Stanger Road, London SE25

This delightful garden apartment lies on a quiet residential street in South Norwood, south-east London. It has been beautifully and thoughtfully updated under current ownership, employing fine materials and thoughtful paint colours throughout. Norwood Junction station is minutes away and runs Windrush line (Overground) and Thameslink services, the latter arriving in London Bridge in as little as 14 minutes.



Setting the Scene



Stanger Road and the surrounding areas were developed in the late 19th century after Norwood Junction station was built, which initially was known as Jolly Sailor station. South Norwood had been oak-filled woodland before the Victorian period; during this time of rapid expansion, houses and villas were built to take in the area’s fresh air.



This apartment lies on the ground floor of a quintessential late 19th-century house. Its current owners have respected its history in a recent renovation, choosing paint colours and silhouettes that nod to the building’s origins.



The Grand Tour



A gate opens to the home’s garden, establishing a remarkably private feel. Entry is from the side, to a hallway lined with ruddy quarry tiles. Passing bookcases, the hallway extends towards the sitting room, a generous space with shuttered sash windows, original floors and a warming electric fire. Alcove-set shelving provides space for more books and/or for favourite trinkets, and ornate cornicing snakes around the upper seams of the room.



Newly reappointed, the kitchen sits adjacent, with light gray cabinetry, thick timber countertops and integrated appliances, including in-built oven, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. A dining area sits opposite, in front of French doors that open to the garden.



On the other side of the apartment is the bedroom, a serene space with Farrow & Ball Templeton pink walls and oak floorboards. The bathroom sits next door, with crisp white tiles and brown accents. There is also a large cupboard accessed from the hall.



The Great Outdoors



A private garden extends from this apartment, enhancing its peaceful atmosphere. A paved area provides a space for seating and barbecues. Beyond is a lawned area framed by trees and shrubs that grow around the garden’s perimeter. A shed at one end of the garden provides storage for garden tools and the like. There is a private off-road parking space adjoining the flat, behind wrought iron gates.



Out and About



There is an excellent range of independent shops, restaurants and cafés towards Norwood Junction, including Mama Dough pizzeria, Shelverdine Goat House Pub, The Craft Beer Cabin and Brown and Green Cafe. Local favourite Little Mouse is nearby and sells a good selection of wines and British cheeses.



Around a 10-minute bus journey away, Crystal Palace has a wonderful offering of places to eat and shop. Chatsworth Bakery attracts visitors from far and wide, while Numidie and Four Hundred Rabbits are popular haunts for dinner. A popular Everyman cinema sits tucked in an impressive art deco building. Every Sunday, the perennially lovely Crystal Palace Park comes alive with a well-attended farmers’ market.



South Norwood Country Park is a short walk away and is home to a diverse array of wildlife. It has acres of open greenery, along with wildflower meadows, a wetland and a community café.



Norwood Junction is less than four minutes away on foot and runs Overground lines towards Dalston Junction and Highbury and Islington, a route that passes through Canada Water (for Jubilee line services), Whitechapel (for the Elizabeth, District and Hammersmith and City lines) and Shoreditch High Street, for access to the City. There are also several bus routes locally.