Park Vista, London SE10

Extending over 2,000 sq ft, this expansive Grade II-listed house sits on Park Vista, a coveted street opposite historic Greenwich Park. It was built in the late 18th century and retains much of its Georgian character. Sweeping sash windows frame exquisite views in the front and the back, both of which receive day-long light care of the home's north-south orientation. Park Vista sits a short walk from Greenwich's village-like centre, with its brilliant offering of shops, restaurants and its celebrated period architecture.

Setting the Scene

The house lies opposite Greenwich Park, which was enclosed by the Duke of Gloucester in 1443 and seized under Henry VI in the mid-15th century. Henry VIII was born and married in Greenwich; it is said that he first introduced deer to Greenwich Park. The Park is perhaps best known for the Royal Observatory, which was commissioned in 1675 by Charles II. The original part of the Observatory was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and was the first purpose-built scientific research facility in Britain.

Aptly named, Park Vista is lined with houses that, from their upper levels, have arresting views across the parkland. Grade II-listed since 1973, this house is defined by its multicoloured stock brick and slender original fenestration. Entry is via its light green-painted front door, which is set beneath a smart fanlight that mimics the shape of an adjacent arched sash window.


The Grand Tour

A hallway unfolds on arrival, with white-painted walls and the reconditioned hardwood oak floorboards that ground much of the home. A peaceful study lies at the front of the ground-floor plan and has a built-in desk and shelving.

The rear of the ground floor is occupied by the sitting room, a light-filled and voluminous space with a large tripartite bay window, waist-height panelling, a picture rail and cornicing. A stately marble-framed cast-iron fireplace provides warmth in the cooler months, along with a broad mantelpiece for placing favourite objects.

With white-painted spindles and a richly toned mahogany handrail, the staircase at the core of the home winds down to the lower-ground floor. The kitchen lies at the rear here, with sleek white cabinetry above and below a quartz countertop. A Smeg range sits centrally and a large fridge-freezer has been cleverly concealed. There is space beneath the wide central roof light for an informal sitting space, with doors at the rear making for easy passage to the garden in the warmer months.

A dining room lies at the front, its walls adorned with an intricate Little Greene heritage collection wallpaper. The sash window draws light into the room, and alcove-set glass-fronted cabinets lend shelves to display favourite glassware. There is also a neat WC/shower room carved out beneath the stairs.

A pitched skylight at the top of the stairwell allows brightness to cascade down as the treads ascend to the first and second storeys. All three bedrooms lie across the upper levels, each well proportioned and with built-in storage.

The principal bedroom sits at the fore of the first floor, with particularly tall windows that frame sublime park views. Its walls are painted a buttercup yellow that pairs effortlessly with the Morris & Co. wallpaper, and detailing on the white-painted and marble fireplace are emphasised as sunlight dances across the room. The remaining two bedrooms lie on the top floor and are equally peaceful and thoughtfully finished. From the back of the house, views stretch as far as Canary Wharf - a particularly arresting view come dusk.

A family bathroom with an adjacent WC sits on the first floor, its walls adorned with Cole & Son Forest Botanicals. It has an impressive amount of storage, along with twin sinks set into a marble countertop. A freestanding Lusso Stone bathtub has been placed beneath the sash window for particularly atmospheric soaks.

The Great Outdoors

From the kitchen, a generous garden pristinely landscaped by Joanna Herald unfolds. It has been thoughtfully delineated, with a Millboard patio directly abutting the house. Steps ascend to a decked area where there is plenty of room for a dining set-up and/or sun loungers. Jasmine and clematis grow across the boundaries on either side, with colourfully-planted beds carved out beneath. A mature olive tree stands at the foot of the garden, along with laurel and climbing roses.

The house also has two tanked storage vaults, accessed via a door from the dining room.

Out and About

Park Vista is minutes from the particularly pretty stretch of the Thames that winds through Greenwich. Here, historic Georgian pub Cutty Sark is a firm favourite, though even closer to home is Greenwich's oldest pub, The Plume of Feathers, with its atmospheric garden, impressive ale menu, and candlelit restaurant for wiling away an evening amongst maritime relics and historical paintings.

The expansive greenery of Greenwich Park sits in front of the house and is home to a cricket pitch, rose garden, Anglo Saxon barrows and, perhaps most notably, the Royal Observatory, where visitors can stand on the Prime Meridian Line. Inigo Jones's Queen's House is just a few doors down from Park Vista and is a prime example of 17th-century classicism.

Greenwich's maritime past is alive and well - popular attractions include Cutty Sark and the brilliant National Maritime Museum. 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. For fans of baroque, its Painted Hall is a sight to behold.

There are some fine places to eat out in Greenwich, including the bustling Trafalgar Tavern, an outpost of Sticks’n’Sushi and Goddard's Pie and Mash shop. Other popular spots include The Hill and vegetarian café Royal Teas. For cinephiles, Greenwich Picturehouse showcases the best in new and older films alike.

A short walk through the park reaches a cluster of local delis on Royal Hill, including greengrocer The Creaky Shed, Ellis and Jones Fishmongers, The Cheeseboard, Drings butchers, and Art of Zero Living.

Only slightly further afield is Blackheath Village, which has a range of local restaurants, delicatessens and a weekly farmers’ market on Sundays.

There are plenty of state-run primary schools in the area, along with a handful of good secondary options. There are also stellar private options nearby, including Blackheath High School GDST, Blackheath Prep and Heath House.

A three-minute walk away, Maze Hill is the closest station to the house and runs Southeastern and Thameslink services. For Underground connections, Greenwich station (DLR) is a 17-minute walk away and runs quick connections to Canary Wharf and the City. The area is also well-served by bus links.

Council Tax Band: G