Span apartment at Parkleys development, Richmond upon Thames, Surrey
A thing of beauty, this Span apartment at Parkleys development, Richmond upon Thames, Surrey is just on the market.
Not just a thing of beauty, the Parkleys development is also a thing of importance. Parkleys was the first Span development, designed by Eric Lyons back in the mid-1950s and constructed between 1955 and 1956.
Its significance means it has grade II-listed status. This is where the journey began. I have featured a number of Span houses and developments over the years, but Parkleys, with its 1950s modernist charm, has its own added importance.
Apartment blocks rarely survive unscathed over the decades, but Parkleys has largely done that, no doubt helped by being in a Richmond Borough Conservation Area. So although the apartments themselves are open to the interoperation of the owners, the block and the setting remain faithful to Eric Lyons’ vision. That’s the big pull here.
Large windows (with original frames), the tile-clad frontage and that well-preserved communal area, which is an absolute picture. All that communal garden to enjoy from your window too.
Although let’s not talk down the interior. Far from it. The current owners have done a wonderful job in updating the inside without taking away any of the appeal. Understated and stylish.
It’s also a larger apartment than most, although, like all apartments in Marlowe Court, the focus is on bright, sun-filled space, enhanced in this case by the predominately white finish throughout.
Within the interior, some clever use of built-in storage catches the eye, as do the vintage radiators, cork flooring, the Barbican-esque kitchen, minimalist bathroom, and of course, the cool pieces of design dotted about the place. Not staying as you would imagine, but good for inspiration.
As I said, a good amount of space too, with the original communal entrance accessing the first-floor landing with a lockable drying room and the front door to the apartment.
Once inside, you’ll find a half with cast iron style radiator and double doors to a store/utility. A reeded glass door and clear glass panel take you to the main reception.
That’s the statement room here, with cork flooring, another cast-iron style radiator, and room-width double glazed windows within period timber window frames. There’s an indented open fireplace too.
Folding doors access a second reception (or bedroom three if you need it), with more of that cork underfoot and another vintage-style radiator plus room-width double glazed windows.
A glass door separates the reception from the kitchen and breakfast space overlooking the courtyard garden, while an inner lobby takes you to the bedroom area.
The first has built-in storage and the second fitted shelving. The bathroom, as I mentioned above, is understated and stylish.
As for the outside, there is a rear communal garden and if you want it, a garage too, although that is available by separate negotiation. Possibly worth it for the extra storage, especially as it has light and power.
Like all blocks, there is a maintenance fee of around £600 per quarter and the price, if you want to move in, is £499,950.
Images and details courtesy of Mervyn Smith. For more details and to make an enquiry please visit the website.
