Mary Ann Gardens, London SE8

Ingenious joinery and textured raw materials have transformed this versatile one-bedroom apartment in Deptford. Cleverly apportioned, the home has distinct but interconnected spaces joined by visual similitude and well-placed glazing. Seconds from the high street, it sits in a quiet spot while being within easy reach of the area’s best-loved shops, restaurants and green spaces.



The Tour



Set down a peaceful, residential street, Mary Ann Gardens formerly served as an original manuscript printing workshop. Access to this ground-floor apartment is via a communal entrance where a shared cupboard provides additional storage space.



On entry, the elegance of Julius Taminiau Architects’ renovation becomes immediately clear. Polished concrete floors, fitted with underfloor heating, run throughout, offering a material and tonal contrast to extensive bespoke oak joinery.



The entrance hall leads to the main living space, a beautiful room with loosely delineated zones. At the rear, a stony indoor sunroom-like spot is divided by a tall Crittall glass partition; a bank of skylights above encourages light to cascade in. Adjacent to this space, an understated oak kitchen has concrete worktops, a marble sink sourced in Catalonia, a Quooker tap, and an induction hob/extractor from Bora. An adjoining island is lit by a striking vintage Italian pendant.



Opposite, a raised oak study atop a custom-made platform with discreet but generous underfoot storage is revealed by a concertina door. A temporary fold-down bed is easily concealed, and open shelves provide space for art and books. The main bedroom lies behind, with soft, neutral walls, a picture window, a ribbon of internal Crittall glazing, and generous built-in storage. A second door from here opens back to the hallway.



The bathroom lies across the hall and is finished with pastel plaster walls, a cast-concrete sink with large mirrors, and a walk-in shower with internal vertical glazing.



The Area



Deptford is a thriving area of London with a growing cultural profile. It is now recognised as one of the most fashionable parts of south London, with Deptford High Street being recently named 'the coolest street' in London by Time Out.



The area has a variety of outstanding pubs, bars, and restaurants, such as The Watergate, Villages Brewery, and Artusi’s sister-restaurant Marcella. There are also a number of highly regarded galleries and venues, including The Albany and The Shipwright. At nearby Deptford Market Yard, there is a recently launched collection of independent shops and restaurants set within and around Deptford’s refurbished railway arches.



This has been joined in recent years by a new wave of establishments, including Buster Mantis, a bar renowned for its famous Steam Down jazz nights; Klose and Soan, an exceptional natural wine bar and shop, serving great European cooking from its small kitchen; and Forest for all houseplant-related needs. Scawen Road is also a short walk from The Victoria Pub SE8, a local favourite with a quiz, comedy, open mic, and live music nights.



Deptford train station is a three-minute walk away, running mainline services into London Bridge in just six and eight minutes respectively. There are also direct trains into the City via the Thameslink, which takes 20 minutes to get to Farringdon.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 988 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £989 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £250 per annum / Council Tax Band: B