Alaska Buildings IV, London SE1

On the top floor of the Alaska Buildings, a former industrial warehouse in Bermondsey, south-east London, lies this expansive two-bedroom apartment. It has been impeccably reimagined by architecture practice FORMstudio, which has created a pared-back feel that makes full advantage of lofty proportions and abundant natural light. Residents have access to well-maintained communal gardens, and this home has a dedicated parking space within the garages.



The Building



Recognisable from its white façade and illuminated red-lettered logo, the Alaska Buildings make an arresting first impression. Set behind secure gates are two former factories: one built in 1869, the other in 1932. The factory closed its doors in the 1960s and was subsequently converted into apartments in the 1990s.



The Tour



Entry is to the main lobby, managed by a 24-hour concierge service. Here, a large stone bar area and mid-century furniture provide space for residents to gather for the annual summer, Halloween, and Christmas parties organised by the management board. Opposite the concierge desk is the post and parcel room, as well as a storage room for prams and children's scooters.



The apartment is on the top floor, accessible via staircase. A separate driveway entrance for cars connects to the parking space, while a communal bicycle storage room is in the underground car park.



The apartment’s front door opens to a central hall. Here and throughout, a consciously restrained palette upholds a light, airy feel.



To the left is an impressive, open-plan reception room with kitchen, dining and sitting area. A soaring vaulted ceiling with exposed timbers lends an ecclesiastical quality, while steel framing reflects the building’s industrial origin. Two arched, south-easterly warehouse windows draw in abundant natural light and are complemented by additional skylights. Dekor, the project builder, sourced reclaimed, grain-rich pine floorboards and added a light oil finish that contrasts well with the darker tone of the roof timbers.



The kitchen runs along one side of the space; it has black metal doors and reeded glass that echo the industrial theme and contrast well with the white countertops. A large central island provides space for casual dining. Stairs ascend to a mezzanine where a custom-made bookcase conceals a large storage area accessed via a secret door.



Set at the back of the plan, the generous principal bedroom is gently decorated and bathed in natural light. An adjacent dressing area is fitted with built-in joinery.



The refined en suite bathroom is beautifully finished with mosaic tiles and brass fittings and has a bathtub and shower.



A second double bedroom lies at the front of the plan and has a concealed desk nook. A smart shared bathroom has a walk-in shower.



Outdoor Space



Centrally arranged, the communal outdoor space shared by the residents of the Alaska Buildings is well-maintained and thoughtfully planted. A freshwater ornamental pond provides a centre point and is bordered by mature shrubs and grasses. Ambient lighting adds atmosphere in the evenings.



The apartment includes a secure and allocated underground parking space.



The Area



The Alaska Building is set back off Grange Road, which runs west of Bermondsey Spa Gardens. Bermondsey Street is about five minutes away on foot and is home to the White Cube Gallery, Comptoir Gourmand, The Giddy Grocer, The Watch House, Café Murano, José and Pizzaro, as well as numerous other cafés, bars, and restaurants.



Maltby Street Market runs alongside railway arches and has a range of dining options, along with the natural wine bar 40 Maltby Street. Druid Street, to the north of the arches, has craft breweries and a bakery/wine shop by St. John. Borough Market is around a 10-minute walk away and houses some of London’s finest traders of fruit, vegetables, and fresh produce; Monmouth Coffee, Ginger Pig and Brindisa are stalwarts.



There are free public tennis courts in Tanner Street Park, also home to the French restaurant Pique-Nique, set in the park's former pavilion.



Many of London’s most illustrious cultural institutions, including Tate Modern, the Southbank Centre and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, are within 20 minutes of the apartment.



London Bridge station is around a 15-minute walk away and runs Northern and Jubilee Underground lines and National Rail services nationwide. Bermondsey station is a similar distance and runs Jubilee line services. The city is a 20-minute walk across London Bridge.



Tenure: Share of Freehold / Lease Length: Approx. 977 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £1,000 per month (including buildings insurance, freeholders' administration charges, cleaning services, concierge bike store, communal gardening and CCTV. A provision has also been made for a sinking fund.)



Council Tax Band: F