Blackheath Park, London SE3

This four-bedroom Span house on the Cator Estate demonstrates the masterful simplicity of Eric Lyons' original design. It was built in 1960 and has only been sold once before; as a result, it abounds with original features. An example of the T2Ax house type, the plan seamlessly blurs inside and out with generous glazing and fluid living spaces. Positioned at the sought-after end of a quiet, tree-lined street, it is set back from the pavement within a gated, passionate community who celebrate the Estate’s mid-century heritage.

The Architect

The influential Span company was founded in the late 1950s by visionary developer Geoff Townsend and consultant architect Eric Lyons. Lyons latterly became the President of RIBA having studied with Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier. The tenets of new modernism and creating harmony with the environment are core to Span’s ethos of 'homes within a garden'. For more information, see the History section.

The Tour

Mature hedges border the original white picketed gate leading to the bright, paved front garden. The house is entered through a hallmark Span porch surrounded by full-height glazing. To the right of the entrance is a handy room currently used as an office space. A neatly tucked away cloakroom cupboard and WC are also positioned conveniently near the front.

The interplay of light plays an important role in the design of the house. The plan is bookended by glazing at the front and back, where dual-aspect windows make for a bright living space. The kitchen and dining spaces sit beyond, with two sets of doors that open to the rear garden.

Original pine shiplap panelling runs up the stairwell walls and is a lively reminder of the home's history. A roomy landing sits at the top and houses convenient storage. The main bedroom sits at the front and is characterised by its L-shaped glazing and double-height pitched roof, while the second and third bedrooms sit at the rear and overlook the garden greenery. The vast ceiling height of the family bathroom feels especially generous.

Please note that the house is largely in original condition and may benefit from some updating.

Outside Space

A key part of Span's philosophy, the front and rear gardens have been well-maintained and have distinct spaces for sitting, entertaining or al fresco dining.

Lyons' thinking was to give the car separate housing; in keeping with this, a garage en bloc is moments away from the house.

The Area

The Cator Estate is made up of 282 acres of private roads and features architectural jewels from all ages, from tall villas built at its inception in the late Georgian period to the mid-century modernism of Lyons’s Span Housing.

Blackheath Village is around a 20-minute walk away and is renowned for its community spirit. There is a wonderful array of thriving independent shops and eateries, including Montpeliers for pasteries, Arts Kitchen or 15grams for coffee and after-hours artisanal wine. Le Bar A Vin is also a cosy spot and has over 100 French wines to pick from. The much-loved weekly farmers' market every Sunday is the perfect place to pick up a fresh loaf of sourdough and flowers.

We've written more about our recommendations in Blackheath in our Journal.

The house is a four-minute drive to Brooklands Primary School, which has an excellent reputation and has an Ofsted "Good" rating. Slightly further is the “Outstanding” Wingfield Primary School. There are a host of excellent school options for secondary schools in the area, including the “Good” Thomas Tallis School and an array of “Good” independent schools.

Blackheath Station is approximately a 23-minute walk away, or a 4-minute cycle, and is one stop from the Docklands Light Railway for easy access to both the Docklands and the City. Trains from Blackheath to London Bridge take approximately 10 minutes, they also go to Victoria, Charing Cross and Cannon Street.

Service Charge: Approx. £1,800 per annum
Council Tax Band: F