Inspiration of the Week: a hole-and-corner haven… in south-east London

Walking through Choumert Square, you might think you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole (albeit a quiet, pedestrianised one behind an ornate wrought-iron gate). Set behind the riotous bustle of Peckham’s Rye Lane, these days it appears as more of an alley than a square (the square itself is tucked away at one end) – slender and charmingly crowded with greenery. It’s also where you’ll find this enchanting two-bedroom cottage, currently for sale.

The entire passage is comprised of such dwellings, each with its own patch of planting at the front and a shared garden at the end. Tended lovingly, they give the impression that this is a cherished place, beloved of those lucky enough to live there. In summer, this sense of community sees residents throwing wide the gate for a charity open day with tea and cake, bric-à-brac and books for sale; come Christmas, occupants gather for lamplit carols, accompanied by a brass band – a tradition that’s been going since 1983. So celebrated is this little enclave that there’s even a webpage filled with facts both funny and strange about this little lane – 46 of them, one for each of the cottages.

If joining such a delightful neighbourhood wasn’t tempting enough, let us draw your attention inside this neatly appointed home. Its decoration is a clever mix of rural flavours (think classic chintzes, toiles and quilted counterpanes) with more modern touches – from the all-white bedroom in the eaves to a Scandi-style dining set-up on the ground floor and a bathroom tiled in zingy teal zelliges.

Compact but not cramped, urban yet secluded, community-focused but not cliquey, it seems this place has a little bit of everything you might fancy. What are you waiting for?