Backing onto a spacious communal garden, this light and generous two-bedroom apartment is located on Wickham Road, a coveted wide and leafy road that runs through the heart of the Brockley Conservation Area in south London. A recent renovation has deftly balanced the respectful retention of historic features with bold design moves that have rationalised the plan for contemporary living. Brockley Station is a short walk away with direct access to the overground and rail network.
Setting the Scene
The first of the grand avenues in Brockley, Wickham Road is at the heart of the conservation area. Constructed on farmland, predominantly in the second half of the 19th century, the homes were built for the newly wealthy industrialists whose business was centred around the industrial areas of Bermondsey and Deptford. Prior to its residential development, Brockley was well-regarded for the quality of its soil, which led to the creation of many market gardens; the area was renowned for the growing of giant rhubarb and its exemplary strawberries.
The area remains leafy to this day, with a plethora of public green spaces, tree-lined streets, nature reserves and large gardens. As such, it is a haven for the wildlife of London and it is believed the Brockley Badger lives on in certain parts, namely the New Cross Gate Cutting, a 10-acre wildlife reserve a short walk from Wickham Road. Indeed, the name Brockley is a derivation of ‘Broca’s woodland clearing’ – ‘Broca’ being Old English for badger.
The Grand Tour
This apartment occupies the ground floor of a grand, handsome villa that sits proudly in its corner plot. On entering, original warm timber flooring runs down the hallway into the reception room which comprises an open-plan kitchen, living and dining space. This flexible and contemporary space, created as part of the recent works, is characterised by a tripartite bay window with views out onto the gardens at one end, and a run of kitchen joinery at the other. West-facing, this convivial room draws in the best of the afternoon light.
The primary bedroom is at the front of the plan and has a large sash window, original timber flooring and walls painted with the soft ‘Pink 01’ by Lick. Across the hall, the WC is a picture of contemporary cottage charm, with half-height butt-and-bead boarding and finished with Ottoline’s ‘Little Wild Tulips’ paper. The bathroom is equally well-finished, with a refined material palette offset by blush pink tiles that wrap around the bath. Tucked at the rear of the plan with a door leading out into the garden, the smart second bedroom is equally suited to use as a study as it is currently configured. This serene room is painted in ‘Green 01’ also by Lick, a verdant green shade that reflects the abundant greenery in the garden outside.
The Great Outdoors
The communal garden at the rear can be accessed from the second bedroom, which opens out onto a small paved patio. Up a small flight of steps is an expansive lawn bordered by mature trees and shrubs softened with ivy, budleja and roses, creating a sense of tranquility and seclusion.
Out and About
The apartment is a short walk from the reputable cafés and restaurants of Brockley and St Johns. The Telegraph Hill Conservation Area lies a short distance to the west, a thriving London neighbourhood with a growing cultural profile. A short walk from St Johns, New Cross and Nunhead, with Deptford, Greenwich and Peckham slightly further afield, it is swiftly becoming one of the most fashionable parts of southeast London. The area surrounding Wickham Road has a range of cafés, pubs and restaurants, including Good as Gold, Joyce and Marcella. There are plenty of green spaces nearby, including Nunhead Cemetery, Peckham Rye and Hilly Fields
Brockley Market,running every Saturday, is renowned for offering a wide range of organic produce, alongside food trucks and wine merchants including the wonderful Salthouse Bottles. Goldsmiths (University of London) is within walking distance, with its gallery designed by Turner-prize winning architects Assemble.
The house is a 12-minute walk from Brockley Station, which runs services to London Bridge in 12 minutes. Frequent Overground services also run from Brockley, for connections to Peckham, Shoreditch and Highbury & Islington. St Johns Station is an eight-minute walk away, with services running to London Bridge and Canon Street in eight minutes. Elverson Road station is a 18-minute walk away, with frequent DLR services that provide access to Canada Water in 12 minutes.
Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: Approx. 988 years
Service Charge: Approx. £2,431 per annum
Ground Rent: N/A
Council Tax Band: C
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