St Gabriel's Manor, Cormont Road, London SE5

This distinguished house forms part of St Gabriel's Manor, a Grade II-listed building in Camberwell. Inside, a bespoke brass and cast-iron staircase ascends to a wonderful double-height living space, the sociable heart of the home. There are three generous bedrooms, each lined with sumptuous wallpaper by House of Hackney. Crowning the building is a spectacular communal roof terrace with views toward the Shard.



Setting the Scene



Originally known as St Gabriel’s College, the building was opened in 1899 as a training college for Anglican schoolmistresses. The college was the vision of Charles Edward Brooke, a senior curate of nearby St John the Divine church, and is recognised for its striking Gothic and Renaissance motifs. Designed by Philip A. Robson, its façade of red brick is peppered with Portland stone dressings, and a statue of St Gabriel sits atop a grand gabled porch.



St Gabriel’s was requisitioned as a rest home in World War II and later converted to residential dwellings. A former gymnasium for the college, this house retains many of its original features, including a spectacular timber-clad ceiling and a cast-iron fireplace.



The Grand Tour



This home's private ground-floor entrance is set within a peaceful courtyard. A quadruple-height entrance hall with chequered floor tiles and hand-painted timber panelling gives the first indication of its magnificent proportions.



A bespoke staircase with ornate brass and cast-iron detailing ascends to a double-height living space on the first floor. Here, a vaulted, timber-clad ceiling with original roof trusses creates an exaggerated sense of space. There are tall casement windows on one side and bespoke fitted shelving that draws the eye upwards.



A bespoke Herringbone House kitchen occupies part of the room. There are marble countertops and brass fittings, and appliances including an electric Rangemaster cooker and a boiling water tap.



Three impeccable bedrooms are found on the ground floor, which has underfloor heating throughout. One has an original fireplace and is currently used as a snug. Its walls are lined with a House of Hackney wallpaper. The principal bedroom has a wide window, a walk-in wardrobe, and an en suite bathroom with a roll-top bathtub and bespoke Portuguese tiling. There is also a separate shower room and a convenient utility room.



Out and About



Camberwell is a thriving neighbourhood, kept young at heart by Camberwell College of Art. The area has traditionally been home to creatives: the studios of Anish Kapoor are nearby, while South London Gallery is a short cycle ride away. The iconic Jazzlive at the Crypt puts on consistently excellent shows every Friday night.



The house is a short walk away from Camberwell Church Street and its esteemed culinary scene. An excellent selection of independent restaurants, cafés and delis is all within walking distance from home, including The Daily Goods coffee shop, Theo’s Pizza and The Camberwell Arms pub. Gladwell's Grocery is popular for provisions, and there is a brilliant local bookshop, Lala, nearby. The wonderful Kerfield Arms is close and was recently awarded a Michelin star. There is also a weekly farmers' market on Camberwell Green.



The 14-acre Myatt’s Fields Park is just across the road from the house, and is home to expansive lawned areas, tennis courts and the popular The Little Cat café. Burgess and Ruskin parks are also close by, as is Camberwell Green Leisure Centre and its swimming pool.



There are several excellent state and public schools in the area, including Dulwich College, James Allen’s Girls’ School, Alleyn’s School, The Villa Pre-Prep and Nursery, and Dog Kennel Hill Primary School.



Oval station is an 18-minute walk away and runs regular Northern line services to King’s Cross in around 18 minutes. Camberwell is also well served by several bus routes.



Tenure: Share of Freehold / Lease Length: Approx. 120 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £5,700 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £100 per annum / Council Tax Band: G