1 bed flat for sale

Alaska Buildings V, London SE1

A sublime renovation has transformed this apartment in south-east London’s iconic Alaska Building. Tactile raw plaster and well-conceived bespoke joinery have made it a beautiful, versatile home, pairing impeccably with original glazing and soaring warehouse ceiling heights. Considered gardens are shared by the residents of the building, which sits a short walk from the bustling brilliance of Bermondsey Street.

The Building

Recognisable from its white façade and illuminated red-lettered logo, the Alaska Buildings make an arresting first impression. Set behind secure gates are two former factories: One built in 1869, the other in 1932. The factory closed its doors in the 1960s and was subsequently converted into apartments in the 1990s.

The Tour

Set on the building’s ground floor, the apartment is entered via a door set into its outward-facing wall of original Crittall glazing. Inside, the space is spectacular: Abundant light is ushered in, and a remarkably tall four-metre-high ceiling has been showcased by the current owner, who has used its elevation to hang playful pendant lights.

This lower level of the apartment is versatile in nature, with distinct sitting and dining areas. Oak floors run underfoot, and a peach-hued limewash adorns the walls. Tucked away at the back of the space is the kitchen, with its plywood cabinetry, quartz counters, and appliances including a dishwasher, two ovens (one a microwave combi) and fridge with freezer, a washer/dryer and a hob.

A metal staircase with subtle lighting ascends to the mezzanine level, where a sleeping space has been cleverly carved out with more bespoke storage. A glass balustrade at its furthest end overlooks the space below, although a concertina-style door can be pulled across at night

Peachy-orange accents are repeated in the bathroom, a serene space with white tiles, a bathtub and an overhead shower, and an Italian sink. The ceiling has been painted a sophisticated slate grey and floral brass fixtures have been added.

Outdoor Space

The communal outdoor space shared by the residents of the Alaska Buildings is well-maintained and thoughtfully planted. A freshwater ornamental pond sits at the centre and is bordered by mature shrubs and grasses. Ambient lighting adds atmosphere in the evenings.

The Area

The Alaska Building is set back off Grange Road, which runs west of Bermondsey Spa Gardens. Bermondsey Street is about five minutes away on foot and is home to the White Cube Gallery, Comptoir Gourmand, The Giddy Grocer, The Watch House, Café Murano, José and Pizzaro, as well as numerous other cafés, bars, and restaurants.

Maltby Street Market runs alongside railway arches and has a range of dining options, along with the natural wine bar 40 Maltby Street. Druid Street, to the north of the arches, has craft breweries and a bakery/wine shop by St. John. Borough Market is around a 10-minute walk away and houses some of London’s finest traders of fruit, vegetables, and fresh produce; Monmouth Coffee, Ginger Pig and Brindisa are stalwarts.

There are free public tennis courts in Tanner Street Park, also home to the French restaurant Pique-Nique, set in the park's former pavilion.

Many of London’s most illustrious cultural institutions, including Tate Modern, the Southbank Centre and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, are within 20 minutes of the apartment.

London Bridge station is around a 15-minute walk away and runs Northern and Jubilee Underground lines and National Rail services nationwide. Bermondsey station is a similar distance and runs Jubilee line services. The city is a 20-minute walk across London Bridge.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 117 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £4,000 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £100 per annum / Council Tax Band: C