Pullman Court XIII
Streatham Hill, London SW2
Architect: Frederick Gibberd
Register for similar homes“A definitive contribution to flat design, and a triumph of effectiveness and simplicity”- Twentieth Century Society
Positioned on the second floor of Pullman Court in Streatham, this studio apartment makes excellent use of space. Arranged in an open plan that flows towards a balcony at the rear, it is a compact yet eminently livable space, perfectly suited to contemporary living. Pullman Court was designed by renowned architect Frederick Gibberd in 1936 and represents a shift in the modernist movement, in that it allowed a modernist architect freedom of design on such a large scheme.
The Building
Pullman Court was designed to resemble an ocean liner, with the original render for the estate a mix of pastel pink, cream, brown and blue. The development is composed of several blocks of varying heights along an east-west axis; the north and south blocks are long, narrow buildings of five floors, enclosing a central courtyard and manicured gardens. The apartments were originally designed to appeal to young professionals (each flat came with a built-in wireless, gas fire and icebox) who wanted a “country retreat” out of the city smog. For more information about Pullman Court, see the History section.
The Tour
There is both lift and stair access to this apartment, which lies on the second floor. The front door opens immediately into the kitchen, where a wooden workbench extends along one wall. There is a built-in hob, oven and washing machine, with white cabinetry above and below providing storage. White rectangular tiles form the splashback, and an original Crittall window above the sink welcomes light in.
The living area is arranged at the rear of the plan, with a shift in flooring and colour scheme visually delineating the spaces. Navy blue walls create a smart backdrop, illuminated by a row of original Crittall windows at the rear of the room, and a glazed Crittall door that opens directly to the balcony. There is open shelving for storage.
Discreetly hidden within the wall is a bed, which pulls down and folds away as required. It is concealed by white-painted sections of wood that contrast with the surrounding navy walls. The bathroom is tucked away in the front corner of the apartment and makes use of a simple palette of white tiles; the original Crittall window is frosted for privacy.
There is a staffed full-service laundry, residents’ parking and secure bicycle storage. The bright common areas and original lifts are well-maintained, with chrome door furniture and Crittall windows.
Outdoor Space
The apartment has a private balcony which is accessible from the living room. With views onto leafy mature trees beyond, it is the perfect spot for an evening drink or morning coffee.
Pullman Court has well-kept communal gardens; two gated lawns separate the apartments from the main road. The active residents’ committee have recently started a communal gardening plot behind the block; there is also access to a shared roof terrace.
The Area
There is an array of independent cafes, restaurants and shops on Streatham Hill: Batch & Co Coffee,Hood Restaurant, Streatham Wine House and Art & Craft, which has a wide selection of craft beers from London breweries and further afield. Brixton is close by, a lively area known for its excellent food and bar scene. Nearby Brixton Village, Market Row and Acre Lane are all highly recommended destinations. The Ritzy Cinema, Electric Brixton and Brixton O2 Academy are much-loved institutions. Newly opened is The Department Store, a grand renovated 1876 Bon Marche building that now houses collaborative workspaces, a Pure Vinyl record shop, a community Post Office and Canova Hall restaurant and bar.
Nearby are the open spaces of Brockwell Park and Tooting Common. Palace Road Nature Garden, Hillside Park Gardens, Rush Common and Brockwell Park are also nearby. Brockwell Park is one of London’s best and has a lido, built a year after Pullman Court, a 50-metre pool and a Grade II-listed art deco pavilion; as well as a cafe, tennis courts and a walled garden. Each summer it is host to the Lambeth Country Show, as well as an array of music festivals.
Pullman Court is located approximately 600 metres from Streatham Hill railway station, where regular trains run to Victoria with a journey time of around 17 minutes. The nearest tube station is Brixton (Victoria Line) and is easily reached by a number of buses. Streatham Hill is served by particularly good bus links, with Peckham and Dulwich within easy reach. It is also well-placed for road access to the South.
Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: approx. 169 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £1,400 per annum
Council Tax Band: A
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
Pullman Court in Streatham, south London, was completed in 1936 and was designed by Frederick Gibberd when he was just 23 years old. The design addressed the city’s housing shortage while working with increasingly available modern materials and an innovative design. The project was particularly notable for allowing a modernist architect freedom of design on such a large scheme.
White-walled and concrete-framed, the building contains 218 one- to four-bedroom apartments in total, spread across three blocks and set amongst landscaped gardens. Each apartment was equipped with bespoke furniture and lighting, a pioneering move by Gibberd to create a strong discourse between the building’s exterior and the interior environment. In 1995 the external fabric was refurbished and the development was upgraded from a Grade II to Grade II* listing.
