Villa Fontaine II, Sydenham Hill, London SE26

Impeccably executed, this spacious two-bedroom apartment sits on the first floor of Villa Fontaine, a contemporary development in Dulwich. Completed in 2024 to a design by architecture firm Craftworks, the building encompasses nine generously proportioned units, all finished with high-quality materials and bespoke, handmade joinery. The green spaces of Crystal Palace Park are on the doorstep; Sydenham Hill is a short walk away and runs direct services to London Victoria, Blackfriars and City Thameslink/Farringdon.



The Tour



The building is set back from the street beyond a wood screen and gate, with secure cycle storage at the front. The contemporary façade, made of Petersen’s renowned Danish brick-and-tile, was envisioned to reflect the local context. It rises over four storeys lined with soaring glass panels that create a sense of verticality and lightness.

This apartment lies on the first floor and can be accessed via stairs or lift. The private front door opens to the hallway, where there is space for storing coats and shoes.

Here and throughout, the light-filled interiors are defined by a considered palette of high-quality materials, a soothing colour scheme and beautifully crafted joinery providing abundant space for storage. Solid wood floors extend across the plan, complete with underfloor heating and harmoniously paired with wall and ceiling panelling, and solid wood doors. All rooms benefit from the comfort of background ventilation.



To one side is a sociable open-plan reception area organised with kitchen, dining and living room. Here, a series of eight east-facing sliding glass doors and full-height panels, configured as a large bay window, frame views of the treetops and surrounding architecture. Unfolding along one side of the space is a bespoke, handmade solid wood kitchen with solid Corian-style worktops and a matching, integrated sink; floor-to-ceiling cupboards and open shelving provide plenty of space for storage. Integrated appliances include an oven, hob, fridge, freezer and a dishwasher.



Removed at the rear of the plan are two quiet and spacious bedrooms, one of which has access to an en suite shower room. Both rooms have built-in cupboards and desks with views of the treetops and Dulwich architecture.



Residents have also private access to a communal roof garden.



The Area



Villa Fontaine is ideally positioned between Dulwich and Sydenham Woods, both wildlife nature reserves. This, combined with Dulwich and Sydenham Golf Course, as well as an allotment and sports club ground, provides unbroken green space as far as Dulwich Park and Lordship Lane. The lake, maze, and open spaces of Crystal Palace Park are also a short walk away, as are the beautiful expanses of Sydenham Wells Park and Dulwich Park. Other local attractions include The Dulwich Picture Gallery, The Horniman Museum and the local town centres of Crystal Palace and Dulwich Village.



Crystal Palace, which has previously been named number five on Lonely Planet’s “greatest little-known neighbourhoods in the world”, is on the doorstep and is a vibrant area with award-winning restaurants and bars as well as a thriving arts and music scene. Church Road winds through Crystal Palace, surrounded by cafes and restaurants, including Brown & Green, Four Boroughs, Palazzo, and the Affinity Brew Shop. We've written more about our recommendations in the area in our Journal.

Dulwich Village is also a 15-minute walk from the house, and the street is well-placed for Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” primary and secondary state schools, as well as some of the best private schools in London. Crystal Palace Park is around two minutes away and is undergoing major investment with over £130m being spent on the sports stadium, which will make it one the UK’s leading sports venues.



Sydenham Hill is a short nine-minute walk from the apartment and runs services to London Victoria (13 minutes), Blackfriars (20 minutes) and City Thameslink/Farringdon (22 minutes). Sydenham station is also near, with 30-minute connections to Shoreditch via Canada Water. Gatwick Airport can be reached in little over an hour.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: approx 997 years remaining / Service Charge: approx £2,400 per annum / Council Tax Band: D