The Woodlands, London SE13

This expansive four-bedroom home, designed with modernist principles in mind, occupies a peaceful position on a quiet road in Hither Green. A sympathetic renovation under current ownership has made expert use of minimal interventions to retain the architecture’s charm. Wide glazing draws the eye towards the extensive rear outdoor space, while the front garden teems with over 30 varieties of wildflowers.

The Tour

Set back from the road, the house plays with the philosophy of the modern architectural movement, expressed through the glazing, layout and materials that run throughout. This home was a self-build project completed in 1967 inspired by the mid-century buildings seen throughout this part of south London.

Entry is via two sets of generous glazed double doors that fill the hallway with abundant light. A reconfiguration of the living spaces has opened up the ground-floor layout, with French doors to the rear setting the plan in dialogue with the spacious garden beyond. Original five-finger parquet runs underfoot throughout and has a unifying effect, while exposed steel and teak window frames ground the light-filled redesign in detail befitting the period. The newly refreshed kitchen has terracotta flooring, Smeg appliances and graphic white tiling. A well-placed pantry and utility room sits just behind, with additional access to the garden.

A bedroom on the ground floor is used as a generous study but would suit a variety of configurations. Off the hallway, the white-tiled family bathroom echoes the clean simplicity of mid-century design.

An original teak staircase leads to the first floor, where there are three bedrooms, one with an en suite finished with a neutral palette. A bank of casement windows illuminates the principal bedroom, which also has a generous provision of built-in storage. Further storage space can be found within the eaves in and there is also a large loft.

The home has undergone an extensive renovation, including rewiring and replumbing. There is also a garage along with off-street parking.

Outdoor Space

Glazed doors open to a stone patio and the vast rear garden, which is encased by mature trees and shrubbery. Side accessed, this vast plot, that stretches over 3000 sqft is laid mostly to lawn and makes a beautifully sociable space.

The Area

Hither Green is excellently placed for a variety of green spaces, including Manor Park, Manor House Gardens, Mountsfield Park, Blackheath and Greenwich Park. There is a wonderful range of independent shops, restaurants and cafés close by, including Sapore Vero pizzeria, Fera Lebanese Grill, the Station Hotel and cafés Milk and Arlo & Moe near Hither Green Station. Artisanal grocery and deli Found Hope on Hither Green Lane is a short 9-minute walk away. Nearby Blackheath is one of London’s most popular and attractive green areas and has a great selection of shopping and dining options, including Gail’s bakery.

The area is popular with young families, with several “Outstanding” primary schools nearby and a wealth of activities for young children.

Trains run from Hither Green and nearby Lewisham Station directly to London Bridge in 9 minutes, Charing Cross and Cannon Street. Lewisham (Zone Two) also operates connections to Victoria and the DLR for Canary Wharf and Bank.

Council Tax Band: E