Beech Avenue, South Croydon, CR2

Occupying an enviable position on one of Sanderstead's established residential roads, Downswood represents a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial family home set within approximately half an acre of East-facing grounds, with the added benefit of a heated outdoor swimming pool and direct proximity to the historic Purley Beeches.

Having remained in the same family for over 50 years, the property now requires extensive renovation and upgrading, offering a discerning purchaser an exceptional opportunity to restore and transform this much-loved home into a magnificent contemporary family residence, whilst retaining its wealth of original character and charm.

Beech Avenue is particularly appealing to those seeking the tranquillity and greenery of suburban living whilst remaining within convenient reach of London and the wider transport network. Downswood combines generous accommodation, considerable outside space and a wonderfully private setting, with the property positioned immediately adjacent to the extensive woodland of Purley Beeches.

A sweeping driveway provides extensive off-road parking and a generous turning area for numerous vehicles, leading to the attached tandem garage, which currently requires attention.

The original front door opens into a quarry-tiled entrance vestibule, with a convenient guest cloakroom beyond. The spacious reception hall forms an impressive entrance to the house, featuring traditional wall panelling and a character staircase, with doors leading to the principal reception rooms and kitchen.

The formal triple-aspect lounge is a particularly bright and impressive room, enjoying views over the surrounding gardens from three elevations. French doors open directly onto the rear garden, whilst a large square bay window provides a wonderful southerly aspect. A further window overlooks the magnificent mature beech tree within the front garden, creating an attractive outlook throughout the day.

The room retains a number of appealing original features, including an open fireplace and exposed ceiling beams, adding considerable character and providing an excellent foundation for sympathetic renovation.

The separate dining room also benefits from French doors opening onto the rear garden, creating a natural connection between the formal living space and the extensive grounds.

The excellent kitchen/breakfast room with utility room off extends from the front to the rear of the property and is currently fitted with a range of kitchen units and integrated appliances. A window to the side provides a particularly attractive northerly outlook towards The Beeches and beyond.

Rising to the first floor, a light and spacious galleried landing provides an impressive first-floor approach and enhances the feeling of space throughout the upper accommodation.

The principal bedroom enjoys a wonderful triple-aspect outlook and benefits from en-suite facilities. There are four further bedrooms on this floor, providing excellent flexibility for family accommodation, guests, home working or hobbies. A family bathroom and separate WC complete the first-floor accommodation.

Stepping outside….A particular feature of Downswood is the extensive East-facing grounds, which surround the property on all sides and extend to approximately half an acre.

The rear garden features a substantial patio running the width of the property, leading onto extensive level lawns and the heated outdoor swimming pool. The grounds are complemented by an abundance of mature trees, shrubs and established fruit trees, creating a wonderfully private and secluded setting.

The gardens offer considerable scope for landscaping and enhancement, whilst already providing an exceptional environment for outdoor entertaining, family recreation and enjoying the tranquillity of this sought-after location.

Downswood occupies a particularly special position immediately adjacent to Purley Beeches, one of Sanderstead's most distinctive areas of open space.

The Beeches extends to approximately 17 acres of public woodland and open space, incorporating mature beech woodland, areas of open grass, established walking paths and two tennis courts. Its proximity gives this part of Beech Avenue an unusually leafy and semi-rural character, whilst remaining within Greater London.

The neighbouring woodland provides a wonderful natural backdrop to the property and is a significant feature of the location, offering opportunities for walking, recreation and enjoying the surrounding mature landscape.

The property benefits from cavity wall insulation, contributing to its EPC rating of C, together with gas-fired central heating served by two boilers.

With its generous proportions, wealth of original features, approximately half an acre of East-facing grounds, heated swimming pool, extensive parking and immediate proximity to Purley Beeches, Downwood offers the potential to create an outstanding family home in one of the area's most appealing and established residential locations.