Redbanks

The Grand Tour

Set behind the original sandstone wall and piers, a gravel path leads through Redbank’s pretty gardens to stone steps and the grand entranceway – a set-in aedicule comprising Tuscan pilasters supporting a decorative entablature and the remnants of the cast-iron porch and railings. A half-glazed front door painted in smart black gloss leads to the apartment’s entrance on the first floor, through a secondary door inset with pretty leaded glass and into the private hallway. A sense of elegance envelops immediately, with walls washed in deep blueish-greys, original cornicing overhead and engineered oak flooring underfoot.

To the front of the plan is the main living space, an incredibly large and bright room, flooded with light care of the tripartite box sash windows. Walls are painted in ‘Dimity’ by Farrow & Ball, with a chimneypiece and working fire providing a focal point to the room. Set to one side is the kitchen, cleverly redesigned as a butler’s pantry. This unfolds behind a custom-made beaded glass and panelled timber partition wall, which allows light to flow through. Off-black panelled cupboards sit alongside oak worktops, a butler sink and taps by deVOL; appliances are by Smeg. A large dining area-cum-sitting room leads through a wide architrave to a separate music room and snug – originally a third bedroom, this space could easily be re-partitioned if required.

Sleeping quarters are to the rear of the flat. The peaceful main bedroom is generously proportioned, with a wall of cupboards offering plentiful storage. The second bedroom is eminently cosy, with walls in ‘Setting Plaster’ by Farrow & Ball, pale wool fitted carpet underfoot and wonderful views directly from bed to the greenery of a mature oak tree – a calming vista with which to start the day. The bathroom is painted in a moss-green colour, with geometric patterned tiles by Fired Earth, and has a flattering quality of light care of the decorative etched glass windows.

The Great Outdoors

Beautiful communal gardens are positioned to the front of the house, quintessentially English in their design. These are well stocked with mature planting, including fragrant roses, jasmine and hydrangeas. A shaded seating and dining area is set below an ancient oak tree – the perfect spot for alfresco lunches in warmer months.

Out and About

Redbanks is surrounded by Dulwich and Sydenham Hill Woods, which are a protected wildlife nature reserve. Dulwich and Sydenham Hill Golf Course, as well as allotments and sports club grounds, provide an unbroken green space as far as Dulwich Park and Lordship Lane. Sydenham Wells Park is a five-minute walk from the flat. The excellent Woodhouse Pub is located at the entrance to Crescent Wood Road, voted by The Daily Telegraph as having one of the best pub gardens in London. Other local attractions include The Dulwich Picture Gallery, The Horniman Museum and the local town centres of Crystal Palace and Dulwich Village.

Crystal Palace, which has previously been named  Number Five on Lonely Planet’s “Greatest little-known neighbourhoods in the world”, is a 10-minute walk away and is a vibrant area with award-winning restaurants and bars as well as a thriving art and music scene. Dulwich Village is also a 10-minute walk from Redbanks, accessed via another wonderful walk through the woodland. The road is well placed for OFSTED-rated “outstanding” primary and secondary state schools, as well as some of the best independent schools in London.

Crescent Wood Road is a short walk on a beautiful tree-lined footpath to Sydenham Hill station, which runs services to London Victoria (15 minutes) and Blackfriars (18 minutes). Overground trains from Forest Hill or Sydenham run to Canada Water (20 minutes).

Tenure: Leasehold (approx. 148 years remaining)
Service Charge: approx £1,450 per annum
Ground Rent: £0