Pullens Buildings V

Texture is found in refurbished floorboards and in the restored woodwork that frames sash windows

Call us +44 (0)20 3687 3071

This bright apartment is located on the top floor of Pullens Buildings, a wonderful 19th-century development 10 minutes from Elephant and Castle and Kennington Underground stations. Constructed in 1890 and part of a conservation area, these now iconic tenements share a large communal roof terrace with invigorating views across London. This particular apartment has a plan of 500 sq ft and has been renovated with a gentle, pared-back approach that leaves space for future custodians to make their decorative mark.

Setting the Scene

The venture of the visionary builder James Pullen, the Pullens Buildings – constructed between 1886 and 1901 – is a sterling example of a late Victorian speculative development, combining both tenement housing and workshop units along with some shops. The workshops, which were used by small businesses such as carpenters and clock repairers, were arranged in mews on the first floor at the rear of the tenement blocks with interconnecting doorways between them, while the ground floors were designed as stables. Likewise, in the tenement buildings, many of the ground floor sites were shops, some of which remain so today.

Since the 1980s, there has been a strong community of residents in the Pullens Buildings, who ensured that the estate was recognised and preserved and now work together to maintain the communal facilities. There are two open studios a year in Iliffe and Peacock Yards. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

Constructed of sunny yellow London stock brick, the exterior of the building is handsome and uniform. Two-over-two sash windows punctuate the façade and are offset with crisp white stucco pediments. Standing four storeys tall, the building is interspersed with a number of central entrances that provide access via a neat stairwell adorned with well-preserved original glazed cream tiles and ornate edging.

The fourth-storey, top-floor position of this apartment draws in an exceptional quality of light into each room. The current owner has extensively restored its principal period features, including stripping all original woodwork, reinstating fireplaces and implementing bespoke cabinetry to mirror that of the late 19th century.

At the front of the apartment, the sitting room has views of the quiet street below. Texture is found in the refurbished floorboards that run underfoot and in the woodwork around the sash windows, meticulously restored and waxed to enhance their natural golden hue. A cast-iron fire surround – reclaimed from another apartment within the building – forms a natural focal point.

The kitchen is spacious and well equipped. Ample kitchen kitchen units run at waist-height and house a stainless-steel sink, hob and oven. A deep storage cupboard has been fitted to the right of the window, serving as the perfect place to hide bulky household goods. The space beneath the fine sash window is ideal for a neat dining table.

Arranged centrally, the double bedroom is a peaceful space with a window over looking the rear of the building. New herringbone-laid sisal carpet echoes to the earthy tones that run throughout. The alcoves on either side of the bed are utilised wisely: one is fitted with floor-to-ceiling book shelves, while the other has a cupboard. As with the rest of the apartment, this room is warmed a cast-iron radiator reminiscent of the building’s period.

White-painted walls in the bathroom amplify its sense of space and brightness. It has a bath with a shower overhead, along with clever cabinetry that disguises a useful utility cupboard with airing shelves and space for white goods. The WC is also separated by handmade wooden doors, in keeping with the Victorian carpentry that frames the windows.

The Great Outdoors

Residents of the building have access to the communal roof terrace, which has far-reaching views across the estate and towards 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

The building is superbly positioned for access to the verdant spaces of Kennington Park (Grade II-listed) and Burgess Park, while the local Pullens Gardens provides immediate greenery. The area abounds with exciting cafés, galleries, shops, restaurants and pubs, including Louie Louie, Hermanos, Walcot Stores, Orbit Brewery, Diogenes the Dog, Theo’s Pizza and The Nunhead Gardener.

The creative hub Pullens Yards is moments from the front door, with the lovely JamJar Flowers nearby, as is the new development around Walworth Town Hall. Walworth Gardens, an award-winning, organic community garden, is open to all and has been a community asset since the late 1980s. City and Guilds of London Art School is within easy reach, with an excellent assortment of independent galleries along Kennington Road.

The apartment is also close to The Castle Leisure Centre, which offers Southwark residents free gym and pool access at the weekends.

Kennington and Elephant and Castle Underground 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: Approx. 92 years
Service Charge: Approx. £1,050 per annum
Ground Rent: £10
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.