A Spectacular Split-Level Apartment in Vauxhall’s Former Art School
Tucked moments from the River Thames and wrapped in the calm of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, this extraordinary three-bedroom, split-level apartment occupies what was once the beating heart of London’s artistic training.
Behind the listed facade, built in 1860 by John Loughborough Pearson, the Lambeth School of Art once nurtured generations of makers. Royal Doulton decorators worked here, and legend has it that even Vincent van Gogh passed through its studios.
More than a century later, architect Tony Fretton reimagined the former school into six private residences, completing a sensitive 1980s conversion that preserved the building’s architectural gravitas while introducing his own understated clarity.
One of those homes, now spanning over 2,300 sq ft, has since undergone a meticulous, design-led renovation by its current owners, resulting in a space that is both historically resonant and quietly contemporary.
Throughout the home, the renovation’s guiding principle is evident: honour the building’s past while elevating its everyday experience.
Original classroom floorboards and tall period windows have been carefully restored, joined by bespoke timber doors and finely tuned lighting by John Cullen.
Discreet joinery keeps the spaces calm and uncluttered, while a soft Farrow & Ball palette links the rooms. Two working gas fireplaces by Chesneys lend warmth.
At the centre of the apartment lies a showstopping living room with vast double-height ceilings and large windows letting in natural light and offering views of the lush private courtyard.
The pale (brick) walls form the perfect backdrop for a large art collection.
A dining area anchors one end, lined with open shelving washed in gentle spotlighting.
Off to the side, a beautifully executed galley kitchen reflects the home’s thoughtful craftsmanship.
Solid-wood cabinetry (handmade by a local carpenter) is topped with Brazilian Quartzite, its veining mirrored in the custom vanity in the upstairs bathroom.
From the main living area, a quiet corridor leads past a walk-through dressing room to the principal suite. This room was once an artist’s studio; now it is a calming retreat with double-height volume and an abundance of natural light.
Glazed doors open directly into the communal courtyard garden, shared only by the six apartments.
Beautiful, floral Chinese panels are fitted behind the canopy bed.
The adjoining en suite is finished to an exceptional standard. A sculptural ‘Vieques’ bathtub by Agape, complete with an Iroko wood backrest, takes centre stage.
Brass fittings by Bert & May complement the textured tilework, while an Aquaclean shower toilet by Geberit adds a refined, modern touch.
Climbing to the mezzanine level reveals two further spacious bedrooms. They share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, luxuriously finished with Brazilian Quartzite and underfloor heating.
From here, one can gaze out over the treetops of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens or inward through a picture window that overlooks the dramatic reception space below.
The home’s private courtyard garden is an unexpected pocket of green: a densely planted oasis of fatsia japonica, ferns, and mature shrubs.
The generous hall features glazing at varied heights, creating a gentle play of shadow, while a wall of sliding glass frames the view of a lush, private courtyard garden. From here, a boot room and utility space provide practical access to the outdoors.
The communal gardens are a lovingly maintained shared space that heightens the building’s sense of community and calm.
The approach feels like stepping into a secret. Set back from St Oswald’s Place, the apartment sits behind arched wrought-iron gates and a cobbled courtyard.
The apartment is listed for £2,850,000 at The Modern House.