St Johns Buildings, London SW9

This extraordinary two-bedroom house is part of a Grade II-listed converted school in Brixton. It is especially generous, with over 2,110 sq ft of predominantly open-plan space. At its centre lies a dramatic living area with exaggerated proportions, while outside, a jungle-like private courtyard unfolds onto lawned communal space and a beautifully sequestered garden studio.



We previously wrote about this home in our Journal.



The Tour



Constructed in 1853, this remarkable building was designed by architect Benjamin Ferrey, known for his church architecture. Constructed with Portland stone quoins, dressings and pitched slate roofs, it occupies a particularly handsome spot tucked away from the road. The school closed in the 1970s and was subsequently converted into private residences.



Entry to the house is via one of a series of neat gabled porches. Inside, underfloor heating warms throughout.



At the centre of the plan is a wonderful open-plan living space, with an olive-green kitchen by Naked Kitchens to one side. An abundance of open walnut shelving extends above walnut countertops, extending the eye upwards and providing a wealth of display and/or storage space. On one side are French doors to the garden. The remainder of the space has white-painted walls that amplify the light that pours in from the soaring ceilings above.



There is a second triple-height living space adjacent, currently used as an antique furniture showroom, with two original fireplaces and wide windows. At the front of the house, a sitting room with glazed panelling provides further reclining space. There is also a guest shower room on this floor. The house's versatile, open plan arrangement offers a plethora of cosy reading nooks and areas to easily reconfigure based on their use.



A white enamelled-steel staircase ascends to the first floor, where there are two well-proportioned bedrooms. In the principal, two timber-framed skylights have been set into its pitched roof, while an interior window looks down toward the living space below. A ladder leads to a cosy mezzanine level and a door that leads to a roof terrace with far-reaching views. A beautiful and bright bathroom has hand-painted Moroccan green tiles, a walk-in shower and a roll-top bathtub.



Accessed via the garden, the separate artist's studio is a peaceful space for working in or retreating to.



Outdoor Space



Thoughtfully designed and planted by Thomas Rapley, a paved courtyard sits to the rear of the house, its walls climbing with verdant Virginia creeper, hydrangea and jasmine. There is a private space for sitting out, which extends into lawned and landscaped communal gardens shared by the residents of the building.



There is also a large, private gated car park in front of the home.



The Area



Brixton is a lively area known for its excellent food and bar scene. Nearby Brixton Village, Market Row and Acre Lane are all highly recommended destinations. The Ritzy Cinema, Electric Brixton and Brixton O2 Academy are much-loved institutions. The Department Store is grand renovated 1876 Bon Marche building that now houses collaborative workspaces, a Pure Vinyl record shop, a community Post Office and Canova Hall restaurant and bar.



Delightful Herne Hill is one train stop, or a short walk, away; it has wonderful restaurants, a bookshop and a lovely Sunday market.



The green spaces of Brockwell Park, Clapham Common and Rush Common are nearby. Brockwell Park is one of London's best and has a lido with a 50-metre pool and a Grade II-listed art deco pavilion, as well as a cafe, tennis courts and a walled garden.



Brixton station (Victoria line) is around three minutes' walk away. Brixton mainline station runs direct, frequent services to London Victoria. Loughborough Junction station is just over 10 minutes away on foot and runs Thameslink services into the City.



Tenure: Share of Freehold | Lease Length: 990 years remaining | Service Charge: Approx. £3,100 per annum | Ground Rent: none | Council Tax Band: D