Assembly Apartments is a handsome Victorian former school building in Peckham, which has been cleverly converted into living spaces. This voluminous split-level apartment incorporates the generous curve of the first-floor bay window, which defines the building’s façade, while huge sash windows draw a tremendous amount of light into the internal spaces. Queens Road Peckham Station is a short walk away, surrounded by a cluster of recently opened and locally loved restaurants and bars. There is also access to a green, gated communal garden and residents’ parking.

The Tour

Sitting at the end of quiet York Grove, the building feels secluded. Converted in the 1980s using a considered scheme, it is characterised by generous apartments and communal areas. This scale can be seen in the wide communal hallway leading to this apartment. Inside, the plan is arranged for the double-height living spaces to become the focus. Soaring sash windows dominate the north-easterly elevation, creating a sense of space that belies its size.

The living room is positioned at the far end of the room, with enough space for a large dining table, and the kitchen is tucked under the mezzanine. This arrangement allows for a pleasant sense of flow. The walls are mostly exposed brick, and there is a wonderfully worn herringbone parquet floor underfoot, alluding to the building’s past. The kitchen is simply fitted with solid wood countertops, a freestanding range cooker and moveable butchers block that is well set up for entertaining.

Adjacent to the living space is a bedroom with the same elegant windows and high ceilings, with views towards The Shard. On this level, the hallway connects the first-floor spaces, including a newly renovated bathroom. It gives access to the upper bedroom via an architectural open-tread staircase (with useful storage space underneath). Upstairs, the mezzanine bedroom has a serene sense of retreat, with views across the apartment and out to the skyscape beyond via expansive Crittall windows. There is enough room for a large open wardrobe space.

This apartment has a designated parking space within the gated grounds.

Outdoor Space

The southern aspect of the school building is lined with well-maintained vegetable patches and a grassy communal garden.

The Area

Recent developments along Queens Road, just a few minutes walk from Assembly Apartments, have enlivened the local area. Of note are the Blackbird Bakery under the railway arches, Mama Dough pizza restaurant, Kudu, Well & Fed Deli and Peckham Cellars for wine.

Nunhead Lane has a village-like feel, with a greengrocer, a fishmonger, a deli, a café and a new community centre by AOC architects. Popular local pubs include the Old Nuns Head and Skehans.

The nearby Bellenden Road has become a centre for some excellent independent restaurants, bars, and shops, including Artusi, The Begging Bowl and Flock & Herd butchers. The Bussey Building, off Rye Lane, hosts an active and varied programme of yoga/dance classes and workshops, along with a residency from the Royal Court theatre. Peckham Levels hosts street food, bars and cafes, along with live music. The green spaces of Telegraph Hill, with wonderful views over the city, and Peckham Rye Park are a short walk away.

Queens Road Peckham is the nearest station, just a five-minute walk away, running London Overground services to Shoreditch High Street and Dalston Junction in one direction and Clapham Junction in the other. Connections to the Jubilee Line can be reached at Canada Water (10 minutes). Southern trains run services to London Bridge with a journey time of around seven minutes, from where the Northern Line can also be reached. Nunhead station is a 15-minute walk away with connections to Victoria (in 15 minutes) and King’s Cross St Pancras (in 25 minutes).

Tenure: Leasehold 
Lease length: approx. 102 years remaining
Ground rent: approx. £150 per annum
Service Charge: approx. £2,672 per annum
Council Tax Band: D

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.