Camberwell Grove II, London SE5

"Sash windows on both aspects frame views onto the Grove and the imposing spire of St Giles church"

An air of elegant simplicity defines this two-bedroom apartment on beautiful Camberwell Grove. Set in a Grade II-listed Georgian villa, the tranquil home echoes the leafy character of this desirable corner of south London. Large sash windows on both aspects frame views of the Grove and the imposing spire of St Giles church, meaning that the apartment is flooded with natural light. Despite its central location, the neighbourhood has a villagey feel, created by its excellent restaurants, bars and the wealth of schools.

Setting the Scene

Camberwell Grove, an elegant and tree-lined promenade, is one of the most sought-after addresses in south-east London. The area developed during the 18th century on land formerly belonging to a Tudor manor house. The present building was constructed in the late 18th century and converted into apartments in more recent times. A sense of history pervades, seen in the façade, where the London stock brickwork is punctuated by large sash windows and fronted by a refined doorway painted in a duck egg blue, fore fronted by a porchway with white flanking ionic pillars. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

The first floor front door opens onto a long corridor with high ceilings and cream carpet runs underfoot. This leads to an open-plan sitting room and kitchen, designed to keep the focus on the Georgian proportions of the space. Two sash windows with original shutters face East, towards St Giles Church and there is ample space for seating, dining and relaxing. A wide portal marks the transition to the kitchen area. Here, units are topped in walnut and the cabinetry, painted a dusty blue with brass handles, is fitted with an induction hob, built-in fridge-freezer and Butler's sink.

Both bedrooms look onto Camberwell Grove, a tree-lined avenue. The main bedroom has two large windows, with their original shutters, that capture the late afternoon sunlight. The calm space is accented by a cast-iron fireplace with a lovely pale blue-and-white tiled hearth. The second bedroom, currently used as an office, has a similarly tranquil aesthetic with pale cream walls painted in tones by Paint and Paper Library. In contrast, the bathroom adopts a more striking colour palette. Here, walls are painted in an olive green, also by Paint and Paper Library, marbled tiling runs underfoot and the bath surround is tiled in a glossed white.

The Great Outdoors 

There is a communal garden at the front of the house shared by the residents of the flats in the building. Regularly tended to by a gardener, it is a welcoming entrance to the historic house.

Out and About

Camberwell Grove is ideally placed for the neighbourhood’s ever-evolving culinary scene. At the entrance to the adjacent Grove Lane is the local favourite, Theo’s Pizzeria and the newly opened Grove Lane Deli, which is hugely popular for provisions. Just around the corner, on Camberwell Church Street, further options include Veraison Wines for natural wines and light snacks in an elegant setting, while  The Camberwell Arms is of particular note for its excellent cuisine. There is also a weekly farmer’s market on Camberwell Green, while Bellenden Road, Peckham’s pretty village with its excellent selection of restaurants, cafes and good pubs, is a 15-minute walk away.

The green spaces of Ruskin Park, Brockwell Park and Peckham Rye are all within easy walking distance, while local leisure facilities include the nearby Butterfly tennis club and Camberwell Green swimming pool. Local cultural distractions are plentiful and include the South London Gallery and Dulwich Picture Gallery.

There are several excellent state and public schools in the area, including James Allen’s Girls’ School, Alleyn’s School, The Villa Pre-Prep and Nursery, Dog Kennel Hill Primary School and Lyndhurst Primary School.

Denmark Hill station is a short walk away, running direct rail services to Victoria, Blackfriars and St Pancras International, and Overground services to Clapham Junction or Dalston Junction via Canada Water (Jubilee Line). Camberwell is also uncommonly well served by at least ten bus routes.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: Approx. 125 years remaining
Service Charge: £50 per month contribution to maintenance
Council Tax Band: C