Architecture & Interior

Located in a formerly deprived neighbourhood of the Isle of Dogs, built by renowned architect firm Stout and Litchfield, famous for New House, Shipton-Under-Wychwood (which featured in Stanley Kubrick’s big screen adaptation of ‘A Clockwork Orange’) is 50-52 Ferry Street, a not so well-known, but highly significant self-build project finished in 1979.  

As noted by Historic England in The Architects Journal, after the property was grade 2 listed in 2021: 

‘’…Historic England hailed the block as a ‘fragment of an exceptional vision’ which aimed to ‘create an alternative response to meeting housing need, giving people the opportunity to share in the creation of a new community’. ‘’ (source: Architects Journal) 

Constructed of pre-cast concrete, with the facade finished in white flint lime brick and a reclaimed Welsh slate roof, the entire property was closely designed by the current vendor alongside the architect. In the 1970s, this was an incredibly pioneering and forward-thinking approach to take to owning a home, whereas now everyone is a budding self-builder. 

With a double plot, the owners went about designing a 6 to 7 bedroom 5,349 sqft home with an uninterrupted view over the River Thames across to the Greenwich Naval College and The Cutty Sark. In the words of the vendor’s father, ‘this is the best view in London’ - this could not be more accurate.  

Mature pine trees that were taken from Epping Forest line the approach to the house, and are hidden behind a Victorian brick wall, retaining a beautiful and subtle entrance to the public, whilst providing privacy within. As you walk past the single parking garage, a wonderful garden path guides you winding through gentle vegetation past a lovely lawn and up to the front porch. 

A wide entrance hall & cloakroom leads onto arguably the best room in the house, a study with a glass light filled conservatory overlooking the historic waterfront. At high tide, this space is surrounded by water, a fascinating and incredible space to spend time in.  

As you ascend to the first floor, you experience incredibly contrasting views, from a north facing forested view of the front gardens, to a south facing historic river fronted aspect.  

Throughout the first level, there are splashes of 1970s interior designs, including William Morris block print wallpaper.  The principal double reception, which the owner would stage opera evenings for friends and family, is finished in a rich green tapestry and the dining room in a fascinating floral arrangement, both with balconies overlooking the Thames. Completing this floor is a sumptuous kitchen, fully fitted with appliances and pine worktops has plenty of scope to be retained or benefit from a full refurbishment.  

Onto the second floor, a generous hallway leads onto four bedrooms all equal in size, yet with their own original theme.  

Each floor of this home feels like a different world, the true benchmark of a classic self-build. Two bathrooms, both finished in a bright ocean blue has fantastic tiling and is a time-capsule (one this author personally would not want to change.) 

The showstopper is the top floor, which houses the principal bedroom and adjacent office. Vaulted pine ceiling slats curate a nautical theme that sweeps across the study and bedroom, a truly rare delight. An en-suite bathroom is finished in a time tunnel avocado fitted suite.  

The pièce de résistance of this property is its south facing roof terrace, arguably providing one of the best views across London.  Complete with its 270° vista of the Thames, Greenwich’s Georgian naval history and the wider urban cityscape, the eye will not be left wanting. 

In The Neighbourhood 

The area was formerly a deprived neighbourhood of dockers and classic Victorian terraces.  In its early days, the area served the dockers well with historic pubs and local markets. Once the Greenwich foot tunnel arrived in 1902, it opened the world to the south of the river. Greenwich is easily accessible within a 10 minute stroll through the tunnel, approx. 200 metres away from your front door. Bars, restaurants and famous pubs all await within Greenwich centre, as well as acres of historic green space at Greenwich Park.  

Island Gardens, a wonderful 3-acre waterside park, with a lovely local coffee shop serving great breakfasts. Mudchute Park and Farm is a short walk away, fantastic for families and for a good jog! Canary Wharf is also only a short hop on the DLR, with access to a wide selection of upmarket restaurants, bars and historic dockers pubs. 

Transport and Connections 

The area is very well connected to Central London via Canary Wharf, with the DLR at Island Gardens DLR (approx. 0.2 miles away) connecting in less than 15 minutes. The newly opened Elizabeth Line also offers rapid connections west to the City & Heathrow Airport. City Airport is a 15 minute drive or 30 minutes away by DLR.

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