Cormont Road, SE5

This is an amazing property with a definite ‘wow’ factor. It is almost impossible at first sight to prevent yourself from uttering the word ‘wow’ because of the sheer elegance and grandeur of the main living space. This stylish yet practical home literally takes your breath away the moment you enter the cavernous main room with its beautiful stained-glass windows, Latin friezes and amazing vaulted ceiling high above.

We are standing in a Grade II listed Victorian chapel conversion measuring over 3,000 square feet situated in a quiet road immediately opposite the glorious Myatt's Field Park within the Minet conservation area. The park is a great boon to have right on the doorstep being a wonderful place to walk, relax in the open air or take a snack at The Little Cat Cafe. 

The property includes a beautiful garden, a rich history and many incredible features. Among these are a stunning herringbone parquet floor, wooden choir seats, marble altar steps with inlaid mosaics and even the chapel’s original altar, now repurposed and well-used as part of the kitchen.

Security gates help to keep the site safe on a 24-hour basis and there is a daytime concierge taking care of any daily issues including receiving parcels so that you never have to wait in for a delivery.

St Gabriel’s College was built in 1900 as a training college for women teachers and became a seminary for Anglican priests. The chapel was consecrated in 1908. The college served as the first London General Hospital in World War One before resuming life as a teacher training college. It was acquired by Goldsmiths College of Art in the 1980’s where many of the YBA’s (Young British Artists) such as Damien Hirst studied before being converted into residential properties in the mid-nineties.

The current owner, a multi award-winning interior designer, purchased the chapel in 1999 and, under the auspices of English Heritage, set about a very sensitive renovation. This incredibly rewarding project was completed in 2005 and the result is a testament to the great design skills that were used to enhance this extraordinary space, the like of which is unique in London. 

As part of the extensive works, two huge mezzanines were added at each end to provide a lavish master bedroom and a home gym/TV area.

On arrival, a large original and very imposing wooden door opens into a carpeted, spiral stairwell with curved polished plaster walls which leads to the lobby and a hall. Both areas have a massive amount of hidden storage which is uncommon and a very useful design feature throughout. Following the hall, you pass a WC and a double bedroom with a secret bathroom and more storage. Opposite the bedroom is a generous study with an impressive glazing detail and yet more built-into-the-wall storage. 

Above these rooms, the first floor provides two further double bedrooms (or a bedroom and a study according to needs) a walk-in wardrobe, and the property’s second full bathroom. A galleried-balcony area/library opens onto a beautiful view of the main area.  

Up another floor and you find yourself in the enormous bedroom suite measuring over 26 feet by 16 feet with its Latin friezes and large free-standing bath. Imagine waking up here with the sun shining through the huge, main stained-glass window opposite and slipping into the comforting warm water of that double ended bath. Almost a miracle. 

Looking across from here over to the altar end of the chapel and you catch sight of the second mezzanine (over 27 feet by 15 feet) which is dominated by that largest, triple and truly amazing stained glass window with its beautifully crafted, very intricate symbolic artistry. A unique and very special artefact for anyone to own. This mezzanine is accessed by a clever ‘secret staircase’ hidden behind an altar end wall panel.  

And now, the awesome main space, mentioned earlier, awaits. Measuring over 1100 square feet, this huge space includes the reception, dining and kitchen area. The entire room measures 41 feet by over 27 feet and has to be seen to be believed!

Directly opposite the property is Myatt’s Fields Park, a genuine London hidden gem with its coffee/snack bar, bandstand, tennis courts and impressive flower beds plus a weekly Farmers’ Market. There are other such markets nearby at Camberwell Green and At St Mark’s churchyard by Oval tube station about ten minutes’ walk away.  

Camberwell centre is ten minutes walk in the other direction and offers everything you could need from a high street. As one of London’s up and coming areas, this includes a growing number of cool eateries and drinkeries in addition to those already well established. Recommended are Veraison Wines, Little Cellars, Forza Win, Grove House Tavern, Hermits Cave, The Crooked Well and The Camberwell Arms in particular. Newcomer Palacsinta looks great as well by Camberwell Green. Mention must also be made of the Silk Road Chinese restaurant which serves authentic, MSG-free dishes.

There are also cafes and bistros galore. Lumberjack and Love Walk Cafe are popular, and of course  Gladwell's and Grove Lane Deli will be of interest to the foodies.. Your most local pub is a good one: The Bear. 

Many more options are found in nearby Coldharbour Lane and the fast developing Brixton Village (street food heaven). A few miles along the road, Dulwich offers many interesting restaurants, bars and of course the influential Dulwich Picture Gallery. In the other direction, Peckham is well known for its artist colonies and quirky establishments such as the wonderful Iranian eatery Persopolis and the very excellent Ganapati Indian restaurant.

The Oval tube is just 10 minutes’ walk away and only two short tube stops from Waterloo. From here the Northern Line takes you speedily into The City or West End. From many places around the area, buses galore reach every part of London.

• Tenure: Share of Freehold