2 bed flat for sale

Villa Fontaine, Sydenham Hill, London SE26

This handsome two-bedroom apartment sits on the second floor of a contemporary development in Dulwich. Built to a design by award-winning architect practice Craftworks, Villa Fontaine is home to nine light-filled units defined by a double-aspect layout. The internal spaces are carefully finished with high-quality materials, bespoke handmade joinery and plenty of concealed storage. The green spaces of Crystal Palace Park are on the doorstep; Sydenham Hill is a short walk away and runs direct services to London Victoria, Blackfriars and City Thameslink/Farringdon.

The Tour

The building is set back from the street, with secure cycle storage at the front. The contemporary façade, made of Petersen’s renowned Danish brick-and-tile, was envisioned to reflect the local context. It rises over four storeys, lined with soaring glass panels that contribute a sense of verticality and lightness.

The apartment lies on the second floor and can be accessed via stairs. The private front door opens to the hallway, connecting the front and back of the home.

Here and throughout, exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in every aspect of this apartment’s functional and harmonious interiors. Solid wood floors stretch across the plan, complete with underfloor heating, and solid wood doors, wall and ceiling panelling throughout are complemented by concealed storage and handmade joinery. All rooms are equipped with background ventilation.

To the left is a sweeping open-plan reception area organised with kitchen, dining and living room, ideally suited for entertaining. A series of east-facing sliding glass doors and full-height panels, configured as a large bay window, frames leafy views of the surrounding greenery.

Unfolding along one side of the space is a bespoke, handmade solid wood kitchen with solid Corian-style worktops and a matching, integrated sink; floor-to-ceiling cupboards and open shelving provide plenty of space for storage. Integrated appliances include an oven, hob, fridge, freezer and dishwasher.

Removed at the rear of the plan are two quiet and spacious bedrooms, one of which has access to an en suite shower room. Both rooms have built-in cupboards and desks with views of the treetops and Dulwich architecture.

A shared bathroom with a shower over a bathtub is accessible from the hallway. Residents have private access to a communal roof garden.

The Area

Villa Fontaine is ideally positioned between Dulwich and Sydenham Woods, both wildlife nature reserves. This, combined with Dulwich and Sydenham Golf Course, as well as an allotment and sports club ground, provides unbroken green space as far as Dulwich Park and Lordship Lane. The lake, maze, and open spaces of Crystal Palace Park are also a short walk away, as are the beautiful expanses of Sydenham Wells Park and Dulwich Park. Other local attractions include The Dulwich Picture Gallery, The Horniman Museum and the local town centres of Crystal Palace and Dulwich Village.

Crystal Palace, which has previously been named number five on Lonely Planet’s “greatest little-known neighbourhoods in the world”, is on the doorstep and is a vibrant area with award-winning restaurants and bars as well as a thriving arts and music scene. Church Road winds through Crystal Palace, surrounded by cafes and restaurants, including Brown & Green, Four Boroughs, Palazzo, and the Affinity Brew Shop. We've written more about our recommendations in the area in our Journal.

Dulwich Village is also a 15-minute walk from the house, and the street is well-placed for primary and secondary state schools, as well as some of the best private schools in London. Crystal Palace Park is around two minutes away and is undergoing major investment with over £130m being spent on the sports stadium, which will make it one the UK’s leading sports venues.

Sydenham Hill is a short nine-minute walk from the apartment and runs services to London Victoria (13 minutes), Blackfriars (20 minutes) and City Thameslink/Farringdon (22 minutes). Sydenham station is also near, with 30-minute connections to Shoreditch via Canada Water. Gatwick Airport can be reached in little over an hour.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx 997 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx £2,600 per annum / Council Tax Band: D