This immaculate two-bedroom apartment lies on the ground floor of Spangate, part of Blackheath's sought-after Cator Estate. It was built in 1963 by Span, a widely celebrated development company who took inspiration from Scandinavian modernist architecture. The current owners – the third to have ever owned it – have worked with Studio RW Architects to undertake a meticulous yet sensitive renovation. The best connected of the Cator Estate development, Spangate is minutes from Blackheath and its railway station, which connects to London Bridge in 10 minutes.
The Architect
Founded by visionary developer Geoff Townsend and consultant architect Eric Lyons in the late 1950s, Span has been heralded as one of Britain's most important 20th-century developers. Many of their buildings have been listed in recognition of their importance to modernist architecture. Responsible for building 30 housing estates over the course of five decades, their tenets for design – light, landscaping and open-plan living – remain utterly relevant and demonstrate their forward-thinking approach. For more information, see the History section below.
The Tour
The estate's communal grounds make for a particularly verdant approach to this laterally arranged ground-floor apartment; true to Eric Lyons' nature-centric design ethos, garden views are captured from most angles. Carefully restored original hardware can be found inside and out and includes door handles, hinges and typical Span letterbox and milk units.
On entry, a hallway opens up to an impressive living area grounded with a basketweave-laid parquet floor from Havwoods; this continues across the plan and has underfloor heating beneath. Orientated on an east-west axis, and with dual-aspect windows, the reception space is particularly bright. It has access to communal gardens from either end, and custom-made voile curtains offer privacy while allowing light in.
A bespoke ply kitchen lies beyond and has been discreetly lengthened to make the most of its liberal proportions. Its design has been meticulously considered, with each area carefully configured to provide plenty of storage. Light from a west-facing window bounces off the crisp FENIX cabinetry and a single piece of Italian terrazzo from Diespeker adds colour along one wall. A Quooker tap, integrated Neff oven and induction hob are fitted alongside a dishwasher and fridge/freezer; each is brand new. There is reeded glazing on one wall, and a convivial opening to the living area along another.
The principal bedroom has extensive views over the estate's gardens. It also has plenty of clever bespoke joinery; a neat built-in bench by the window doubles as a laundry basket with extra storage beneath. Subtly reconfigured for harmonious contemporary living, an original door has been repurposed as a sliding pocket door. The apartment's second double bedroom has views to the west, overlooking the manicured lawn beyond.
Mint-green and while tiles line the bathroom, which has a distinctly modernist feel. Cross taps from ABI sit atop a Diespeker green terrazzo-topped vanity unit, while cork flooring runs underfoot. A separate WC is painted in Farrow and Ball’s 'Setting Plaster' and has a Villeroy & Boch basin with terrazzo accents above.
The hallway has a neat utility cupboard with space for stacked white goods, along with a heated towel rail as well as a separate cloakroom cupboard. There is access to a shared storeroom adjacent to the apartment, useful for storing prams or bikes.
Outdoor Space
In accordance with Lyon's pioneering vision, the gardens are well-maintained for all residents to enjoy. Mature trees and bushes including lime, European ash, chestnut, yew, and silver birch lie in the grounds, along with a bronze sculpture by Frederick Edward McWilliam.
This sale includes a private en-bloc garage as well as an additional private parking space.
The Area
Spangate is just a few minutes’ walk from the vibrant Blackheath village, which has an array of boutique shops, a farmers' market, delightful restaurants as well as its open heath. Royal Greenwich Park is also close, as is the historic centre of Greenwich - home to landmarks including the Royal Naval Hospital, the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum, and the iconic Cutty Sark.
The apartment is close to Brooklands Primary, John Ball Primary and Thomas Tallis Senior Schools along with several esteemed independent schools including Blackheath Preparatory School, The Pointer School, Heath House Preparatory School and Blackheath High Junior.
The apartment is approximately four minutes’ walk from Blackheath mainline railway station, which is one stop from the DLR for easy access to both the Docklands and City. Trains from Blackheath to London Bridge take approximately 10 minutes, and approximately 25 minutes to Victoria.
Tenure: Share of Freehold / Lease: Approx. 96 years/ Service Charge: Approx. £3,840 per annum / Council Tax Band: E