Leigham Avenue, London SW16£495,000 Leasehold

Endsleigh Mansions

Resplendent stained-glass sunburst glazing diffuses a warm, honeyed glow

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Built in the first part of the 20th century, this voluminous two-bedroom apartment is situated on the first floor of an art deco mansion block in Streatham. Generous lateral living spaces of over 1,000 sq ft are home to wonderfully preserved original features, including numerous sunburst stained glass windows, a quintessentially deco tiled fire surround and original kitchen cabinetry. Outside, well-kept communal gardens surround the red-brick building, which is just a five-minute walk from Streatham Hill Station.

Setting the Scene

Originally a part of Surrey, Streatham transitioned into a suburb of London during the mid-19th century. With the railway station opening in 1856, Streatham became a part of the ever-expanding train network, here connecting the city to the newly developed suburbs. It became an appealing spot for city workers, with the later additions of retail centres, glamorous theatres, dance halls and cinemas (many in the distinct early 20th-century style) making it even more widely attractive. Housing stock was developed as a result to accommodate this growing population.

Endsleigh Mansions was built in the early 1930s to a design by John S. Quilter and Sons. Bay and Crittall-style windows define its front façade, while mature shrubs and flowers characterise its pretty communal gardens running along Leigham Avenue. Inside, the apartment’s original features work together to create a classic 1930s home. For more information, see the History area.

The Grand Tour

Smaller in scale than neighbouring apartment blocks at just four storeys high, the neat, red-brick block is defined by its original elegantly stylish front doors.

Inside the apartment, the living spaces are generously proportioned and are grounded by the original floorboards. Striking black and yellow ‘sunburst’ stained glass is a focal point upon entry, with light streaming through its panels to imbue the plan with an exquisite glow. An abundance of original details remain, including picture rails, internal doors and door furniture. High ceilings add to the wonderful sense of volume and original borrowed lights from the era present a cohesiveness to the overall design. In the living room, a wide bay window and fireplace are two dramatic focal points. The stepped, set-back design of the fireplace takes its influence from the simplistic designs of the Bauhaus movement. The expansive room provides plenty of space for a dining table, perfect for hosting dinner parties.

Several fantastic original features remain in the kitchen, including wall tiles, the range’s iron footing, a glass-fronted pantry and useful storage cupboards. Low-hung navy cabinetry has been paired with brightly coloured tiled flooring in keeping with the home’s 1930s origins.

Two unusually spacious bedrooms are distinct with their differing outlooks and magnificent fireplaces. The room at the front shares the hallway’s resplendent stained-glass glazing. Here, the fireplace has lacquered mahogany above an Egyptian-inspired design. In the second bedroom, there is a simple understated fireplace and a window that looks out to the rear. A bright bathroom, a separate WC with original blue trim tiles, storage and linen cupboards all fan out from the apartment’s hallway.

Out and About

Endsleigh Gardens is brilliantly located off historic Streatham High Road, where there’s a dazzling selection of both high street and independently owned shops and restaurants. Neighbourhood favourites include French delicatessen and bakery Le Tour de France, Waakye Joint for its zingy West African flavours, and Al-Jazeera, where you can feast on delicately spiced and healthy Somalian cuisine. Streatham has lots to offer by way of arts and entertainment; The White Lion is the venue for the Streatham Soul Club, and Streatham Space Project hosts regular jazz nights, art exhibitions and theatre performances. The New Art School regularly runs painting courses.

For greenspaces, Tooting Bec and Tooting Common are a 10-minute walk away. Its historic lido built in 1906 has the accolade of being Britain’s oldest outdoor pool; originally known as Tooting Bathing Lake, it was a communal bath at a time when few homes were built with bathrooms. There is also a cricket club and other outdoor sports, like tag rugby, are regular fixtures.

Nearby Henry Cavendish Primary School is currently rated as “Outstanding” by Ofsted. For secondary options, there are two local independent schools: Streatham and Clapham High School, and London Park School Clapham.

Streatham Hill Station runs services to Victoria in 18 minutes; to London Bridge in 23; and to St. Albans in an hour and four minutes. Buses to Brixton run regularly with a journey time of 15 minutes. The A23 provides easy access out of London to Gatwick and the south.

Tenure: Leasehold
Underlying Lease Length: Approx. 105 years remaining
Service Charge: £2,000 per annum (covers building’s insurance; freeholders’ administration or management charges; repairs to shared areas and the outside of the building; cleaning services; and communal garden maintenance)
Ground Rent: £100 per annum
Council Tax Band: F

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. Inigo has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.

History

Streatham gets its name from the Saxon ‘strat’, street and ‘ham’, settlement. In 1659, medicinal springs were discovered there; by the early 18th century, their popularity led to the High Street and Common being described by one commentator as “fashionable promenades where all the leaders of society might be met”. Spring waters were pumped and sold right up to the outbreak of the Second World War.

Large houses in their own grounds began springing up in the 18th century built by owners wanting to escape the city. When the railways expanded during the 19th century, the surrounding fields and small villages were part of this rapid redevelopment. The old estates were broken up and sold off for the building of leafy avenues, glamourous theatres, cinemas and dance halls. Streatham experienced dramatic social, economic and architectural changes. By 1901 the population had reached 71,000, a steep rise from 12,000 in 1871. Despite its fast growth, many historic reminders remain including, the Gothic Victorian drinking fountain (1862) designed by the painter and local resident William Dyce.