Set against the sweeping greenery of South Norwood Park, this remarkable home has been transformed into a sanctuary of light, calm and contemporary elegance. Designed by a Scandinavian–Asian couple with long-term living in mind, the house has been reimagined with an architect’s eye for proportion and a designer’s instinct for material harmony. Every element works together to create an atmosphere of refined comfort and understated luxury.
Stepping inside you are met with the sense of space, the entrance filled with natural light from an enlarged Georgian-bar window that immediately sets the tone for what lies beyond. The ground floor flows into a breathtaking 30 sqm rear extension, a vast living, dining and kitchen space that stretches an impressive 14 metres from front to back. Here, floor-to-ceiling slimline glass doors frame panoramic views of the mature garden and the parkland beyond, creating an uninterrupted indoor–outdoor connection that changes character with the seasons. Overhead, oversized double-glazed roof lights draw daylight deep into the space, illuminating the marble flooring with a soft, natural glow.
At the centre of the home sits a carefully designed kitchen with 30mm quartz surfaces and a generous island intended for both everyday living and entertaining. Integrated AEG appliances, a ceiling-hung extractor and subtle LED cabinet lighting complete a space that balances function and elegance with effortless ease. It is a kitchen conceived as both a workspace and a social hub, forming a natural gathering point for family and friends.
Throughout the home, craftsmanship is evident in every detail. Downstairs, Canadian oak engineered flooring adds warmth, while upstairs, whitewashed oak creates a sense of softness and serenity. A solid oak staircase, finished in gloss black, becomes a sculptural centrepiece. The house has been entirely rewired and fitted with energy-efficient LED lighting, Acova column radiators, USB-integrated sockets and a comprehensive fire alarm system. Heating has been fully modernised with a new Vaillant ecoTech 635 boiler and a Tornado pressurised hot-water system, providing both comfort and capacity for future expansion.
Both bathrooms have been renovated with a luxurious sensibility. The upstairs space features a full-sized bath, marble finishes, Grohe brassware and a wall-to-wall mirror that visually extends the room, while the downstairs shower room echoes the same attention to detail with contemporary VitrA fittings and marble tiling. Electric underfloor heating in both bathrooms, as well as the entrance hall, adds to the everyday comfort of the home, while the extension benefits from water-based underfloor heating for a consistent, inviting warmth.
The home’s serene connection to nature becomes fully apparent when stepping through the sliding glass doors onto a black granite terrace that leads to a wide, mature garden. The rear boundary blends seamlessly into South Norwood Park, creating the rare sensation of owning not just a home, but a horizon. Tennis courts, basketball courts, skate ramps and playgrounds sit just minutes away, offering an active lifestyle quite literally at the doorstep.
Despite its peaceful setting, the location offers remarkable convenience. Norwood Junction is a five-minute walk away, while Selhurst Station is reached in just ten minutes, both providing fast access into central London from Zone 4. Practical luxury continues at the front of the home, where a spacious garden accommodates parking for five to six cars, complemented by a double garage with tandem parking and a recently renewed roof.
Thoughtful planning has also prepared the property for its next chapter. The boiler, insulation and structural layout allow for a future loft extension of one or two additional bedrooms with striking park views, as well as the option of a double-storey side extension, subject to planning.
Everything about 81 Tennison Road reflects intention, care and an appreciation for beautiful living. As the sellers note, “We designed this home to live in long term. Every detail was chosen to create a space that feels peaceful, uplifting and beautifully functional. It brought us joy every day — and we hope it will do the same for its next owners.”