Kinveachy Gardens, London SE7

This award-winning five-bedroom house is part of a handsome Victorian terrace on a quiet residential street in Charlton, south-east London. The current owners have sensitively reimagined the period home to create a set of calm living spaces characterised by clean architectural lines and a pared-back material palette of birch ply and microcement. Beyond the kitchen, there is a 50 ft mature garden bounded by a garden room, through which a secret door leads directly to Maryon Park and Maryon Wilson Animal Park. The house received the ‘Best Modern Home’ LivingEtc 2022 Reader's Award and was featured in House London by Ellie Stathaki.

The Tour 

The house sits neatly within a terrace of red-brick Victorian houses, dressed in white stucco and defined by large bay windows. Behind an iron gate lies a paved pathway leading to the front door, which opens onto a long hallway with white-washed walls and original floorboards.

The living area is adjacent, beautifully bright courtesy of a large three-bay window at the front of the plan. Two marble fireplaces sit at either end; one is bookended by open shelving on either side, and the other contains a wood burner. A wonderfully open room, it would suit multiple configurations. Original period details and cornicing have been carefully retained throughout, whilst recently fitted light switches and sockets are by Dowsing and Reynolds. There is also a WC under the stairs with a striking terracotta-coloured Kast concrete sink and brass Crosswater taps.

A Scandinavian-inspired kitchen is created via two points of access: one from the hallway, another down a set of steps from the living area. The bespoke cabinet fronts by Naked Kitchens are made from a combination of birch-ply and Formica, accented by round handles. A large island with Corian worktops and brass fixtures cleverly demarcates the space and pendant lights hang above. Larder cupboards lie on the opposite side, while overhead shelving provides further storage. There is a Fohen hot water tap and a Harvey water softener; the induction hob has a downdraft built-in extraction. Swathes of microcement flow throughout, warmed by underfloor heating, and remote-controlled Velux sky lanterns illuminate the space.

At the rear, a built-in dining banquette with plenty of concealed storage sits underneath a picture window. A large glazed door pivots to open onto the garden, where a front patio has been levelled to seamlessly transition from indoors to out and provide ample room for outside dining.

A staircase with original balustrades and a smart carpet runner ascends to the first floor, where three spacious double bedrooms, a utility room and an immaculate bathroom lie. The neutral palette continues here, as do the original floorboards, creating a sense of continuity between the spaces.

The current owners have extended the house to create a further double bedroom on the second floor. There is also a smart shower room, clad in white oblong tiles, with fittings and fixtures by Lusso Stone and a Crosswater shower screen. A large window frames glorious sweeping views across the mature trees and gardens beyond.

A light-filled home office also sits on this floor, with an integrated plywood desk and custom-designed storage. This study could easily convert to a bedroom or be used as a flexible space with room for a pull-out sofa bed. A cleverly positioned window seat offers a beautiful vantage point to look across the parkland. This room has air conditioning and a remote-controlled recessed blind. There is also plenty of additional storage within the eaves.

The house has a new boiler and electrical board, calibrated cast-iron radiators and Nest controls with two isolated thermostats.

Outdoor Space 

The large garden is laid mostly to lawn, bordered by climbing roses and enclosed by mature trees. At the front is a microcement patio area, the perfect spot to sit and entertain. A stone pathway leads to a large garden room with a secret doorway, which opens directly onto the park behind.

The garden room is fully insulated and fitted with electrics. Currently used as an additional living area and games room, it could also be the perfect site for home working or gym. Bifold glazed doors slide open to allow greater interaction with the garden during the warmer months. An integrated shed for outside storage with an external plug lies opposite.

The Area

Charlton is one of the oldest remaining villages in London. It is home to an award-winning organic greengrocer, which feeds the animals in the local park, as well as two pubs and a Coop. The Jacobean Charlton House is now a local community centre and events venue, home to a café, library, weekly market, Montessori nursery and the Greenwich Music School.

The house is surrounded by parkland, notably Maryon Wilson Animal Park,  which has deer, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, rare breed ducks and peacocks. A wonderful place to walk, it is also part of the green trail. Maryon Park sits opposite the house. It has large playing fields, which regularly host community events, allotments, and tennis courts; Gilbert's Pit, a local nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, is also located here.

The Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club is also close by, with an Olympic-sized heated outdoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym, tennis courts, an outdoor splash pool and a large children’s playground.

Slightly further afield is the pretty old town of Greenwich. Famous for its maritime history, it now has an excellent selection of restaurants, pubs and shops, a Picturehouse cinema and a theatre. The Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 18th century, hosts a popular programme of events in the gardens, including concerts, an open-air theatre and a jazz festival. Greenwich Park, part of the Greenwich World Heritage Site, is also close by.

There are several excellent schooling options close by, including a number of primary schools including Windrush Primary School and Our Lady of Grace Catholic Primary School. Highly respected independent schools including The Pointer School, Blackheath Prep and Blackheath High School are also nearby.

For transport, Charlton's railway station runs direct services to London Bridge in 16 minutes, as well as to Waterloo East, Charing Cross and Cannon Street. Woolwich Station is on the Elizabeth Line and has direct links to central London via Canary Wharf, which is reached in under 30 minutes, and Liverpool Street. The nearest Underground station is North Greenwich for the Jubilee Line. City Airport is under 20 minutes away for international travel and the area is also well serviced by the Cycle Super Highway.

Council Tax Band: D