Blackheath Park II
London SE3
Architect: Eric Lyons
Register for similar homes“Bookended by gardens and by glazing that brings the outside in”
This four-bedroom Span house on the Cator Estate demonstrates the masterful simplicity of Eric Lyons’ original design. It was built in 1960 and has only been sold once before; as a result, it abounds with original features. An example of the T2Ax house type, the plan seamlessly blurs inside and out with generous glazing and fluid living spaces. Positioned at the sought-after end of a quiet, tree-lined street, it is set back from the pavement within a gated, passionate community who celebrate the Estate’s mid-century heritage.
The Architect
The influential Span company was founded in the late 1950s by visionary developer Geoff Townsend and consultant architect Eric Lyons. Lyons latterly became the President of RIBA having studied with Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier. The tenets of new modernism and creating harmony with the environment are core to Span’s ethos of ‘homes within a garden’. For more information, see the History section.
The Tour
Mature hedges border the original white picketed gate leading to the bright, paved front garden. The house is entered through a hallmark Span porch surrounded by full-height glazing. To the right of the entrance is a handy room currently used as an office space. A neatly tucked away cloakroom cupboard and WC are also positioned conveniently near the front.
The interplay of light plays an important role in the design of the house. The plan is bookended by glazing at the front and back, where dual-aspect windows make for a bright living space. The kitchen and dining spaces sit beyond, with two sets of doors that open to the rear garden.
Original pine shiplap panelling runs up the stairwell walls and is a lively reminder of the home’s history. A roomy landing sits at the top and houses convenient storage. The main bedroom sits at the front and is characterised by its L-shaped glazing and double-height pitched roof, while the second and third bedrooms sit at the rear and overlook the garden greenery. The vast ceiling height of the family bathroom feels especially generous.
Please note that the house is largely in original condition and may benefit from some updating.
Outside Space
A key part of Span’s philosophy, the front and rear gardens have been well-maintained and have distinct spaces for sitting, entertaining or al fresco dining.
Lyons’ thinking was to give the car separate housing; in keeping with this, a garage en bloc is moments away from the house.
The Area
The Cator Estate is made up of 282 acres of private roads and features architectural jewels from all ages, from tall villas built at its inception in the late Georgian period to the mid-century modernism of Lyons’s Span Housing.
Blackheath Village is around a 20-minute walk away and is renowned for its community spirit. There is a wonderful array of thriving independent shops and eateries, including Montpeliers for pasteries, Arts Kitchen or 15grams for coffee and after-hours artisanal wine. Le Bar A Vin is also a cosy spot and has over 100 French wines to pick from. The much-loved weekly farmers’ market every Sunday is the perfect place to pick up a fresh loaf of sourdough and flowers.
We’ve written more about our recommendations in Blackheath in our Journal.
The house is a four-minute drive to Brooklands Primary School, which has an excellent reputation and has an Ofsted “Good” rating. Slightly further is the “Outstanding” Wingfield Primary School. There are a host of excellent school options for secondary schools in the area, including the “Good” Thomas Tallis School and an array of “Good” independent schools.
Blackheath Station is approximately a 23-minute walk away, or a 4-minute cycle, and is one stop from the Docklands Light Railway for easy access to both the Docklands and the City. Trains from Blackheath to London Bridge take approximately 10 minutes, they also go to Victoria, Charing Cross and Cannon Street.
Service Charge: Approx. £1,800 per annum
Council Tax Band: F
Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.
History
The development company Span built 30 housing estates across the UK between 1948 and 1984. In his book The Spirit of Span Housing, James Strike says: “Span housing was the inspiration of two young men, who, during the 1930s, met as architectural students at the Regent Street Polytechnic. Eric Lyons and Geoffrey Townsend both had a keen interest in modern architecture… They believed that there was a market for well-designed houses in carefully designed landscapes for the sort of people who recognised good design when they saw it – and they were right.”
In 2006, Span housing was the subject of an exhibition at the RIBA, and the accompanying book, Eric Lyons & Span (ed. Barbara Simms), gives a comprehensive survey of its history. “The work of the architect Eric Lyons,” it states, “is as well-loved now as it was vibrantly successful when first constructed. Built almost entirely for Span Developments, its mission was to provide an affordable environment ‘that gave people a lift’.”
Graham Morrison of Allies & Morrison Architects, who bought a Span House in the early 1980s, describes the joy of living on the Cator Estate: “I find it hard to imagine a more pleasant and safe place, so close to the city, in which to bring up young children. A shared garden made the making of friends easy and a sensible management structure helped to ensure the maintenance of not only the buildings and gardens but also the aims of the community.”
