Church Rise III, London SE23

Limewash paint, elegant tiling and a bespoke kitchen have transformed this exceptional maisonette in Forest Hill. Inside, a dramatic vaulted ceiling amplifies the sense of volume in the sitting area, which is illuminated by characterful arched windows. The apartment has the only direct access to the communal gardens that surround the building, a converted 19th-century church. Church Rise is a short walk from East Dulwich, Peckham, and Forest Hill station, which runs services to London Bridge in 17 minutes and Shoreditch in 24 minutes.



The Building



In the 19th century, churches were constructed across south London to accommodate the increasing number of parishioners in these increasingly populated areas of London. Frequently built by established architects, these churches, situated away from the centre of London, offered the opportunity to experiment with the design.



Originally known as Christ Church, the present Kentish Flagstone structure was built in 1854 by Ewan Christian, the architectural advisor of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, who went on to design the National Portrait Gallery.



The Tour



From the street, the building’s towering church spire and rugged stonework cut a striking figure. A shared entrance on the ground floor leads to this home's front door; entry is to a neat private hallway that leads to an open-plan kitchen, living and dining room. Here and throughout the vaulted space, the walls have been finished in a limewash paint by Bauwerk that enhances the room's soft light.



The sitting area is accessed via a stone archway with original pilasters and elegant moulding. Here, spectacular glazed panelling has been inset into what was once the church porch. Glazed doors with cast-iron frames open to the garden beyond, while arched windows on each side have oak shutters and stone window seats. Overhead, a vaulted timber ceiling creates a wonderful sense of space, and exposed stonework adds to the material palette.



In the kitchen, cabinetry with a smart reeded finish is topped with ceramic-tiled work surfaces, and a large island has room for barstools. Above the integrated hob, an extractor fan is discreetly concealed with emerald-green tiling. There is a built-in oven from AEG and a Quooker boiling water tap, and a bespoke pantry provides additional storage space.



On the first floor, a mezzanine with a glass balustrade overlooks the sitting area. Here, a pilaster with elaborate moulding is built into the wall, and there is spot lighting overhead. Currently used as a second sitting room, the space is equally suitable as a study or guest accommodation. On this floor, there is also a bathroom with a bathtub.



The principal bedroom is set into the eaves on the second floor. A beautifully curved archway frames the space, illuminated by two skylights with sliding timber shutters. Full-height fitted storage has been installed on either side of the door. Opposite is a smart shower room.



Outdoor Space



The apartment is within its own gated complex on the hill leading from Perry Vale. The gates open to a communal garden that wraps around the building, surrounded by neat hedging. The south side has a large sweeping lawn which can be accessed directly from the apartment, with ample space for sitting out on a newly laid stone patio.



There is an allocated car parking space to the rear.



The Area



The apartment is situated in the leafy residential area of Forest Hill. In recent years, several cafés, restaurants and boutiques have sprung up, contributing to its bustling community feel. On Perry Vale is Pantry, a famous delicatessen that doubles up as a café and wine bar. The nearby Dartmouth Arms is affiliated with MeatLiquor and serves burgers and craft beer. Canvas and Cream, Ounce 10 Coffee, and St David Coffee House are lively cafes, while Bona and Ancestrel are local favourites for lunch and aperitifs.



Further dining options include Sylvan Post, a gastropub that occupies the site of a former post office, and The Chandos, with its independently brewed beers and homemade pizza. Henwen's the butcher, and Clapton Craft, a bottle shop, all offer the best of local produce and brilliant service. The neighbourhoods of East Dulwich and Peckham are slightly further afield, both with a host of excellent restaurants and cafes.



One of the principal attractions in the area is the Horniman Museum and Gardens. Opened in 1901 to house the collections of Frederick John Horniman, it encompasses eclectic anthropological and musical items, a world gallery, a butterfly house and an aquarium. The extensive gardens provide excellent views over London and are the setting for the weekly Sunday farmers’ market. The Dulwich Picture Gallery is a short cycle or bus ride away from the apartment.



There are a number of green spaces to explore in the local area, including the conservation site of Cox’s Walk, which runs from Dulwich Woods to Sydenham Hill and comprises around three acres of green spaces. Dacres Wood Nature Reserve, formerly part of an extensive Victorian garden, is a 14-minute walk away.



Forest Hill rail station is a nine-minute walk away, with London Overground services to Highbury & Islington via Shoreditch High Street and Canada Water (for connections to the Jubilee line). Southern Trains runs direct services to London Bridge, with a journey time of around 17 minutes.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 103 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £4,330 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £25 per annum / Council Tax Band: C