Foxes Dale, London SE3 9BA

Situated on Foxes Dale, a distinguished tree-lined avenue within the private Cator Estate in Blackheath, is this sterling example of Eric Lyons’ Span designs. Grade II-listed, the house unfolds over three levels with a deceptively layered footprint. The interiors retain a wealth of mid-century fixtures and finishes and pair geometric forms with a remarkable sense of light, space and attention to nature.

The Architect

Built by Span in 1957 under the direction of celebrated architect-developer duo Eric Lyons and Geoffrey Townsend, this house stands apart from typical Span models, with a richer exploration of material palette and spatial orchestration that introduced ideas never widely repeated elsewhere in the company's work.

Span set out to build affordable architect-designed homes that were community-centred, well integrated within a landscaped setting and committed to contemporary design. The result in this exceptional example was a considered and humanised form of modernism that fully complied with Lyons’ ethos: "the test of good housing is not whether it can be built easily, but whether it can be lived in easily", while lending an unusually sophisticated interpretation.

The Tour

This house sits back from the quiet street in front, rising behind a secluded walled front garden. The front is a first glimpse into the architect’s streamlined vision: shiplap timber cladding and simple timber-framed windows complement clean-lined forms.

The front door opens to an entrance hall. Original stained pine clads the right-side wall, concealing a useful WC, while black-and-white striped tiling lies underfoot with a direct line of sight through to a spiral staircase.

Inside, the ground-floor plan makes inventive use of the footprint and centres around an internal courtyard. A kitchen sits at the front, separated from a central dining area by an original built-in dresser, and a living room is at the rear with access to the south-west-facing garden. Natural textures and caramel-brown tones of a muhuhu wood-block parquet floor run through to the back of the house.

A minimalistic design sets the tone for a well-composed kitchen. Clean lines define the room; sleek Corian surfaces sit beneath original bespoke shelving, with a white tiled splashback and grey tiling underfoot. The kitchen is fully integrated with an induction hob, a dishwasher, a washing machine, and taps by Vola. A new boiler was recently fitted, while elements of joinery and original Wehag ironmongery display considered craftsmanship. From here, a service door leads out to the front garden.

On the other side of the dining room, a spacious living area is arranged in an L-shape around an internal private courtyard. An abundance of light is drawn in through wide glazing that frames a flourishing garden lawn and a summer house. Original study shelving occupies one corner.

A white-painted double helix staircase, creatively punctuated by a cheerful yellow accent rail and hardwood treads, ascends to a carpeted landing on the first floor. There are two bedrooms on this floor; the smaller of the two has fitted storage and access to a wonderful sun terrace overlooking the garden. There is also a well-appointed bathroom on this level, with a monochromatic palette, dark studded rubber floor, and Ideal Standard fittings.

The second floor mirrors the arrangement below, with two more light-filled bedrooms, another bathroom, and useful storage incorporated into the landing.

There is also an en bloc garage available by separate negotiation.

Outdoor Space

A private lawned garden unfolds at the rear, bordered by ferns, ornamental grasses and seasonal flowering for year-round interest and colour. Mature trees beyond the timber boundary serve as a sublime backdrop for a tranquil summer house, fully serviced with electricity and broadband, making it equally suited to creative work or a home office. A roof terrace accessed from the first floor provides an elevated viewpoint among the surrounding tree canopy.

The Area

Blackheath is one of London's most enduringly popular neighbourhoods, with its expansive green spaces, beautiful architecture and strong sense of community. The heath stretches across 211 acres and provides ample space for walking, running and weekend picnics, while neighbouring Royal Greenwich Park offers some of London's finest views across the city skyline.

The house is within easy reach of Blackheath Village, where an excellent selection of independent cafés, restaurants and shops sit close by the station. Blackheath Farmers Market is every Sunday, while Blackheath Halls is thought to be London's oldest surviving purpose-built cultural venue. Greenwich is nearby, with its renowned market, riverside walks and the wealth of cultural attractions centred around the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The area is particularly well served by schools, including John Ball Primary School, Heath House Preparatory School, and St Matthew Academy. Private schools include Blackheath Preparatory, Blackheath High School, and the Pointer School. Nearby Dulwich College and Colfe's are also popular with families.

Blackheath station provides regular services to London Bridge, Cannon Street, London Victoria, and Charing Cross, while nearby Lewisham has access to the DLR. The A2 and South Circular are also easily reached, connecting the area to central London, Kent and the wider motorway network.