Peckarmans Wood VI, London SE26

This exceptional four-bedroom townhouse is set deep within the greenery of the Dulwich Estate in south-east London. A wonderful example of mid-century modern architecture, the houses in Peckarmans Wood were designed by Malcom Pringle of Austin Vernon & Partners in 1963. Sensitively updated by its current owners, a bespoke kitchen has been installed, a shower room tucked beneath the stairs, and the garage converted into a handy reception and utility room. A private patio sits at the rear of the house, unfolding onto a gently sloped communal lawn. Sydenham Hill rail station, a 10-minute walk from the house, provides services to London Victoria.



The Estate



An area well known for its exceptional modern architecture, the Dulwich Estate spans approximately 1,500 acres in south-east London 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 homes range from large, detached houses to smaller terraced houses and apartments. Exceptional landscaping and planting make for an appealing and unique place to live.



The Tour



A private, tree-lined road forms the approach to Peckarmans Wood. The house sits within a neat terrace, characterised by its smart brickwork and teal front door. Inside, a generous entrance hall with a storage cupboard has been washed in a sunflower-yellow hue, and is illuminated by light pouring in through a large obscured-glass panel. New Velfac double glazing has been installed throughout.



A run of original parquet flooring extends to the bespoke kitchen at the rear of the plan. Here, smart white joinery provides ample storage space, and there is an oven and a separate Bora hob. Large panels of glazing create a wonderfully bright space, and a door provides access to the garden beyond.



At the front of the house, the garage has been converted into an additional room and a handy utility room. A shower room and WC is cleverly tucked into the space beneath the stairs.



The main living space is on the first floor, accessed via a timber-balustraded staircase, typical of this era of design. A bank of interior glazing allows light to spill into the room from the landing, while on the opposite side, two full-height windows look out toward the front of the house.



The main bedroom has fitted storage and sits at the rear of the plan. A shared bathroom has a bathtub and is adorned with large-format tiles.



Three additional bedrooms are found on the second floor. On this level, a bedroom (currently used as an office) has clerestory glazing with ever-changing sky views. Two further bright bedrooms complete the plan. From this level, all windows look onto mature tree canopies that transform throughout the year.



Outdoor Space



To the rear of the house, the private garden has been recently repaved. There is room for outdoor dining and entertaining, and established trees and shrubbery foster a sense of privacy. Steps lead up to a sloped communal lawn, while a pretty pink-blossomed cherry tree is found at the front of the house.



The hillside communal grounds of Peckarmans Woods envelop the houses in extensive lawns and mature trees. The landscape also includes a newly planted orchard and community bee hives.



The Area



As intended from the outset of the development of the Dulwich Estate, the community of Peckarmans Wood is thriving. There is a Residents Association organising events throughout the year, including a summer BBQ, Christmas carols and bonfire night celebrations.



Peckarmans Wood is surrounded by Dulwich and Sydenham Woods, one of London’s finest wildlife nature reserves, accessible directly from the estate. Dulwich and Sydenham Golf Course is nearby, and further allotments and sports club grounds provide an unbroken green space as far as Dulwich Park and Lordship Lane. Other local attractions include The Dulwich Picture Gallery, The Horniman Museum and the centres of Crystal Palace and Dulwich village.



Kirkdale High Street is a short walk away, with treasures such as Vardo, The Moustache Cafe, and Kirkdale Bookshop. Local amenities can be found at nearby Dulwich Village, while the excellent Wood House pub is just around the corner.



Crystal Palace, mentioned in Lonely Planet’s “Greatest little-known neighbourhoods in the world”, is a vibrant area with award-winning restaurants and bars as well as a thriving art and music scene.



The area has several excellent schools. For primary education, Dulwich Wood and Kelvin Grove Primary Schools are within easy reach. Secondary education is provided by Dulwich Prep and Senior as well as Kingsdale Foundation School.



Peckarmans Wood is a short walk on a footpath to Sydenham Hill rail station, which runs services to London Victoria in approximately 16 minutes. Nearby Forest Hill and Gipsy Hill rail stations provide connections to London Bridge in approximately 17 and 29 minutes respectively.



Council Tax Band: E