Arbuthnot Road, London, SE14

For the first time in over 20 years, this five-bedroom, tastefully refurbished Victorian townhouse on Arbuthot Road is offered to the market for sale. Positioned on one of Telegraph Hill’s most coveted roads, central yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle – close the front door and you’d hardly know you were in London, let alone Zone-2 London!

Sympathetic to its period heritage, the outside of the home has been carefully restored, bringing the original period aesthetic back to it’s former glory. Re-levelled tiled front courtyard, double glazed timber sash windows, newly-painted render and London-stock yellow brick provides a modern approach to a classic Victorian.

Arbuthnot Road has all the foundations for a perfect family home and is one of the very few homes locally that has had all the structural improvements done. Its vast footprint spans 2,552 sqft over five floors. To the rear, there is a 19 foot patio and 145 foot south-facing garden with mature trees, ornamental planting and panoramic views from the top of the garden. Location wise, you’re within easy reach of amenities, 5 stations and schooling options.

Heading up the front stairs and behind the gorgeous period façade, you’re immediately greeted with a hallway boasting tall ceilings, original period cornicing and detailing. To your right, a spacious double reception (also with fantastic original cornicing and ceiling roses!) provides you with room to spread out.

Moving to the rear of the home, you’ve got a large open-plan kitchen/dining area complete with underfloor heating. This area is bathed in natural light thanks to the skylights and picture window forming part of the side infill extension. There’s a guest cloakroom and wine storage cupboard down the stairs to one side and on the other side storage cupboards and a separate laundry (with a wash-tub and bench space along with room for both your washing machine and dryer).

Hosting here comes effortlessly. In the warmer months, open the double doors for a seamless, level, transition onto the patio, with its beautifully scented star jasmine climbing the fences on either side; perfect for al fresco dining and indoor/outdoor entertaining.

The double garden doors, sash and picture windows pull the extensive garden into view. The private and tranquil garden is set over three tiers. The first tier is your patio, perfect for lounging or hosting a BBQ. The middle tier winds through the trees, planting and grassed areas (and a paved fire-pit for bonfire night) and then on the third tier is your large garden shed, perfect for storage.

Back to the house… The ground floor is set up so it can be used as a separate self-contained studio flat. Perfect for guests staying over, live-in-help or great if you want some additional income!

Bedrooms and bathrooms occupy the upper floors of the home. On the first floor, to the rear you’ve got a contemporary four-piece family bathroom and a sizeable double bedroom with a bay window looking out over the patio and garden. The front two rooms on this floor are your principal bedroom suite. Tall ceilings, coving and a large bay window provide a sense of grandeur as you enter your main bedroom. Complete with a walk-in-wardrobe area with masses of space and a windowed en-suite with a walk-in rain shower.

Moving on further upstairs, you have another well-proportioned double bedroom with glorious garden views and a further bedroom which is currently used as a study. The large converted loft at the top of the house is set up as a cinema room, but would make for a great home-office or guest room. When opening either of the two large Velux windows to the front you’re greeted with fantastic city-views from the wheel of the London Eye around to the O2 at Greenwich. A perfect watchpoint for fireworks night! On the rear and loft roof you have a large solar power system which was installed in late 2020.

Ever since the introduction of the Overground Line at New Cross Gate, Brockley & Queens Road, the Telegraph Hill Conservation Area has gained notoriety and has fast become a standout destination for families to move to. With five Zone-2 stations only a short walk away, outstanding local schooling options as well as Goldmsiths University, a strong sense of community and a two well-maintained Victorian parks on your doorstep. It’s not hard to understand why this leafy neighbourhood is incredibly sought-after.

Arbuthnot Road is a peaceful residential street that lies in the heart of the Telegraph Hill Conservation Area. Being park-side has it’s benefits. Surrounded by breath-taking Victorian architecture, Telegraph Hill’s Upper and Lower Parks offer an unparalled experience: panoramic city views, sports facilities, children’s play areas and café. Every Saturday from 10 to 3 you've got the Farmers’ Market in the Lower Telegraph Hill Park, with offerings including a butcher, a fishmonger, delicious fresh food, baked goods and coffee!

Telegraph Hill itself is positioned between the trendy Nunhead with its village-style high street, the effervescent settings of New Cross and leafy Brockley.  At the top of the hill, you’ve got the community-run Hill Station Café. Of an evening, this day-time café transforms into a hotspot with live-music, comedy food, a stocked bar and Dinner 4 100 open up their fantastic pizzeria! Within a few hundred meters you’ve got a choice of two local pubs – Skehans, with its leafy Thai restaurant out the back (or a Sunday roast in the pub itself), or the Earl of Derby.

Nunhead has some brilliant independent coffee shops, restaurants and bakeries along with its renowned fishmonger and butcher. Mosey & Goodcup are two places to grab a great coffee and bite to eat. Of an evening, Nunhead has great eateries and pubs which offer atmosphere and food. El Vermut is a personal favourite, offering an authentic tapas experience and Spanish wine selection.

Perhaps you’re after an atmosphere which is more avant-garde? New Cross has something for everyone. Home to Goldsmiths University, great pubs, an array of restaurants with varying cuisines and an independent book store.

Brockley has a buzzing little high street. Great coffee (Nus Nus, Browns, the Broca) and restaurants (try Ellary’s, Skiato, Mauby, or Parlez) and a wellness centre offering gym classes, massage, osteopathy and physiotherapy (&osteo).

For commuters and social butterflies alike, transport links in Telegraph Hill are incredible. Five Zone-2 Stations within walking distance allow you to get anywhere you could ever need to. There are also cycle routes taking you to a variety of locations in The City (or out into Kent for the serious cyclists amongst you; plus Herne Hill Velodrome is local and fabulous) and buses at the top and bottom of the hill that can take you toward London Bridge, Covent Garden, Greenwich & Denmark Hill.

If you’re thinking of starting a family or perhaps have children and schooling options are a top priority for you (rightly so!) then Telegraph Hill has got you covered. For those with young children, there are several popular nurseries (including a Montessori nursery) just a leisurely walk from Arbuthnot Road. For those with children that are slightly older there are Edmund Waller Primary School (3-11), Haberdashers’ Hatcham College (11-18) , CTK Aquinas (16-19) and Prendergast (girls 11-18) – superb schools on your doorstep. If you’re considering independent schools, there are outstanding options in the neighbouring areas such as St Dunstans College, Alleyn’s, Colfe’s & Dulwich College.

Under the control of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, the Telegraph Hill Conservation area was developed in the late 19th century. Previously market gardens, the Haberdashers focused on creating more than just homes, they wanted to create a community. Their focus was on creating a residential area with wide leafy streets, cohesive architecture and high-standard housing.

New Cross Gate Station – c. 8-minute walk (Overground, Southern)

Nunhead Station – c. 12-minute walk (Overground, South Eastern)

Brockley Station – c. 13-minute walk (Overground, Southern)

Queens Road Peckham Station – c. 15 minute walk (Overground, Southern)

New Cross Station – c. 15 minute walk (Overground, South Eastern)