Pullens Buildings II

James Pullen’s forward-thinking planning ensured that the apartments would be bathed in light throughout the day, all year round

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This light-filled one-bedroom apartment sits on the first floor of the late 19th-century Pullens Building in Walworth, a wonderfully tranquil corner of London. Stretching to some 550 sq ft internally, the interiors have recently been renovated in an elegant and neutral palette. The apartment has access to a large communal roof terrace with fantastic views out across London. Transport connections are excellent, with both Elephant & Castle and Kennington Underground Stations less than a 10-minute walk away.

Setting the Scene

The Pullens Estate has a fascinating history, thanks to its visionary builder and developer, James Pullen. Over the course of 15 years, beginning in 1886, Pullen acquired the land and meticulously crafted the quiet streets that now form the estate. Today, the area is designated as a conservation area, preserving its serene and peaceful atmosphere amid the hustle and bustle of central London. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

The exterior of the building is built from yellow London stock brick, with two-light four-over-four sash windows gracefully adorned with crisp white stucco pediments. Standing tall with four storeys, the building’s central entrance has an ornate design, and there are original creamware period tiles in the communal stairwell ascending to the apartment’s entrance.

Entry is to a small hall that leads to the light-filled sitting room at the front of the plan. Preserving its original charm, the space has white-washed walls and floorboards painted ‘Studio Green’ by Farrow and Ball. Original 19th-century cornicing and architrave sit alongside contemporary interventions such as modern cast iron radiators.

Natural light floods the interiors throughout the day through large sash windows at the front and a bank of broad, timber glazing overlooking an internal courtyard at the rear. James Pullen’s forward-thinking planning ensured the apartments would be bathed in the long-lasting evening light, making them perfect for home-working.

A large kitchen and dining space sits towards the rear of the plan, wrapping around the quiet internal courtyard. Sage green wooden kitchen units are topped with pristine white worktops, and there is space for a dining table in the middle of the room. From here, a large bathroom with utility space sits beyond, with a bath, overhead shower, vanity and WC; windows covering the majority of one wall douse the room with natural light.

Situated between the living room and kitchen, a quiet bedroom is the perfect retreat, with an original fireplace and clean, simple finishes.

The Great Outdoors

Residents of the building have access to the communal roof terrace, with views across the estate and central London. The stunning vistas include prominent landmarks such as the Shard, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Imperial War Museum.

Out and About

Excellently positioned for access to the green spaces of Kennington Park (Grade II-listed) and Burgess Park, the area abounds with exciting cafés, galleries, shops, restaurants and pubs, including Hej Cafe, Orbit Brewery, Diogenes the Dog, Theo’s Pizza, and The Nunhead Gardener. Pullens Yards, a creative hub, is moments from the front door; the lovely JamJar Flowers is also nearby, as is the new development around Walworth Town Hall and Arts Academy Gallery. Walworth Gardens, an award-winning, organic community garden, is open to all and has been a community asset since the late 80s. City & Guilds of London Art School is within easy reach, with an excellent assortment of independent galleries along Kennington Road.

Since the 1980s, there has been a strong community of residents in Pullens Buildings. They ensured that the estate was recognised and preserved and now work together to maintain the communal facilities. The estate has two open studios a year, in Iliffe and Peacock Yard.

Kennington and Elephant and Castle Stations are less than a 10-minute walk away, providing access to central London via the Northern and Bakerloo lines, as well as Overground services further afield. The surrounding area is well served by a frequent bus service into the City, the West End and beyond.

Tenure: Leasehold

Lease Length: 96 years approx.

Service Charge: £600 per annum approx.

Ground Rent: £20

Council Tax Band: A

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. Inigo 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 streets between Kennington and Elephant and Castle, once known as Newington in Medieval Surrey, hold a distinctive Victorian charm that sets them apart from many other areas in London. This land underwent a centuries-long transformation, evolving from being owned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who used its rental income to support the church’s clothing supply, to becoming a fully urbanised and commercially active neighbourhood.

The construction of Westminster Bridge in 1751 and improvements to London Bridge brought a significant increase in foot traffic to the Southbank. As a result, people flocked to the area in search of more affordable housing options. Around 1765, the name “Elephant and Castle” emerged, paying homage to a pub at a significant crossroad near the end of Westminster Bridge.

With a rapidly growing population in South London during the 19th century, developers seized the opportunity to profit from the escalating housing demand. Vast stretches of land were purchased, and tenement buildings, reflecting the decorative and utilitarian cultures of the time, were erected in great numbers. The Pullens Buildings, constructed by James Pullen, a scaffolder, stand as prime examples of these Victorian tenements. Historical records reveal that these buildings were occupied almost immediately after construction, often by middle-class workers and police officers stationed in Lambeth. Renters paid eight shillings a week for three rooms, a kitchen, and a scullery — a reflection of the living conditions at that time.

Today, the Pullens Buildings remain one of London’s last surviving Victorian tenement complexes, cherished as architectural symbols of the area’s rich history. These buildings serve as a reminder of the area’s vibrant past and significant contribution to London’s urban landscape development.

Pullens Buildings II — Peacock Street, London SE17
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