Dunstans Road III, London SE22

In its well-proportioned rooms, this handsome Victorian house effortlessly pairs 19th-century character with joyful contemporary flair. It has three storeys, bright living spaces, and a wonderful timber-framed conservatory that blurs any firm distinction between inside and out. Dunstans Road is well-placed to make the most of Camberwell and Lordship Lane, although Dulwich Park and Dulwich Village are even closer to home.



The Grand Tour



Set just off Dunstans Road, the house is approached on foot via a shared, tree-lined path with planted borders. It has a distinguished red-brick profile, with large sash windows studding its silhouette.



A glazed front door opens to an airy hall, with white-painted walls and stripped pine floorboards. Internal original doors and window frames have been retained, weaving material continuity throughout.



To the right is a double reception area of impressive proportions, where walls are washed in a soft green colour. Original cornicing and ceiling roses frame the room, along with a marble fireplace surround (one of several dotted throughout). A large bay window fills the room with light.



A wide archway gives way to an equally spacious dining room, where large French doors open to a conservatory - a brilliant spot to admire the garden. Left open to the dining room, the kitchen also overlooks the garden, and has been cleverly configured with handsome mid-century-inspired fitted units that provide both open and concealed storage space. Appliances here include a dishwasher and washing machine.



From the hall, a staircase ascends to the first floor. There are two large bedrooms here, both with fireplaces and views of the surrounding greenery. There is also a quiet and private study on the first floor with ladder access to a mezzanine.



Mustard-yellow walls imbue the first-floor bathroom with a playful edge. Chequerboard tiles ground the space, which has a roll-top bath with a shower, both traditionally styled.



An open-tread spiral staircase ascends to the third floor, which is set beneath vaulted ceilings punctuated with skylights. Occupying the entire top floor, sliding doors open to a north-facing balcony with a wrought-iron balustrade and spectacular city views.



The Great Outdoors



Beyond the conservatory, which is a great way to enjoy the outdoors year-round, is a wonderful south-east-facing garden. Timber screens and planted boundaries offer a soft delineation. Plants and grasses have been carefully cultivated, with species including a birchwood bark cherry tree, variegated holly and mahonia. Stone steps lead up to a raised section with space for outdoor seating.



Out and About



Dunstans Road occupies a leafy spot between Dulwich, Camberwell, and Peckham, brilliantly located for beautiful parks and well-regarded restaurants. The latter is well-represented along Lordship Lane, a short walk away, where favourites include Yard Sale pizza, Mons Cheesemongers, Moxons Fishmongers and Blue Brick café. Also notable is the homeware and plant shop Forest, as well as the East Dulwich Picturehouse.



Dulwich Village is a 20-minute walk from the house. Here, Dulwich Picture Gallery, England’s first purpose-built art gallery designed by the Regency architect Sir John Soane, runs a brilliant programme of exhibitions and events and has a delightful café. The Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill are also easily reached.



The green spaces of Dulwich Park and Peckham Rye are within easy walking distance, while Crystal Palace Park is a lovely stroll south.



There are several excellent state and private schools in the area, including Dulwich College, James Allen’s Girls’, Kingsdale and Alleyn’s School, as well as Goodrich Primary School (which sits opposite the house).



East Dulwich station is an 11-minute bus ride away from Dunstans Road and runs Southern rail services to London Bridge. The area is also well served by buses, and Gatwick Airport can be reached in around an hour by train.



Council Tax Band: D