South East London’s Restoration Man Strikes Again
Niki Borowiecki is a man on a mission. After years as a successful architect, he has teamed up with his wife and a good friend to transform Peckham, SE15. The area has battled a reputation of poverty, crime and high unemployment for many years, however its fabulous period architecture hints of Peckham’s long, esteemed history as a prosperous market town, provider of respectable schools and as the home of many well-to-do people of the 17th and 18th centuries. Niki is determined to bring back the splendour of old Peckham by rebuilding and refurbishing some of the most run down properties in the area.
As a partner at ‘SE5 Architects’ and director at ‘Boho Properties’, a property development company based in Camberwell, Niki is no stranger to a challenge. For a number of years, he and his team have designed and refurbished some of the most dilapidated properties in the South East of the capital, transforming Camberwell and Peckham’s houses into stylish, contemporary pads.
Often purchasing uninhabitable and vacant lots, Niki sets to work designing elegant, light infused and spacious homes before managing the refurbishment with the rest of the ‘Boho Properties’ team. Previous projects include the Light House, which saw disused stables converted into a spectacular, modern home.
Niki’s latest project, just off Peckham Rye Park in Solomon’s Passage, is a former 19th Century cottage that has been completely stripped back to its original foundations. Now a sleek contemporary oasis, it features four large bedrooms, each with access to either a balcony or courtyard, a landscaped and semi-decked patio garden, stylish oak flooring and a glass wall between the patio and dining room, which creates a stunning cohesiveness between the interior and the natural environment outside. This is enhanced further by a stunning cedar feature wall, which takes pride of place in the main hall.
Niki comments: “We design homes with flexible living options. In the case of Pineapple Cottage, we have made a very versatile home with two bedrooms upstairs and two downstairs.”
“The property is ideal for a young family or a couple wanting a spare room or office, yet it would also suit a house of four sharers. The flexibility of having four bedrooms spread around the property, all with some form of outside space means that there is room and privacy for each person living here, something that is increasingly rare today.
“Natural light is another factor we like to incorporate in our homes. By raising the roofline and installing skylights over the dining area, we created a beautiful winter garden, making the property feel instantly lighter, brighter and roomier.”
Becky Munday, Head of Sales, Wooster & Stock adds: “The high ceilings, skylights and winter garden with feature wall really make this an exclusive property that must be seen to be believed. In addition, the area surrounding this magnificent home is experiencing great regeneration, up to £4bn worth.* We expect these factors will be incredibly popular with buyers, along with the house’s great value for money.”
Located on former Pineapple Walk, in reference to the area’s Victorian, fruit growing past, Niki’s latest development is only eight minutes from Nunhead station which provides frequent services to London Victoria.** Residents will also benefit from the next phase of the East London Line extension, due to be completed in 2012. A variety of trendy boutiques and vibrant cafes, bars and restaurant are all nearby on Bellenden Road and Peckham Rye Park offers a new café and play area
across the road.
“We recognise the innate beauty of this part of London, even if it is sometimes disguised by some more neglected properties that are in need of updating. I suppose you could say that we are transforming the area bit by bit, in our own unique way, ensuring that the area is returned to its former glory and worthy of the urban regeneration it is currently experiencing,” adds Niki.
This light filled gem is currently on the market for £550,000.
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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Sources:
* Southwark Council Website: http://www.southwark.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents.php?categoryID=200079
** Google Maps and National Rail Websites: www.google.co.uk/maps and www.nationalrail.co.uk