The revival of Deptford's riverside retreats
Historic Deptford Strand is the exotic-sounding name of a riverside strip between Rotherhithe and Greenwich in south-east London. It still looks much the same as it did 40 years ago - a neglected waterfront of derelict warehouses, run-down Georgian architecture and industrial sheds blocking off access to the Thames.
But change is afoot. Stand on the riverfront and the domes of Greenwich Naval Hospital and the glittering skyscrapers of Canary Wharf are in full view. The land occupies a dramatic deep water bend of the river - one reason why Henry VIII decided to site his first, and most important, royal dockyard here in 1513; the place where the king’s flagship Mary Rose and the Golden Hind were built, and where Peter the Great of Russia spent three months learning the art of shipbuilding in 1698.
The listed Master Shipwright’s House and offices, built in 1708, are squeezed between 40-acre Convoys Wharf, owned by Lots Road power station developer Hutchison Whampoa, who plans a large housing scheme, and a prized Victorian warehouse complex called Paynes and Borthwick Wharves (right), mothballed because of the credit crunch but soon to be revived as a new “cultural destination”, with 247 flats, art gallery, design studios, workshops, exhibition space, cafe-restaurant and riverside promenade.
For a bold buyer of financial means who is comfortable with the gritty SE8 location, the master shipwright’s house is a rare opportunity - a chance to own one of the grandest riverside retreats in London. The property has more than 10,000 sq ft of space and room for 40 cars, and is on the market with an asking price of £5 million. It has been part-renovated by the current owners, who bought it 10 years ago. Call estate agent Jackson Stops & Staff on 020 7664 6646.
“Arguably it has the potential to be the best house on the river in London but how may people with £5 million in their back pocket want to live in Deptford?” questioned another (uninstructed) estate agent. Regeneration of the neighbouring land and buildings is likely to boost the value.
Few people have seen the impressive facade of listed Paynes Wharf, built in 1860 for the manufacture of marine boilers which were loaded onto ships through magnificent Italianate arches. The bulk of the original wharf is earmarked as an exhibition and commercial space, while 12 glass-walled duplex penthouses are to be built on top. Alongside will be an 18-storey residential tower. Contact estate agent King Sturge on 020 7715 9700.
But change is afoot. Stand on the riverfront and the domes of Greenwich Naval Hospital and the glittering skyscrapers of Canary Wharf are in full view. The land occupies a dramatic deep water bend of the river - one reason why Henry VIII decided to site his first, and most important, royal dockyard here in 1513; the place where the king’s flagship Mary Rose and the Golden Hind were built, and where Peter the Great of Russia spent three months learning the art of shipbuilding in 1698.
For a bold buyer of financial means who is comfortable with the gritty SE8 location, the master shipwright’s house is a rare opportunity - a chance to own one of the grandest riverside retreats in London. The property has more than 10,000 sq ft of space and room for 40 cars, and is on the market with an asking price of £5 million. It has been part-renovated by the current owners, who bought it 10 years ago. Call estate agent Jackson Stops & Staff on 020 7664 6646.
“Arguably it has the potential to be the best house on the river in London but how may people with £5 million in their back pocket want to live in Deptford?” questioned another (uninstructed) estate agent. Regeneration of the neighbouring land and buildings is likely to boost the value.
Few people have seen the impressive facade of listed Paynes Wharf, built in 1860 for the manufacture of marine boilers which were loaded onto ships through magnificent Italianate arches. The bulk of the original wharf is earmarked as an exhibition and commercial space, while 12 glass-walled duplex penthouses are to be built on top. Alongside will be an 18-storey residential tower. Contact estate agent King Sturge on 020 7715 9700.
Despite trying to tempt millionaires, this part of Deptford is first-time buyer territory. Theatro (left) is a small apartment scheme on Creek Road, moments from the Laban Dance Centre, where a “creative village” with several hundred homes is being built.
Theatro prices start at £350,000 for two-bedroom apartments, and the developer is offering a “live-free-for-a-year” incentive - a refund service charge and mortgage costs - which it says is worth between £28,498 and £39,844. Call 0800 043 2523.
Great condominium units. When do they go on pre-selling?
Posted by: foreclosure lawyer | 08/26/2011 at 04:03 AM