Span apartment at Parkleys development, Richmond upon Thames, Surrey
This Span apartment at Parkleys development, Richmond upon Thames, Surrey, is a thing of beauty and is now on the market.
The Parkleys development is not just a thing of beauty; it is also a thing of importance. Parkleys was the first Span development, designed by Eric Lyons 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 several 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 its location in a Richmond Borough Conservation Area. So, although the apartments are open to the owners’ tastes, 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 are absolute pictures. There is also that communal garden to enjoy from your window. I hope the images convey how cool the block actually is.
However, let’s not talk down the interior—far from it. The current owners have done a wonderful job maintaining the original details inside while keeping the apartment relevant in the 21st century. The end result is stylish, retro, and very liveable.
This is a two-bedroom, first-floor apartment that makes great use of the space within. Span apartments, compared to modern-era apartments, are fairly generous when it comes to living space. But like all apartments, you have to work hard to maximise its use. And that is certainly the case here.
The windows guarantee the natural light, particularly in the lounge/dining room, which is over 16 ft x 12 ft and finished with cork flooring, a wood burner, and the original 1950s display shelf. There are some lovely views over the communal gardens from here, too.
I like how they have integrated a record player and vinyl storage into this room, too, as well as a few midcentury modern bits and pieces to add some character from the original era.
Other spaces include the hall, complete with a cork floor, built-in store cupboards, and a reeded glass door, and the kitchen/breakfast room with stylish modernist units and all the utilities you would expect in the 21st century.
The bathroom has a similarly stylish vibe and modern functionality. It is amazing what the right tiling can do to a room like this.
There are two bedrooms, with the main bedroom measuring over 12 ft x 11 ft and featuring twin built-in wardrobes and cupboards. The double-aspect second bedroom looks to be used as a home office right now, so it’s good if you want that—or a bedroom if you need that. There’s also a private drying area and an inner lobby finishing off the space.
If you are looking for an apartment with character in this part of the world, then it’s well worth a look. The setting and the shared gardens should seal the deal.
It is on the market now with an asking price of £479,000.
Images and details courtesy of Mervyn Smith. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
