and savour the afternoon sunlight.



The first-floor terrace provides an additional extension of the internal spaces and the perfect spot to enjoy a sundowner. In the front garden, a built-in bench is ideal for sipping a morning cup of coffee.



The Area



Foxwell Mews is a quiet residential street, removed from the traffic yet ideally positioned for easy access to everyday amenities, open green spaces and public transport.



Upper Brockley Road is a short stroll away, with an excellent offering of celebrated cafés, restaurants and bars, including the reputable Browns of Brockley coffee shop, Joyce natural wine bar, L’Oculto for tapas, Good as Gold with its evening menu and Mauby for cocktails and small plates. There is a renowned farmers’ market every Saturday at Brockley Market, offering a wide range of organic produce alongside food trucks and wine merchants.



Hilly Fields is a 15-minute walk away; arguably one of the finest parks in south-east London, it has expansive green spaces and elevated views across the capital, as well as a café, playground, nature reserve, tennis courts and basketball courts. Brockley and Ladywell Cemetery is also within easy reach, spanning 37 acres of beautiful green space protected within the Brockley Conservation Area.



Nearby Deptford, recently voted one of the world’s coolest high streets, has plenty of shops, restaurants and cafés. Deptford Market Yard, a recently launched collection of independent shops and restaurants set within and around Deptford’s refurbished railway arches, is nearby. Goldsmiths University is also within walking distance, along with Goldsmiths CCA, designed by Turner-prize-winning architects Assemble.



There is a good selection of schools in the area. The excellent Haberdashers’ Hatchman Free School and John Stainer Community Primary School are close by. For older pupils, Prendergast School, The St Thomas the Apostle College and Harris Girls’ Academy East Dulwich are well regarded.



Brockley Overground station is a two-minute walk from the house, with nine-minute railway routes to London Bridge.



Council Tax Band: C