Historic Dulwich Village Charmer

Edwardian Era, Modern Family Classic

This townhouse in London’s manicured Dulwich Village hits all the Edwardian era’s architectural high points: light-filled rooms brightened by generous windows, hardwood floors, high, cornice-trimmed ceilings, and fireplaces with decorative mantles occupying nearly every room. A family-friendly oasis, the three-level home brims with books, framed art, and patterned textiles, with an enclosed, mature back garden and frog pond, and access to the village’s expansive playing fields just outside the back gate. Two book-filled living rooms occupy the ground floor along with the eat-in kitchen that opens via pretty French doors to the backyard, a spacious green with a dining area and leafy spots to lounge, read, and sip tea or cocktails.

The townhome’s four bedrooms are upstairs and furnished thoughtfully for sleep, play and work, joined by two full baths, with the third on the ground floor. The overall mood here is refined family—a cheerful, cozy, well-appointed home.

Around

Set between Dulwich Village and Herne Hill, about five minutes’ walk to the center of each, the home’s lush back garden opens to an expanse of green playing fields that create bright, leafy, in-home views. Dulwich is known for its village-like charms despite its easy access to the heart of London, and the neighborhood is home to a well-known art gallery as well as a big municipal park, golf course and a high street known for its wealth of independent shops and pubs. The neighborhood’s namesake Dulwich Picture Gallery has one of the country’s finest collections of Old Masters paintings, a permanent collection of international Baroque artists’ works, plus British portraits from the Tudor period through the 19th century. Dulwich Park offers a boating pond, café, and muralists’ outdoor gallery.

Adjacent Herne Hill is home to leafy Brockwell Park, a scenic green space that’s home to its own water feature, the Brockwell Lido, an Art Deco era swimming pool. The neighborhood hosts a busy Sunday market, selling everything from vintage thrift to artisanal farm cheeses, and Herne Hill offers its own selection of traditional pubs, local restaurants, and independent shops in the area around the railway station. Street art is prominent in Herne Hill, with celebrated street artists creating murals inspired by the historic works in nearby Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Location

Nearest Airport: Heathrow (17 miles); Gatwick (20 miles)

Best time to visit:

Mid-April to September