Avondale Rise, London SE15

This 1970s-built house in Peckham Rye has been subject to a magnificent reconfiguration under current ownership. Now spanning 1,200 sq ft, it has been designed with flexibility in mind, with two/three bedrooms and light-filled living spaces. There is an immaculate garden at the rear, along with a bright inner courtyard. The house lies on Avondale Road, just off Bellenden Road, with its much-loved shops and restaurants.



The Tour



At first glance, the house's black-painted brick façade and orange front door cut a dramatic profile against Avondale's Rise uniform Victorian vernacular. The entrance to the house is set back from the road, behind a black wall and a hedged front garden with loose slate and an olive tree.



The front door opens to a bright and spacious lobby area, where a dramatic steel staircase hints at the transformation that unfolds beyond. Clean architectural lines have been prioritised throughout, with soaring ceilings and anodised glazing. White-washed walls pair elegantly with a microcement floor (warmed by underfloor heating) and spirited pops of colour.



The living spaces and the kitchen have been carefully extended. In the kitchen, walnut cabinets sit below a black quartz worktop and a large kitchen island houses an induction hob with a built-in extractor fan; there is also space for bar stool seating.



A glass screen divides the kitchen from the impressive L-shaped living and dining, accessed via a couple of steps. Bespoke low-level walnut storage runs along one wall, and the central pillar has clever display nooks within. Crittall-style full-height doors fold back completely to seamlessly connect the space with the rear garden. Light is drawn into here through a wonderful courtyard planted with a single olive tree. Doors open fully on both sides above a wooden bench that wraps around two aspects.



The first bedroom is on the ground floor, tucked away behind a pocket door. There is walnut flooring here, and a door to a Jack-and-Jill-style bathroom room with a shower fitting, a concrete sink and a sleek grey and yellow scheme.



A steel staircase with pinhole perforations leads up to the first floor. From the landing, a glass screen overlooks the ground-floor hallway, setting the spaces in dialogue with one another.



The principal bedroom lies on this level, concealed behind a concertina door from the landing and with exposed beams, navy linen wallpaper and double doors that open over a sedum roof. Although it is currently used as one space, it has been designed to be easily converted to give an additional bedroom if required. Adjoining the space, or accessed via a door from the landing, is a dressing area with a basin and bespoke mirrored wardrobes. Beyond lies a shower room, with slate and black fittings and a Velux skylight.



Outdoor Space



Accessed via the living room, the enclosed walled garden is a versatile space planted with a lush, tropical scheme. There is also a patio terrace, ideal for entertaining, and a low-maintenance AstroTurf lawn.



The Area



Bellenden Road has a host of popular shops, cafés and restaurants, including the General Store, Flock & Herd Butcher, and Review Bookshop, while neighbouring Rye Lane has a vast number of independent retailers, longstanding shops and newer arrivals. Local favourites include The White Horse pub, The Montpelier, Persepolis, Peckhamplex, Copeland Park & Bussey Building, Frame Architects, Market Peckham, and Nola Coffee.



The green spaces of Peckham Rye Park and Common are a 15-minute stroll on foot; facilities here include café Colicci, an arboretum, a playground, a picnic area and various gardens. We've written more about Peckham in our residents' guide.



The area is surrounded by good local schools, including currently St John’s and St Clement’s Church of England Primary School and The Charter School East Dulwich for secondary.



Peckham Rye is the closest station; it runs National Rail services to London Bridge and Blackfriars, along with the Windrush line, where connections to the Jubilee line can be found at Canada Water, around 10 minutes away. There are also plenty of bus routes locally.



Council Tax Band: C