Limesford Road, Nunhead, London, SE15

A meticulous approach to detail has reshaped this traditional Victorian house in south-east London. Its transformation was overseen by Studio Farra, an interior design studio headed by the home’s current owners, who have made use of tactile materials and expressive sculpted forms throughout. Following a renovation by architecture practice Draper Studio, the house was featured in RIBA Journal.

Surrounded by quintessential 19th-century mouldings, the front door sits at the far side of a neat front garden with a tiled pathway. It opens to a long, spacious hallway with dark hardwood floors and apricot-washed walls.

At the hallway’s end, steps descend to the kitchen, a triumphant space with tall, arched glazing overlooking the garden. Light pours in, filling every corner of this capacious room. A serene colour palette prevails, from delicately speckled terrazzo floors to plywood cabinetry and a smooth marble-topped island. Space is wonderfully apportioned, with ample storage and room for a large dining table. There is also an immaculate WC accessed from here, along with a well-considered utility space.

The front of the ground floor is occupied by a double reception space, customary in Victorian architecture and masterfully reinterpreted here. Light enters from either end and from above, where glazing crowns a towering atrium. Shelves line the walls, providing ample display space, while original details, including a ceiling rose and cornice, remain in situ. In the sitting area, a marble surround to the former fireplace creates a natural focal point.

There are two bedrooms on the first floor. At the front, a refined principal suite features deep blue walls and a soft sage en suite bathroom, accessed through a curved doorway that echoes the arches found downstairs. To the rear, a double bedroom enjoys views over the garden, alongside a joyful bathroom suite.

Upstairs, on the uppermost floor, an impressive conversion has created two further bedrooms. Both are quiet, peaceful spaces and would make an excellent guest room or alternative principal bedroom.

South-east-facing, the rear garden has been elegantly landscaped. Timber walkways wind around colourful, textured beds, where salvias, grasses and an olive tree, among other plants, grow. A gathering area has been created at the foot of the garden. At the opposite end of the kitchen lies a courtyard, a private, contemplative space with room to sit out and grow plants in pots.

Location

Directly opposite the house is Nunhead Cemetery, one of London’s celebrated ‘Magnificent Seven’. A designated nature reserve, it was established in the mid-19th century and offers far-reaching views extending as far as St Paul’s Cathedral. Its winding woodland paths are home to a variety of exotic and native tree species, alongside striking Gothic architecture. A particularly lovely walk through the cemetery leads towards Evelina Road and Nunhead Lane, where an excellent collection of independent businesses includes Good Cup for coffee, D4100 for pizza, alongside local butchers, florists, wine bars and delis.

Limesford Road sits just south of central Nunhead, a community-minded part of south London with several excellent pubs, including Skehan’s and the Ivy House, both known for their live music. The recently reopened Pyrotechnists Arms is another neighbourhood favourite, while Hausu is perfect for special occasions. For plant lovers, The Nunhead Gardener is a beautifully curated garden centre.

The thriving independent scene of Brockley is close at hand, with favourites including Good as Gold, The Talbot, Cantinera and the popular Brockley Market on Saturdays. Peckham lies to the north and is home to the iconic Peckhamplex cinema. Peckham Levels is home to Forza Wine, while the Montpelier is a much-loved local haunt. Bellenden Road is peppered with places to eat and shop, including Artusi and Review Bookshop. Peckham Rye Park and Common is also nearby, offering 113 acres of open green space, ornamental gardens and mature woodland.

Despite the area’s predominantly leafy feel, its transport connections are excellent. Nunhead station provides direct mainline services to Blackfriars and Victoria in under 20 minutes. Brockley station offers London Overground services towards Shoreditch High Street, while nearby Peckham Rye provides further connections across the capital. The area is also well served by several bus routes.