Ashmore Road III, London SE18

This spacious three-bedroom apartment lies within the former Royal Military Academy, an elegant Grade II-listed, converted building in Woolwich Arsenal. A distinctive blend of Tudor revival and Victorian design, the building cuts a handsome silhouette. Inside, this home has been renovated with a balanced contemporary hand, where white-painted walls amplify soaring proportions.



The Development



Built in the mid-18th century, the Royal Military Academy operated as such until the mid-20th century. It was the first training centre of its kind in the country. The imposing central building was designed by James Wyatt, Board of Ordnance Architect, in the Tudor style and constructed of London stock brick. Ready for use by 1806, the RMA is defined by its four turrets crowned with lead cupolas referencing the White Tower.



Around the turn of the millennium, its constituent buildings were converted into private residences, the combination of Regency proportions, traditional windows and crenellated red-brick façades making for characterful homes.



The Tour



Entry to the building is via well-maintained communal areas. This apartment’s private front door opens to a hall that snakes through the apartment, connecting each room.



Directly ahead is the open-plan living room and kitchen, a bright space with dual-aspect windows and a large Hülsta bookcase along one wall. Floorboards and white-painted walls create a subtle backdrop for art and furniture. Above, exposed steel trusses amplify the room’s height. The kitchen is in dialogue with the rest of the room and comprises dove-grey cabinets, a Smeg gas range and washing machine, and a microwave and dishwasher from Siemens.



All three bedrooms are quiet and voluminous, with soft carpet underfoot and exposed trusses overhead. The largest has two staggered windows that draw attention to the generous ceiling height. A smart en suite with a walk-in shower and neutral tiles adjoins. A separate bathroom with porcelain wall tiles lies towards the front of the apartment.



Outdoor Space



Shared grounds planted with trees and shrubs provide plenty of space to sit and read. The grounds are open for residents to enjoy, including picnics and spectating matches on the cricket pitch. In addition, residents have access to a 12-hour concierge and supplementary storage options.



There is an allocated, secure parking space directly outside the apartment's entrance.



The Area



Ashmore Road stands next to Woolwich Common, a centuries-old park and parade ground that has recently become a wildlife haven. Shooter’s Hill is awash with beautiful architecture and places to eat, like City View Restaurant. The Charlton Lido – an Olympic-sized heated swimming pool - is also nearby, as is the ancient Oxleas Woods.



The centre of Woolwich Arsenal is a short bus ride away and has a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs. Local highlights include The Guard House, SALT, Boulangerie Jade, and culture hub Woolwich Works, which puts on exhibitions and live music alongside its café. There is a popular farmers’ market at the Royal Arsenal every second Saturday. The Folly at the historic Severndroog Castle, Shooters Hill, also hosts a fabulous market of local produce.



Woolwich Arsenal DLR is a 20-minute walk away and runs services into Bank and mainline services into London Bridge in 20 minutes. The Elizabeth line also runs from Woolwich and connects to Canary Wharf in eight minutes, Liverpool Street in 15 minutes, and Farringdon in 17 minutes and to Heathrow at the end of the line. City Airport, for domestic and international trips, is also close by.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 232 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £3,000 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £400 per annum / Council Tax Band: C