Drake Court II
Tylney Avenue, London SE19
Architect: Austin Vernon & Partners
Register for similar homes“A rare a one-bedroom apartment with a south-facing terrace in the renowned Dulwich Estate”
This bright one-bedroom apartment is situated on the top floor of Drake Court, a block within the reowned Dulwich Estate built by Austin Vernon & Partners. Built between 1957 and 1963, the apartment is defined by its far-reaching views, which look out over the tree canopy from the living spaces and a private south-facing terrace. Sensitively designed, contemporary additions complement the carefully retained original mid-century features. Drake Court is positioned among the Dulwich Estate’s quiet communal gardens and mature trees. There is free parking for residents.
The Estate
An area well-known for its exceptional modernist architecture, the Dulwich Estate occupies approximately 1,500 acres and includes numerous private roads managed by the estate. It is noted for its concentration of outstanding 1950s and ’60s design, much of it by Austin Vernon & Partners. The mix of houses and thoughtful landscaping make for an appealing and unique place to live. For more information, please see the History section.
The Tour
A lift in the communal mid-century lobby ascends to the eighth floor of the building where the apartment is situated. The front door opens to a bright hallway. There is storage space to stow coats and shoes here, and a bespoke desk has been cleverly built into the window, making the most of the fantastic views. The dual-aspect living and dining room stretches the length of the plan, interconnected to the terrace by floor-to-ceiling glazing and a glazed door— Crittall windows with an original marble sill frame verdant views of leafy tree canopies and the London skyline. Walls are painted ‘Ammonite’ by Farrow & Ball.
The newly refurbished kitchen is across the hallway. Here, black cabinetry contrasts wonderfully with the white quartz worktop. Walls are painted ‘Bone’ by Farrow & Ball, and a clerestory window illuminates the room.
The tranquil bedroom is located at the back of the plan, with a large window framing views of the surrounding scenery. Built-in storage runs the room’s length, the walls are painted ‘Light Blue’ by Farrow & Ball creating a sense of calm. A soft pale grey carpet runs underfoot.
In the bathroom, two walls are lined with white subway tiles, and two are painted a moody ‘Inchyra blue’ by Farrow & Ball. Open glass shelves add extra storage while keeping to the minimal aesthetic. A wall-hung vanity sits below a large mirror with a sink atop; the room is illuminated by frosted clerestory windows.
Outdoor Space
The living room opens directly onto a paved south-facing terrace with unobstructed views of the communal gardens and London skyline. Jasmine climbs the wall here, and there is ample space for a dining table and chairs.
All residents of the Dulwich Estate have access to the woodland and communal gardens.
The Area
Local attractions include the Dulwich Picture Gallery, the Horniman Museum and the local town centres of Crystal Palace and Dulwich Village. Crystal Palace, which was included in Lonely Planet’s “Greatest little-known neighbourhoods in the world”, is a short walk away and is a vibrant area with award-winning restaurants and bars.
Drake Court is close to the green spaces of Dulwich Park and Sydenham Woods, now a wildlife nature reserve; the lake, maze and open spaces of Crystal Palace Park are also a short walk away.
The apartment is well-positioned for access to the transport network; Gipsy Hill Station has direct rail links to London Bridge (23 minutes), London Victoria (25 minutes) and Clapham Junction (15 minutes). Crystal Palace station is also within walking distance (approximately 20 minutes). Connecting trains via Sydenham Hill will take you to Victoria Station in 15 minutes. There are also excellent bus links to central London.
Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: approx. 125 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £1300 per annum
Council Tax Band: B
Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.
History
Drake Court, named after an Elizabethan mariner, is located on Tylney Avenue and designed by renowned architects Austin Vernon & Partners. Tylney Avenue is situated in a large area of south-east London that has been maintained for over 400 years by the Dulwich Estate. In the 1950s, the estate ran into difficulty after being badly damaged during the Second World War. Lease lengths were running so short that banks were no longer happy to lend on the houses, and selling was becoming more and more difficult. People were leaving the area and renting their houses out.
In 1954, Austin Vernon & Partners were called on to design a scheme to rejuvenate the Dulwich Estate. Vernon himself had formerly been a pupil at Dulwich College (from 1898 -1901), so knew this area well; his uncle, Frederick Austin Vernon (1882-1972), was also a surveyor and architect for the Dulwich Estate.
By 1957, Vernon’s first scheme of building was completed. Over the next 20 years, more than 2,000 new homes were designed by Austin Vernon & Partners, resulting in a concentrated area of 1950s and 60s-era architecture. The houses and flats were designed to a high standard and made excellent use of large expanses of glass, open rooms and central heating. Also quite remarkable was the landscaping that was planned for the estate. The roads were separated from pedestrian areas, and large areas were given over to communal gardens and spinneys. The result was a beautifully designed, verdant and peaceful estate.
