Queens Leaze, London SE23

This light-filled two-bedroom apartment is on the first floor of Queens Leaze, a 1920s apartment building on Taymount Rise. It sits on a quiet street in Forest Hill, between the Horniman Museum and Gardens and the open spaces of Dulwich and Sydenham. Just under 1,000 sq ft, the apartment’s classical proportions and use of high-quality materials are well suited to the building’s fine Edwardian detailing.



The Tour

Queens Leaze sits on the former grounds of the historic Queens Tennis Club, a section of which was later developed into a prominent cluster of art deco and modernist mansion blocks in the 1930s.

Occupying an elevated hilltop position, the building’s remarkable tracing gives a first glimpse into the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement on the surrounding architecture. Ornate brickwork is arranged around canted bay windows with decorative stucco and terracotta framing, and crowned by a pitched roof.

Set back from the street behind a screen of mature hedgerows and a front garden, the hall ascends to a private entrance. The door opens to a crisp white hallway that anchors plan currently configured as two bedrooms, a bathroom, a separate study and a living and kitchen/ dining area. All the windows across the apartment were replaced in 2025, and fitted blinds installed.

On the right, floorboards run straight through to a bright kitchen drenched in Farrow & Ball's 'Bone'. Here, a tall window on the western elevation frames neighbouring treetops and draws in natural light. Simple white plywood cabinets sit below white Formica surfaces, and a brass-toned utensil rack has been handily fitted above.

The sunny scheme continues in the living room between the kitchen and the hall. Wide bespoke shelving walls one corner, and a south-facing window illuminates the space. Delicate cornicing draws the gaze upward.

At the back of the plan are the two bedrooms. The principal and larger of the two is on the left, its generous proportions flooded with light drawn in by the beautiful bay window. The palette is a soothing oatmeal paired with the soft texture of wool carpet, and the double bed is bordered by bespoke joinery for additional storage. This has been previously set up as a living room.

In the second bedroom and the study, powder-pink walls complement the natural amber pigments of the flooring. The bathroom is well-appointed, decorated in considered tones with white-painted timber underfoot, and a shower over the bath.



The Area

Queens Leaze occupies a wonderfully leafy position on Taymount Rise, one of Forest Hill's most sought-after residential streets. Nearby, the expansive grounds of Horniman Museum and Gardens provide far-reaching views across the city, while both Dulwich Park and Sydenham Woods are within easy reach for walking, cycling and weekend wandering.

Forest Hill's town centre has developed a thriving independent scene in recent years. Local favourites include Lazy Chef for brunch and coffee, St David Coffee House, Nonna Maria restaurant and Amrutha for plant-based dishes. Nearby East Dulwich, Peckham and Brockley provide an ever-expanding selection of restaurants, galleries and cultural venues.

Forest Hill station is a five-minute walk away and provides regular London Overground services, along with direct National Rail connections to London Bridge, Canada Water, Shoreditch and Highbury & Islington. Honor Oak Park station is also close by, while numerous local bus routes connect the area with Dulwich, Greenwich and central London.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease length: Approx. 97 years remaining / Service charge: Approx. £2,600 per annum / Ground rent: Approx. £10 per annum / Council tax band: D