Cintra Park, London, SE19

A period first-floor flat in an elegant period conversion, within a building that is not only attractive but exceptionally well run by its resident co-freeholders. Offered to the market with no onward chain and a share of freehold with an accompanying lease in the region of 989 years.

Internally, the flat covers a generous 500 ft2 and has a very balanced, logical layout. From the entrance hall, the proportions open up immediately into a generous living / dining room measuring 14’5 x 13’5. The fantastic ceiling height, deep cornicing and wide bay with arched sash windows (with no less than five windows, two of which are hidden behind the curtains in our photos) give this room real presence. It is bright throughout the day, with an open outlook across neighbouring Victorian façades that reminds you exactly why these buildings remain so sought after.

There is ample space here for both proper seating and a defined dining area by the window – a table comfortably positioned within the bay, framed by tall curtains, feels entirely natural. It’s a room that works equally well for quiet evenings or having friends over, without ever feeling compromised.

The separate kitchen sits just off the hall and is arranged in a practical galley layout (11’1 x 5’9). There’s a good run of worktop space, an integrated oven and hob, wall and base units, and a window at the far end bringing in natural light. It’s functional, efficient and neatly tucked away from the main living space – ideal for those who prefer cooking aromas to stay in the kitchen rather than drifting into the reception. Although worth mentioning, there is scope to open the kitchen and living space to each other for those who prefer an open-plan arrangement.

The bedroom (11’11 x 9’11) is positioned to the rear of the building, benefiting from the bright south-facing aspect that the back of the building and communal garden enjoys. There are huge wardrobes, space for a large bed and additional furniture, without feeling at all cramped.

The bathroom is neatly presented with a full-sized bath and shower over, a contemporary basin and WC, tiled walls and a window providing ventilation and daylight – a practical and well-considered space, which has been altered by our client to create a more functional space.

The flat has undergone periodic maintenance, with our client being diligent with upkeep during their lengthy ownership. Upgrades include a full rewire in 2023 and new double-glazed sash windows in the bedroom and bathroom, as well as adding thermal wallpaper to the external facing walls.

Tenure-wise, the flat has a share of freehold with a 989 year lease. The service charge is £125 per month, which ensures this grand, historic building is well maintained, and issues are not dealt with reactively; it is run proactively, which is always wise! Fire regs have been adhered to, with a communal fire alarm and emergency lighting system already installed, something we find most share of freehold buildings are behind on.

To the rear, residents have access to a communal garden – a genuine bonus in this part of Crystal Palace. It’s a green, established space with mature trees, offering somewhere to sit out on warmer days or simply enjoy a bit of outside space without the maintenance of a private garden. It has a stunnign south facing aspect, making it bright from late morning through to late afternoon. If you wanted a larger outside space, you are literally opposite 200 acres of space in the park.

The building itself is incredibly well managed by the co-freeholders, which brings a level of reassurance that is often underestimated. Shared responsibility tends to translate into care, sensible decision-making and long-term thinking – all of which matter in a period conversion.

Location-wise, the flat is 0.2 mi from The Triangle, we are sure it needs no introduction, but for the uninitiated, “The Triangle” offers an eclectic mix of fantastic coffee shops, cafes, brunch spots, vintage markets, galleries and gastro-pubs.

Some of the highlights here include the highly regarded Alma pub, whose food we highly recommend (please go and try the fried cauliflower ), it has a Victorian interior we love. Blowing Dandelions is just up the road, so for those who love artisan chocolate & cakes. For brunches and breakfasts, you will probably gravitate to Brown & Green. They are directly opposite Blowing Dandelions, and their scrambles often fuel our mornings, we can’t recommend them enough.

If you’re the kind of coffee drinker who weighs their beans, you’ll love living near “Four Boroughs”, just next to which is the beautiful Art Deco “Everyman” cinema. The “Elle magazine” featured “Plaster” for all your nail and beautification needs is also on Church Road, as is a yoga school offering hot yoga with a well-deserved 5-star rating. When you’ve stopped being healthy, you can pop into Urban Cellar, where Alison and her colleagues will talk you through their amazing selection of wines and craft beers.

There is a large Sainsbury’s a two-minute walk away on Westow St, which is very handy for a weekly shop. Just behind it, down Haynes Lane, you will find a beautiful little food market on Saturdays. It offers artisan cheeses, meats, baked goods, bread, etc. Most traders accept cards, but maybe take a limited amount of cash, as it is tempting!!

For when you have to start adulting and go to work, Gipsy Hill & Crystal Palace Stations are both within easy reach and give access to London Bridge & Victoria as well as the city, Shoreditch and East London (CP Station is 0.3 miles away, or an eight-minute walk according to Google Maps). Crystal Palace Park is also at the end of the road, which offers 200 acres of grade 2 listed grounds to enjoy, it also houses the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre with its Olympic swimming pool, a gym, squash courts and a few activities you wouldn’t find at your average gym including trampolining, beach volleyball and there’s an on-site physio.

In summary, this is a well-proportioned, first-floor period flat in a handsome Victorian building on one of Crystal Palace’s most established roads – with strong management, generous living space and the park and station quite literally at the end of the street.