Apartment in G. Bertram Carter’s Taymount Grange, London SE23
A place in one of my favourite blocks. Specifically, an apartment in G. Bertram Carter’s Taymount Grange, London SE23.
I have featured the block before and you can see why it appeals so much. Out of all the modern/art deco blocks of this era, this one has one of the more faithful and authentic looks. Somehow, it has survived the best part of 90 years intact.
At least, that’s the impression it gives. As ever, you can’t just a book by its cover. Or a house by its exterior. Sometimes the interiors just don’t match up. But in the case of Taymount Grange, it most certainly does.
This block was designed by George Bertram Carter and built between 1935 and 1936 on the site of the original Queens tennis club. Like many of these developments at this time, it was designed very much for the middle classes, with living space more important than cooking space. After all, you more than often ate out.
It was a building to take in the surrounding views and this apartment in particular takes advantage of them. Yes, the is a top-floor apartment with a prime corner position and with ‘sweeping’ southerly views. You can see an example of one such view further down the page.
So all is good in terms of the architecture, the setting and the views. The location, by the way, is around five minutes walk from Forest Hill station and ‘well placed’ for the shops and restaurants of Dulwich Village and East Dulwich. But what about the inside?
Well, the communal areas still have the ‘glamour’ of the art deco era. ‘Smart’ lifts, carpeted stairwells and a lovely stair rail. Apparently, a restaurant and lounge occupied the lower floors back in the day, but these are sadly no more. As for the actual apartment, that’s a well-maintained space too.
In part, that’s to do with the care that the building itself has received in recent years. All the apartments I have seen are fairly blank canvases, punctuated with the original glazing and vintage radiators. Beyond that, it is down to the owner.
The owner of this one obviously has an eye for style. This isn’t a recreation of the 1930s within. The design is quite modern, but working alongside rather than against the period structure.
The apartment has an intercom system for access and one in, you will be facing the majority of the living space. The metal-framed windows instantly catch the eye and the fact that they have been maintained within the building is a huge selling point. Note that secondary glazing has been installed throughout, should you be worried about the winter chill.
Engineered oak floorboards add to the character in the main living spaces, as do the wrought-iron radiators. Beyond that, it’s all about the owner’s taste. It’s a fairly neutral space overall, so down to you what you do with it.
The kitchen has been recently refurbished and there is a lovely tiled floor in place and you get two good-sized double bedrooms with plenty of built-in storage (one of which is used as a workspace right now).
The bathroom too, which even sneaks in an angled bathtub and of course, the main living room with its built-in cabinetry plus the hallway.
If the weather is good you can also take advantage of the outside space too. All residents of Taymount Grange enjoy the use of communal gardens to the front and rear of the building. That also includes a shared BBQ area and established allotments with a variety of fruit trees.
Of course, those do need maintaining, as does the communal area and building itself. Which does mean a service charge of approximately £3,000 per annum. But before you consider that, consider the asking price of the apartment, which is £475,000.
Images and details courtesy of The Modern House. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
