2 bed flat for sale

Howson Road, London SE4

Positioned on the leafy corner of a cul-de-sac, this two-bedroom apartment in Brockley has undergone a detail-oriented renovation. It occupies the ground floor of a Victorian house and has a private west-facing garden, ideal for hosting or dining outside. Brockley and Crofton Park stations are both close, along with the area's brilliant cafés, bars, restaurants and green spaces.

The Tour

A private front door at the side of the building opens to the apartment's hallway, where diamond chequered tiles run underfoot and walls are washed in 'Tabula Rasa' by Atelier Ellis. At the front is the living room, which is filled with light in the mornings from a large bay window. A fireplace at the centre is laid with an exquisite verde cipollino marble hearth. Bespoke-built bookshelves line the full height of the alcoves on either side.

Next door is the sleek, contemporary kitchen, where Fenix self-healing worktops are paired with an Otto-tiled splashback and dark-stained cabinets, ceiling-high on one side. Stacked Smeg ovens - one of which is a microwave - are integrated, and there is an integrated fridge/freezer, a dishwasher, a washer/dryer and a boiling water tap. Unusually for a Victorian conversion, the kitchen’s square configuration allows a comfortable space for entertaining at its core/centre, with views of the garden through double doors and original restored floorboards underfoot.

Both bedrooms lie towards the rear, each laid with sisal carpet. The principal bedroom has a neutral scheme, while the second room is more intimate and painted in a deep green shade from Lick. Both overlook a section of the garden and are served by a large shower room.

Additional storage space is provided in the form of a large cupboard in the hallway. There is also a door here to an undemised basement.

Outdoor Space

Careful attention has been paid to the west-facing private garden, with its demarcated areas of planted beds, gravel paths and a dining area to the rear. A botanical haven, it has been planted with a variety of drought-tolerant and Mediterranean planting including miscanthus, stipa tenuissima, olive, lavender, verbena, foxtail lilies and bronze fennel. A shadier section provides respite in the summer heat, surrounded by various species of ferns along with Japanese forest grass, black mondo grass, wild ginger and star jasmine.

The Area

Howson Road is between the neighbourhoods of Brockley and Crofton Park. There are numerous cafés, restaurants and bars within easy reach, including the now legendary Browns of Brockley coffee shop, Brockley Brewery, Joyce natural wine bar and l'Oculto for excellent tapas and a wide array of conveniences. Nearby Brockley Market runs every Saturday and features a wide range of organic traders (butchers, grocers, fishmongers), food trucks and plant sellers.

Crofton Park is home to Jones of Brockley, a wonderful local deli with a wide selection of seasonal produce, natural wine and craft beer, along with Arlo & Moe café – another local favourite. For more of our recommendations in the area, look to our Brockley and Nunhead residents' guide.

The excellent green spaces of Hilly Fields Park (and its café) are a short walk away. The Brockley and Ladywell Cemetery spans 37 acres of beautiful green space and is within a five-minute walk. Ladywell Fields, around a 20-minute walk from the house, is a 54-acre park that forms part of the Waterlink Way. It encompasses the River Ravensbourne, a nature reserve, café, adventure playground, several rare mature trees and a flock of parakeets.

There are plenty of well-regarded schooling options in the area, including Beecroft Primary School, John Stainer Community Primary School, and Gordonbrock Primary School.

The closest station is Brockley (eight minutes on foot), which runs Thameslink services to London Bridge in approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, Brockley station runs London Overground services to Highbury and Islington in about 30 minutes, and National Rail or Thameslink services citywide. Crofton Park is only a 10-minute walk away and runs Thameslink services to Blackfriars in nine minutes.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 100 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £120 per annum / Council Tax Band: C