BRICKWORKS SAYS

This colourful home is stylish and functional in equal measure and comes with second-to-none vistas of this uniquely green corner of South London.

Built in the 1960s, the flat has a spacious footprint and copious in-built storage, typical of the era. The internal spaces soak up natural light thanks to their elevated position on the top floor, while the large windows give the impression of living within the surrounding canopy of green.

The living spaces have been cleverly defined into zones. Take the living room, where the owners have carved out dedicated space for home working. Or the kitchen, where the flooring helps to delineate the respective areas from preparation to entertaining.

The creative owners have done an impressive job of updating the decor with a playful nod to its original character. The kitchen is a heavenly combination of bare wood with a pop of vibrant orange, while in the bathroom, the silver birch detailing brings the outside in; a fundamental principle of mid-century design. And we can’t fail to mention our absolute favourite thing – the beautiful, parquet woodblock floor. Together they combine to create a thoroughly individual and beautiful C21 home.

Leamington Court is close to three fantastic neighbourhoods –– Sydenham, Dulwich and Crystal Palace –– each with a distinctive feel and flavour. And, when you need to get away from it all, you are surrounded by green spaces in Sydenham Wells Park, Sydenham Hill Wood nature reserve, Dulwich Park, Crystal Palace Park and the award-winning Horniman Museum & Gardens.

THE OWNERS SAY

The first time we walked into the flat, we loved how light and spacious it felt. When it’s warm, we have the doors to the balcony wide open and often have dinner out there. In the winter, you can watch the sun edge over the horizon and enjoy the far-reaching views. Because this is such a leafy area, it can almost feel like you’re in the countryside. On occasion, you can hear an owl hooting, a woodpecker drumming or see swifts circling overhead in the summer.

We’re surrounded by green spaces such as the historic Crystal Palace Park or the slightly wilder Dulwich and Sydenham Hill Woods, just a two-minute walk away. It even comes with its own bat cave! The Horniman Museum and Dulwich Picture Gallery are also within walking distance. If your legs can’t stretch that far, there’s a very agreeable pub across the road. We’ll really miss our tree-top flat when we move but know someone else will enjoy it as much as we have.

POINTS TO CONSIDER

Energy Performance Certificate:
Current Energy Rating C. Potential Energy Rating C.

Council Tax:
In the borough of Lewisham, the flat falls into Band C (£1,712 in 2023/24).

Neighbours:
There are 6 flats in the block.

Tenure:
Leasehold. 959 years left on the lease.

Ground rent & service charge:
There is no ground rent. The service charge is £180 per month, which covers communal cleaning, gardening and so on.

Block management:
Leamington Court Right to Manage Company manages the block, with each flat nominating a Director to the company. In short, the block is self-managed, and the residents set the service charge and decide on work and investment.

Utilities:
Current monthly costs are approx. Gas £74, Electricity £86, Water £34.

Recent work:
The current owners have undertaken modernisation of the electrical system and installed a new heating system. They have also fitted a new kitchen and bathroom that are sensitive to the era of the property.

Getting around:
Leamington Court is a short (and lovely) walk from Sydenham Hill station. From sofa to station, you can be in Victoria or London Bridge in under half an hour. Alternatively, take a longer (downhill) stroll to Forest Hill, where you can pick up the Overground to whisk you across the city.

Anything else:
The flat comes with a garage, which is a rare and welcome bonus.

THE LEGAL BIT

While we endeavour to provide accurate photographs, floor plans, and descriptions, these should be intended as a guide. Total floor plan measurements are sometimes rounded for ease, and distances are approximated. Purchasers should always satisfy themselves through personal inspection.