1960s Royston Summers North Several townhouse in London SE3
This magnificent and well-preserved 1960s Royston Summers North Several townhouse in London SE3 has just gone up for sale.
The name Royston Summers is one that’s likely to be familiar to regular readers. Of course, those lakeside modernist houses in Esher are the ones that first come to mind. But I have featured some in London too.
In fact, back in 2018, I featured one of the North Several houses. Another was up back in 2015 and one for let way back in 2012.
The takeaway from that is the townhouses do come up for sale (and let) but to too often. So when one does come up it’s time to take notice. Especially when it’s in this kind of condition.
North Several is a small group of seven houses built to the highest standards for a collective of private individuals in the latter part of the 1960s. All are set in communal gardens that will no doubt appeal, as will the views towards Blackheath. But the glass, concrete and brick construction and the unmistakably mid-20th century design are the real selling points.
Well, one of them. While the exterior and its walls of glass catch the eye initially, the interior certainly matches it when it comes to style and originality.
Just look at it and admire the finish. Not just that. Admire the updates here that sit well within the 1960s environment, often blurring the line between old and new. That’s always the sign of a quality restoration.
The open-plan reception with full-height windows is something special, as is the open-tread staircase, the exposed brick, wood-clad walls, the incredibly stylish kitchen area, more full-height glazing for the kitchen and bedrooms and the rather lovely terrace area. This was premium living back in the day and to honest, it still is, especially with the recent and sympathetic updates and upgrades.
The accommodation takes in three levels in total, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the heath towards Blackheath Village and St Michaels church.
The top floor has four ‘generous’ bedrooms and the main bathroom all of which open onto the landing via full-height doors. Two of the four bedrooms offer those heath views and all have the original maple panelling. The main bathroom has been recently reworked/updated as you might have guessed.
As I said, the focal point is the dual-aspect main living space on the first floor, maximising the light and views across the heath and beyond. The l-shaped room is made up of an L-shaped reception room and a dining area with access to a balcony with views towards Canary Wharf.
The kitchen is separated from the main room and is fitted with wall and base units that are likely later updates but work well in this house. It also has a breakfast bar and a full-height window too.
The ground floor is made up of the entrance into the ‘spacious’ lobby area, which also offers the first sight of that open maple staircase which weaves itself through the entire house. The entrance lobby also connects to the separate WC, a utility area and an integrated garage.
Outside space too, with a ‘leafy, well-tended and beautifully planted’ communal garden at the rear.
Yes, we would all love to live here, but a good number of us will be excluded by the price. A house that will be snapped up soon by someone with the region of £1,495,000 available.
Images and details courtesy of John Payne. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
