South East London Suburbs Have The Artistic Appeal
Aspiring artists are being lured to the south east London suburbs for the area’s comparatively excellent property prices, great community facilities and access to some of the finest art schools and colleges in the capital. While Camberwell College of the Arts’ location in central Camberwell is appealing, good transport services also ensure that travel to other schools throughout the capital is quick and simple.
Becky Munday, Head of Sales at leading south east London estate agency, Wooster & Stock, comments: “Art students from across the globe have been drawn to south east London for many years as Camberwell College of Arts is one of the most renowned art schools in the UK and has nurtured talent such as the designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
“But students do not choose to live in this part of London for the schools alone. The area of Camberwell and East Dulwich is a fantastic base for those looking for a relatively inexpensive home. It also offers an eclectic mix of cultures, varying artistic influences and the commute to other colleges in both central and south west London is simple with National Rail services available nearby.”*
Nicholas Allan-Pui is a painter and teacher from East Dulwich, SE22. He moved to his stunning apartment on Underhill Road in 1998, after relocating to the UK for art school, from Hong Kong.
He comments: “I came to the UK in the mid-nineties, specifically to study at the University of the Arts London. I was immediately drawn to East Dulwich because it was so inexpensive; in some cases it was as cheap as Peckham, but it had a friendlier, more bohemian vibe.
“I actually went to view this apartment with a friend who intended on buying it as her first home. Ultimately, I fell more in love with the apartment’s location, spaciousness and unusual layout and put in an offer instead. Needless to say I was extremely happy when it was accepted!”
Nicholas’ beautiful apartment is situated on the first floor of a Victorian terrace. The interior has been lovingly decorated in neutral tones, reflecting Nicholas’ keen eye for detail and artistic talent. After £70,000 of refurbishment, the apartment now sports a new roof, windows, insulation, kitchen and bathroom. The sale also includes a share of the freehold.
Nicholas and his partner are sad to be leaving the stylish apartment that has been home for so many years, but they will not be moving far, preferring to remain around East Dulwich or nearby Bellenden Village for the friendly and artistic feel.
“I intend to remain in the area,” adds Nicholas. “The south east of London is such a vibrant, community-driven place, with cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs as well as a collection of independent boutiques. The weekend market on Northcross Road is brilliant for retro homewares and fresh organic bread and, it is literally five minutes away!
“There’s also so much greenery to enjoy. We spend as much time as possible outdoors and I love the fact that Dulwich Park, Peckham Rye, Nunhead Cemetery and Sydenham Woods are all a stone’s throw away.”
This spectacular property is currently on the market for £339,950.
For examples of the properties Wooster & Stock has available in south London, please visit www.woosterstock.co.uk or
call 020 7708 6700 for Camberwell | 020 7952 0590 for Brixton | 020 8613 0060 for Sydenham.
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