8 bedroom detached house for sale

One of the very finest waterfront homes.

Description

One of the very finest waterfront homes in London, steeped in history and occupying an unusually large plot with excellent lateral space and direct river frontage. The far reaching 180 degree river views are exceptional and the position, opposite the Hurlingham Club, is the most coveted of this much accclaimed Putney location.

This glamorous and expansive double-fronted property, built in the 1890s, has always been a hive of artistic endeavour. In the 1920s it became a stained glass studio, home to notable exponents of the Arts and Crafts movement, Joan Howson and Caroline Townshend. Caroline, a Suffragette, was first cousin to the wife of George Bernard Shaw who was known to row across the Thames and tie up at the (still existing) davits at the bottom of the garden.

In the 60s the houses passed into the hands of Sidney and Cynthia Nolan, with Nolan creating some of his best known works in the top floor studio and receiving visits from collaborative writers, choreographers and musicians, such as Patrick White, Kenneth MacMillan and Benjamin Britten.

A camellia planted for Cynthia by Britten still flowers to this day.

From 1976 our client lived at number 81 with extended family occupying number 79. Then, in 2004 the property was formally divided into the three fabulous, lateral apartments that stand today with our client occupying the larger of the three, number 81 (3,214 sq ft).

This has sole use of the lavishly planted garden with its wide, wisteria covered terrace, sweeping stone stairs and lawn running down to the river, the whole vista being ennobled by a towering ancient lime tree.

The rooms on the ground floor that command the river view have been opened out into a free-flowing space incorporating kitchen, study and living room, all with immediate access to the terrace via french doors. The flooring is walnut as are the Plain English kitchen cabinets; there is a larder and Gaggenau cooker hob and hood.

At the front of the house all the windows, dating from the 20s, are in pale stain glass which casts a soft and magical glow.

On the ground floor there is a bedroom with shower room close by, and on the floor above, a suite of adjoining rooms and bathroom, while the cellar of 81 is home to a large laundry room.

In 2004 the property was formally divided into the three fabulous, lateral apartments that stand today with our client occupying the larger of the three, number 81 (3,214 sq ft).

From the living space a sleek Stilz lift connects these rooms to the master suite on the first floor, which again spans the width of the property with an adjoining dressing room and bathroom. The bedroom opens out onto a private balcony with far reaching river views.

The penthouse apartment at 79 is also truly spectacular, spanning some 1713 sq ft and having breathtaking views from the full height windows in the main reception area, originally Nolan’s studio.

Above this is a superb roof terrace, and with its two generously sized bedrooms this apartment has been let out very successfully over the years but could easily be reincorporated into the main ground and first floor area again if required.

To the side of the property is a further highly rentable apartment, spanning 837 sq ft over two floors with its own entrance. This could make an ideal pied’ a’ terre or nanny/staff flat.

The separate titles might certainly afford a very flexible degree of planning for family and individuals looking for such an ownership structure.

To the front there is a stone forecourt with gravelled path and parking for four cars, overlooked by a mature wisteria and two much admired magnolia trees.

The property has provided the location for various series and films - several episodes of Silent Witness, Diary of a Call Girl, Strike, Breeders, Denial and even a Bollywood movie. In April this year it hosted a film for ITV called The Lady.

In short, a sublime waterfront home ready for its next chapter with an unusually broad appeal in terms of its position, architecture, finish and separate titles.

Location

The house is ideally located, moments from Wandsworth Park and the River. It is a short walk to the excellent shops and local restaurants on Putney High Street, where the Mainline Station (Waterloo) can also be found.

Steps up to the brightly lit footbridge conveniently leading to Putney Bridge Tube station (District lane) beyond, are in the road, while Uber boats sail regularly to the city from Putney Wharf.

Square Footage: 5,764 sq ft