Painters Mews III, London SE16

This exquisite home sits on Painters Mews, a characterful, peaceful and private community in the heart of Bermondsey, south-east London. It unfolds across two storeys: the lower is largely occupied by a wonderful open-plan living space with a timber-lined roof, while the upper is remarkably light-filled thanks to large skylights. Textured and tactile, the material palette is wonderful, with exposed brick and original floorboards that infuse the home with a timeless feel and nod to its factory origins.



The Tour



Just eight homes make up Painters Mews, which unfolds behind a set of secure gates. Underfoot, postal railway tracks embedded in the cobbled footpath are a reminder of its industrial past. This home sits at the end of the mews, its white frontage giving little away and surrounded by the potted greenery of the shared courtyard outside.



A timber-framed glazed door, for the sole use of this maisonette, opens to a hall, where stairs ascend to the spectacular first-floor living spaces. Exposed brick walls and original floorboards lend a utilitarian feel, while a pitched and panelled ceiling creates an exaggerated sense of openness. Windows on all three sides draw in a refreshing brightness, and barn-style timber doors open to a wrought-iron Juliet balcony.



The room is wonderfully flexible and generous enough to facilitate various configurations. On one side, the kitchen is open to the room and takes an L-shape, with a material palette of stainless steel, copper and plywood. Appliances are integrated and include a smeg gas hob, oven by Neff, fridge and freezer by Liebherr and a siemans dishwasher. The countertop curves to form a rounded end, ideal for placing stools beneath.



Behind the living space is the first of the home’s two bedrooms. It has an en suite and built-in storage behind sliding doors.



A spiral staircase ascends to the second floor, a marvellous area with a generous studio set beneath an angled bank of skylights. Painted white to amplify the natural brightness, the space would serve well for artists, hobbyists or as a working-from-home base.



Next door is the bedroom, also painted white and with two colossal skylights set into either side of the pitched roof, along with built-in storage beneath. While decidedly contemporary, the room’s two exposed beams are a reminder of its industrial heritage.



Downstairs is a separate bathroom, a carefully composed space with a large walk-in shower framed by square white tiles and set beneath a deep rooflight.



The Area



Painters Mews sits in the heart of Bermondsey opposite a large green. The area is celebrated for its food scene; local favourites include community events and food stalls at The Blue, plus seasonally lead Natoora, Little Bread Pedlar bakery, Farmer Tom Jones, the butcher, The Fresh Fish Shop and The Kernal Brewery in Spa Road.



Nearby Bermondsey Street has undergone a significant transformation over the previous quarter of a century, with White Cube Bermondsey and Zandra Rhodes’ Fashion & Textile Museum. Excellent nearby restaurants include Café Murano, Pizarro, Jose Tapas, Casse Croute and Pique-Nique, and there is a multitude of other pubs, bars, cafés and retailers.



Tanner Street Park provides a green oasis as well as four community tennis courts, and one block west is the landscaped Leathermarket Gardens, off Leathermarket Street. In addition to the permanent retail offerings, the street comes alive for the Bermondsey Street Festival every second Saturday in September.



The world-famous Borough Market is a short stroll away, as is Maltby Street Market and the Ropewalk. For theatre lovers, the Bridge Theatre and the Menier Chocolate Factory are both within easy reach.



The river is to the north, along with the walkways of More London Riverside, City Hall, the green space of Potters Fields Park, Tower Bridge and the restaurants and bars of Shad Thames.



Painters Mews is a short walk away from Bermondsey station (Jubilee) and a variety of bus routes.



Tenure: Share of Freehold | Lease Length: Approx. 970 years remaining | Service Charge: Approx. £2,500 per annum (includes building insurance, freehold administration, repairs to shared areas and outside, bike store and communal gardens) | Council Tax Band: E