This wonderful Grade II-listed house was designed by Chief Architect for the Department of Education in 1956, John Kay and his wife Ann. This is a rare residential project by him, built for their family between 1965-66 after winning a local competition for the plot of land. The wood-framed house has five bedrooms and a study and extends over 2,200 sq ft internally, with a private walled garden at the rear. The interiors are filled with colour and original features, and contain elements of modernism alongside inspiration from the Arts and Crafts movement. Crescent Grove is a peaceful, private road, set around pretty planted lawns, and is a short walk from Clapham Common.

The Building

The majority of Crescent Grove was laid out by Francis Child in the 1820s; this house is a rare modern addition. It was built between 1965-66 on a plot of land once used as stables for the surrounding houses. John and Ann Kay worked with their neighbour, Pat Tindale, on the design for a pair of houses; she was Chief Architect of the Department for Housing at the time. It was likely the first timber-framed residential building to be built in London since the Fire of London in 1666. For more information, please see the History section below. 

The Tour

The house has a simple façade of yellow London stock brick, yet its innovative timber frame of Canadian hemlock hints at the modernist detailing within. It lies on a gently sloping corner plot at the end of a terrace of Georgian houses and unfolds across two split level storeys, using simple materials that respect its historic setting. The interiors remain virtually unaltered and are a fantastic example of 1960s design. As such, the house may require some updating.

The house eschews open-plan living, instead, there are designated zones that have been carefully thought through for family life. The kitchen and dining room run front-to-back at the centre of the ground floor plan, while the main living room lies upstairs.

A large entrance hallway at the north-western end leads the way to the family room. Either side of the front door is a large coat cupboard and a cloakroom. The hallway is painted in a deep ochre, hinting at the colour found throughout the house. Down a short flight of stairs is the kitchen dining room. There is also a secondary entrance at the south-eastern end of the plan. There is a utility room and larder on this floor, as well as an internal garage.

The dining room is a wonderfully bright space, with full-height doors that open onto the sunken patio, which leads in turn to the garden. Original open shelving lines the walls. The kitchen is partially open to the dining room, subtly separated by built-in timber base units with open suspended shelves above. It is replete with original wooden cabinetry and shelving, with storage units in olive green and walls above in navy blue. A black tiled splash back sits above the reconstituted granite worktop; a narrow timber pelmet runs around the space at head height, concealing the lighting behind.

A dog-leg stair with a curved, rounded hardwood rail and stick balusters ascends from the hallway to the first floor. A roof light with a bespoke shade above the landing illuminates the space, which provides access to all rooms. The main living room is found on this floor, and a long corridor, with several cupboards for storage space, leads to four bedrooms and a bathroom. The living room flows across two half-levels, mirroring the gently sloping plot of the house. It has fitted shelves and large, full-height windows which along with a roof light allow copious amounts of natural light into the space. Up a short flight of stairs are two more bedrooms (one of which is currently used as a study) and a bathroom. Both bathrooms have windowsills made from reconstituted stone.

There is a bespoke electric lighting system designed by John Kay, who was an expert in natural and artificial light; he also designed much of the built-in timber furniture. Ceilings and walls are either timber-boarded or plastered and covered with William Morris wallpaper.

Outdoor Space

The private garden is enclosed by a beautiful old wall. The first section takes the form of a sunken paved patio, with plenty of space for a dining area; this leads to a larger lawned area on the level above. There is a handsome plane tree and a vegetable patch, perfect for proficient gardeners or those keen to try their hand at growing their own produce.

The Area

Clapham Common, Battersea Park, Brixton and the River Thames are all within walking distance, with Clapham Common mere minutes from the front door. Clapham is home to a variety of exciting restaurants and bars including The Little Orange Door, Minnow, Trinity and Sorella. There is a Gail’s nearby and plenty of good pubs. The extensive redevelopment of nearby Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms has created a new and vibrant neighbourhood with an influx of shops and restaurants with outdoor seating, including Tapas Brindisa and Tonkotsu.

Crescent Grove is also a short walk from Brixton, 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.

Clapham Common (Northern Line) is a few minutes walk from Crescent Grove. Clapham High Street Overground is also within easy walking distance.

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.