London SW18£2,350,000 Freehold

Swaffield Road

Sweeping proportions and beautifully textured stock-brick walls speak to the house's Victorian origins

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The pastel-grey façade of this 1840’s terraced house in Earlsfield, south-west London belies its extensive plan of over 3,300 sq ft. The original three-bedroom house opens out into a vast converted Victorian laundry, with a lofty 4.5 metre ceiling height at first floor and a stepped roof terrace. A thorough remodelling has not come at the expense of retaining the house’s period charm, with a series of original features inside and out nodding to its 19th-century origins. The home’s diverse and expansive living spaces, which unfold over both of its storeys, have been masterfully designed; each also extends out to the house’s three brilliantly distinct outdoor spaces, including off-street parking to the front. For travel into central London, Earlsfield station is a short walk from the house and runs trains into Waterloo in approximately 13 minutes.

Setting the Scene

What is now known as Earlsfield began its life as ‘Garrett’ (sometimes spelt as Garrat or Garratt). The area became increasingly industrialised during the 18th and 19th centuries, with London’s first railway, the Surrey Iron Railway, running along Garratt Lane. Its present-day name came into being as a result of the mainline railway station that was built in April 1884; it was named Earlsfield, after a large Victorian residence.

The new station encouraged house-building locally, including along Swaffield Road. This house is towards the end of a row of uniform Victorian houses with stock-brick frontages (although this home has been pained a steely bluish-grey), stucco-dressed windows and wide bay windows to the lower level. In contrast to its neighbours, the house opens out into a vast space that now accommodates the open plan living spaces.

The Grand Tour

Accessed via a slightly recessed navy-painted front door, the house opens to a hallway with room to hang up coats. To the right is the first of several living spaces, here lit by a wide, tripartite bay fitted with white shutters. Currently used as a spacious office, the room is well-proportioned and has original, painted floorboards.

Steps at the rear ascend to an inner hallway, with a generous bathroom on the right. Almost all of the remaining ground-floor plan is given over to the open-plan living, kitchen and dining spaces, which are configured in a gently delineated yet cohesive L-shape. Closest to the rear of the house is the living and dining room, where warm-toned timber floorboards run underfoot. Walls here are painted in ‘Pavilion Grey’ from Farrow & Ball and frame an exposed beam that runs along one side. Light enters through the open stairwell to the first floor, and through a vast roof lantern in the kitchen.

Tucked around the corner, the kitchen is formed of generous Chalon cabinetry, solid wood countertops and integrated appliances. An exposed original stock-brick wall runs along one side, reminding of the house’s early life. Bifold doors at the far end of the room offer direct access to the rear terrace, a configuration that is particularly handy during summertime hosting. Adjacent to the kitchen is a spacious utility room that provides direct access to the vast garage, currently used for the current owner’s business.

Upstairs, a third living space rests above the sitting room below. Skylights have been set at intervals within the sloping roof, creating a lofty, bright atmosphere. The vaulted ceiling reaches up from an expanse of exposed brick wall and beam; both work with a Nordpeis log burner to foster a cosy ambience during the colder months. A door at the rear provides direct access to the first-floor terrace.

One of the house’s bedrooms lies on the ground floor, with the remaining two upstairs. All are of a good size and have floorboards running underfoot. The principal suite of approximately 570 sq ft lies at the front of the first floor, with twin shuttered windows in addition to two skylights set in the roof above. There is a brilliantly evocative original cast-iron fireplace here, as well as an air conditioning unit that provides an optimal temperature year-round. As in the bedroom, the adjoining en suite and dressing room are both finished in a soothing neutral palette, with the former housing a luxurious freestanding bath as well as a shower.

There are options to expand the footprint including planning permission (which has now lapsed) for a loft extension to include two additional bedrooms and a shower room.

The Great Outdoors

The house has three distinct outdoor areas: a front yard, a rear terrace and a first-floor terrace. The first, the front yard, is a neat space grounded by limestone flags; it has space for off-street parking and provides access to the house’s garage, which has the potential for development (subject to planning permission).

The second terrace lies at the rear, extending out from the house’s open-plan living spaces. A sage green paint has been used across the walls that encircle the space, chosen to complement the stone slabs underfoot. There is plenty of room here for a generous dining table with convenient kitchen access, as well as some artfully potted plants. Built-in planters along the rear wall have been filled with various hostas as well as tall olive trees that add privacy and a sense of seclusion.

Upstairs, the home’s first-floor decked terrace is a wonderful space to place sun loungers or a second dining set. Built-in timber seating wraps the periphery, providing plenty of space to sit and sip a morning coffee.

Out and About

On a quiet residential road near King George’s Park, the house is ideally located for the some of the best amenities that area has to offer. The Grosvenor Arms, a local favourite pub, is a 10-minute walk away, while the Southside Shopping Centre has a handy Waitrose. A short walk away is the buoyant Bellevue Road, which faces the green open spaces of Wandsworth Common and is replete with independent shops, cafés and restaurants, including Bonsai Espresso Room, Brinkley’s, Bella’s Fruit and Veg, The Althorp pub and the excellent KIBOU restaurant and sushi bar.

The River Wandle, which is only four-minute walk away, is a tributary of the River Thames and runs along the King George Park. Along with the park, the are plenty of green spaces in the area including Wandsworth Common, around a 10-minute walk, alongside Wandsworth Park and Garret Park. The Thames Path is also under 30 minutes away. Only a little further away are Wimbledon Park and Clapham Common.

As far as schooling is concerned, there are a number of primary and secondary, state and private options within easy reach, including Swaffield Primary School and Wandsworth Prep.

Earlsfield Station is a 12-minute walk away and provides services directly to London Waterloo in 13 minutes and Victoria via Clapham Junction. There is also Southfields Underground (District line) around a 15-minute walk and several bus routes within moments running into central London.

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.