Whateley Road, London SE22

Honey-coloured plywood has been used to wonderful effect in this bright Victorian house in East Dulwich. A sublime extension housing an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space flows effortlessly into a south-facing garden, a suntrap for outdoor dining and growing plants. Part of the renovation included transforming the attic into a spacious, plywood-lined fourth bedroom that would also make a wonderful studio.



The Tour



Set on a quiet residential street, the stock-brick frontage of this home belies the brilliantly contemporary design that unfolds within. Entry is via the front garden and a door set within a recessed porch.



On the right of the limestone-tiled entrance hall is a sitting room, currently used as a study, with white-painted walls and twin sash windows. Plywood lines a former fireplace, hinting at the extensive use of the material throughout.



The hallway continues to the sublime open-plan living space at the rear, partly housed within the extension. At the front is a bespoke plywood kitchen with generous storage and smooth stainless-steel worktops. Above the main bank of units is a run of skylights with plywood joists that allow light to cascade in. Appliances are integrated and are by Bosch and Miele, while a large pantry cupboard provides space for spices and other dried goods.



The far end of the room is arranged as a sitting area and sits beneath a series of deep skylights. Velfac doors at the far end open to the garden; in summer, these can be left open to encourage a seamless connection between inside and out.



A sunshine-yellow WC completes the ground floor. From the hallway, beautiful plywood stairs ascend to the first floor, where there are three double bedrooms, all with the home’s hallmark pairing of engineered oak floorboards by Havwoods and soft white walls. An elegant bathroom is also situated on this floor, with a bathtub and a large walk-in shower.



Stairs ascend to the loft level, which could be used as an expansive principal bedroom if desired. Plywood is used to almost sculptural effect here, creating a striking backdrop for furniture and art.



During the renovation, the house was also rewired, replumbed and reinsulated. A new roof was added, while eco-conscious interventions included the fitting of a heat pump and underfloor heating.



Outdoor Space



Facing south, the garden at the rear of the house charts the passage of the sun throughout the day. High fences create a private feel, while large limestone tiles run underfoot. There is plenty of space for arranging potted plants here, and a sunken bed at the rear is currently planted with ferns.



The Area



Whateley Road is perfectly positioned for the broad selection of cafés, bars and restaurants in Peckham and Dulwich. Lordship Lane is moments away and is home to a vast number of independent shops, including Mons Cheesemongers, Bora & Sons greengrocers, Boulangerie Jade and William Rose butchers. An outpost of Picturehouse Cinema is surrounded by an array of other boutiques, making this one of south London’s best-loved high streets.



The green spaces of the Horniman Museum and Gardens, Dulwich Woods, Peckham Rye Park and Dulwich Park are a short walk away. Dulwich Leisure Centre also has a public swimming pool and gym. Peckham is also close by; alongside the popular haunts of Bellenden Road, including General Store, Flock & Herd Butcher and Review Bookshop, Rye Lane has a number of wonderful spots. Local favourites include The White Horse pub, The Montpelier, Persepolis, Peckhamplex, Copeland Park and Bussey Building, Frame Architects’ Market Peckham and Nola Coffee.



The area is exceptionally well served by both state and independent schools, including Harris Primary Academy, Heber Primary School and The Charter School East Dulwich, James Allen's Girls' School, Alleyn's School, Dulwich College and Dulwich Prep.



East Dulwich station has rail links that reach London Bridge in around 15 minutes. Stations at Forest Hill, Denmark Hill and Peckham Rye are all a short bus ride away, providing access to the London Overground and trains to Victoria Station.