PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
A truly exceptional 5 double bedroom, double fronted Victorian semi-detached family home that radiates an abundance of period features, character and charm, located on one of Forest Hill’s premier roads. The house also benefits from a sunny SOUTH facing rear garden, 2088 sqft (194 sqm) of internal living space, a superior design, high-quality finish with Farrow and Ball painted walls..
This handsome period house has great kerb appeal, its striking façade of red brick walls and ornate period detailing is very pleasing to the eye. The property is set back from the street protected by a nice walled front garden that is full of mature plants and shrubs.
A tiled pathway leads to an attractive arched porch giving access to the house though a large period front door. As soon as you enter the house you are greeted by a spacious hallway with solid wooden floors that seamlessly spread through to the reception rooms. At the end of the entrance hall is a handy utility room which leads through to the downstairs guest WC. A door under the stairs leads down to the cellar which is a very useful space for additional storage… and wine!
At the front of the house there are two reception rooms, both of which have original sash windows that are furnished with plantation shutters. To the left is a cosy formal lounge with high ceilings, cornicing, a working Victorian fireplace, solid wood flooring and a large sash window which illuminates the room with natural light. On the other side of the house is a double reception room that has a large sash window to the front and a stylish glass balcony that overlooks the kitchen cleverly connecting the two spaces. This versatile living room has a number of uses and has an abundance of fitted cupboards and shelving.
The rear of the house has been completely remodelled to create a stunning family friendly kitchen dining room that occupies the whole width of the back of the house. The floors are clad in beautiful Havwoods herringbone solid Oak parquet flooring and natural light is in abundance thanks to the South facing aspect that allows direct sunlight to filter through the skylights in the ceiling and the large sliding doors and floor to ceiling window looking out to the garden.
The kitchen is set to one side of the room with the dining area set to the other. The kitchen is bespoke and handmade by Sustainable Kitchens and is offered with plenty of fitted cupboards painted in Farrow and Ball with brass handles. A stylish Bert and May splashback sits above a white Arenastone worktop that houses a large range Lacanche cooker with solid aged brass fittings. There is also a larder cupboard and space for an American style fridge freezer. Centre stage is a large island incorporating a double ceramic butler sink with Perrin and Rowe taps as well as more clever storage cupboards behind the solid Oak concealed cupboards under the breakfast bar.
On the other side of the room there is plenty of space for a large dining room table and chairs that sits neatly next to an exposed brick wall with a framed view of the garden through a massive floor to ceiling window.
This wonderful living space is the heart of the house, sympathetically designed, balancing stylish modernism whilst maintaining the character and charm of the house.
The large sliding doors, by glaziers Schucco, opens to a neatly landscaped South facing rear garden which really does bring the outside, inside. An Indian sandstone patio spreads seamlessly from the rear extension which is a great entertaining space. Down a few steps is the lower part of the garden which has a grassy lawn area surrounded by borders of mature plants and shrubs.
Off the half landing, up a few steps, is the family bathroom, perfectly located for the family and guests. The bathroom is stylishly finished with grey metro tiled walls, a heated towel rail, a roll top bathtub with a shower fitted above is accompanied by a Victorian style toilet and wash hand basin. A frosted window to the rear allows for natural light and ventilation.
On the first floor there are 4 large double bedrooms, all bright rooms, beautifully decorated with 100% wool carpets by Alternative Flooring throughout. The two bedrooms at the front have large sash windows furnished with plantation shutters. The larger of these rooms has fitted cupboards in the alcoves and a stylish en-suite shower room.
The two double bedrooms at the rear have stunning far-reaching views over the Kent countryside and the garden. The larger of these rear rooms has a lovely Juliette balcony that particularly enjoys these views.
The loft has been converted to create a lovely main bedroom suite with an en-suite bathroom. The bedroom offers a generous space and has even more spectacular views over the London and Kent countryside through a row of windows at the back of the house. The staircase is quite a feature in itself, the upper part of which is made of glass to maximise the views and natural light, another nice feature is the exposed brickwork surround the bed.
The en-suite bathroom is open plan with a pure white theme of hexagonal tiled flooring and fashionable metro tiled walls. There is a oval shaped free standing Lusso stone bathtub accompanied by a toilet, wash hand basin, a heated towel rail and a skylight that fills the room with natural light.
Benson Road is a very popular family orientated road, with no parking restrictions and plenty of available parking. Located equidistant to both Forest Hill Station and Honor Oak Park (Overground and National Rail London Bridge connections). Both Forest Hill and Honor Oak Park high streets offer an array of trendy shops, cafes, delis, bars, restaurants and supermarkets. Just up the hill is the fabulous Horniman Gardens and Museum which is a hive of activity throughout the year, in the summer the gardens are a bursting with colour, there are regular live music events on the bandstand, a mini farm and there is nothing better on a cold winters day to visit the Museum which will entertain all ages. Benson Road is also close to Fairlawn Primary School and Horniman Primary School. This is a perfect family home in a superb location.