Bedford Road, London, SW4

Architecture & Interior

Skillfully reimagined in the late ’90s by Clive Chapman Architects and featured in prestigious publications such as The Sunday Times Style section, Marie Claire, and The Wall Street Journal, this remarkable property stacks two levels of cutting-edge design beneath a barrel-vaulted copper roof.

Way ahead of its time when it was built, the house still has leading eco credentials from environmentally conscious building techniques. These include a closed panel system from Sweden for optimal thermal insulation, underfloor heating throughout, a south-facing orientation that maximises sunlight, triple-glazed argon-filled windows to preserve heat, and a rainwater harvesting tank.

The open-plan ground floor is naturally illuminated by dual-aspect 12-foot high glass bi-fold doors that flood the space with daylight and provide excellent ventilation. A sunken ‘conversation pit’ is inspired by Eero Saarinen’s Miller House, complete with a 360-degree fireplace, bar area, and retractable electric projection screen for gaming and movie nights. Over in the Pedini-designed Italian kitchen – a true chef’s dream! – are nine hobs, three ovens, a bar fridge, coffee station, and high-specification commercial fridge, freezer and ice machine.

The raised dining area can accommodate a table for at least 14 and has hosted everything from table football to skateboarding. Also on this level are a utility room with an industrial sink and second dishwasher, an office, a spacious games room (which could be used as an extra guest bedroom), and a meticulously finished wet room.

Upstairs on the first floor are a mezzanine currently used as a library/drawing room, two bathrooms, and the four bedrooms. The primary suite has double-height ceilings, a walk-in wardrobe, and a private bathroom with a jacuzzi and standalone shower. Integral chutes send your laundry to the utility room below.

Outside

The Mediterranean-style walled garden envelops the house with travertine limestone and Ipe decking paired with palms, olive trees, and fragrant jasmine, all maintained by an extensive irrigation system. Two small patios off the kitchen level and a terrace adjacent to the dining room offer multiple outdoor entertaining options, complete with a food prep station and barbecue. Rounding things off, a spectacular water feature by Pots & Pithoi with hand-thrown Cretian pots surrounded by beautiful green marble.

In the neighbourhood

Clapham High Street, Clapham Old Town, and Abbeville Village are heaving with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, while the vibrant weekend market, bars, restaurants, and cinema on Venn Street are also nearby.

The buzzing and eclectic scene of Brixton is but a ten-minute stroll, with unique locations like Brixton Village in the Granville Arcade, and street food at the POP Brixton container park. The legendary Academy music venue and Ritzy Cinema are also here, and you’ll also find two of South London’s most beloved green spaces at Brockwell Park with its iconic lido, and Clapham Common.

Transport and connections

The location is exceptionally well connected with the Overground from Clapham High Street, the Northern Line at Clapham Common and Clapham North, and the Victoria Line and National Rail at Brixton.

Add in countless bus routes and the Cycle Superhighway, and you’re all set for a swift ride into the City, West End, and Canary Wharf at any time of day.