Basing Court, London SE15

Creatively redesigned by Ivo Carew Architects, this three-bedroom, three-storey house lies on a gated cul-de-sac in Peckham. It first served as a Victorian bakery before being used as an artist's studio. Expertly reimagined in 2018, the house is now characterised by deft material motifs that include richly stained pine woodwork and hardwearing industrial touches. The house is a two-minute walk from the top of Rye Lane and eight minutes from Peckham Rye station.



The Tour



Entry is through a secure gate into a small courtyard. A large steel door panel gives way to steps leading to the private roof terrace as well as the front door to the right.



The L-shaped living area unfurls on entry, with a large picture window to one side that illuminates the dining area opposite. A wall of bespoke pine cabinetry lines one wall. Pale Dinesen pine floors run through the ground level, complete with underfloor heating, into the carefully demarcated living area further into the plan. The space continues towards the kitchen area to the rear, which has bespoke built-in Douglas fir units with sleek granite worktops and a freestanding gas range oven.



While the ground floor is an inherently social space, the first floor is more private in nature. A double bedroom at the front of the plan has a glazed door that provides access to the tranquil roof terrace. There’s a second double bedroom at this level as well as a shower room with a pine cupboard and a ceramic shower base.



The second floor is where the architect’s vision truly comes to fruition, with light spilling from the upper levels into the stairwell and across the full breadth of the principal bedroom. Glazing wraps three sides and there are custom-built wardrobes, also pine, as well as a bespoke desk.



Beautifully finished, the bathroom has a generous bathtub with a granite surround and is clad in pine; there is also a separate shower.



Outside Space



A private terrace extends from the first floor and is dotted with deep planters and climbing evergreens, with plenty of space to dine and entertain without being overlooked. It has direct access from the front entrance, or from both of the first-floor bedrooms.



The Area



Basing Court is well-placed to explore Peckham. The house sits on the periphery of the popular Bellenden Road, which has a number of brilliant places to eat and shop including Artusi, The Begging Bowl and Review Bookshop.



A few minutes away are the much-loved rooftop bar Frank's Cafe (which is open throughout the warmer months), Copeland Yard & Bussey Building and Peckham Levels. The southern end of Rye Lane is home to excellent restaurants and pubs including Mr Bao, Bánh Bánh and Nola, as well as The White Horse and Taca. Other excellent restaurants in the area include Levan, Market, at the end of Blenheim Grove, houses work spaces, Tonkotsu and rooftop views from Forza wine.



Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre is a five-minute walk away; other local gyms and fitness studios include Yogarise, Milo and the Bull, and Crank.



The Stirling Award-winning Peckham Library, and the newly opened Mountview Drama, are just a couple of minutes' walk away. Bold Tendencies is a not-for-profit arts organisation which runs an experimental programme just off Rye Lane, while Hannah Barry Gallery is an established commercial gallery with exhibitions of contemporary artists throughout the year.



Camberwell around a 15-minute walk away; en route are Cafe Mondo, Toad Bakery and the South London Gallery, with its year-round programme of exhibitions and events.



The popular expanse of Peckham Rye, home to the Sexby Garden, Peckham Bowls, sports pitches, and The Round Café, is a 15-minute stroll down Rye Lane. Camberwell Cemetery and Dulwich Park are within easy reach, and nearby Dulwich Leisure Centre has a public swimming pool and gym. Nunhead Cemetery is a beautiful woodland oasis with wonderful views across the city skyline.



Peckham Rye is the closest station, running London Overground services to Shoreditch High Street and Dalston Junction in one direction and Clapham Junction in the other. There are also services to London Bridge in seven minutes, Blackfriars in 11 minutes and Victoria in 13 minutes. Nearby Denmark Hill Station has non-stop services to Victoria and Elephant & Castle in less than 10 minutes. There are several bus routes with stops close to the house.



Council Tax Band: C