For our new series, The Home Office, we’re off to work from the unique homes we sell and let, beginning with a terrace of newly built London mews houses.
Our team will share personal experiences of their time inside each property, and take you on a tour of the neighbourhoods. You’ll get an insight into how we work, and a chance to see some homes in action.
To start, Danny and Simon meet at Mitre Mews, a former Victorian joinery in Hither Green. Hidden behind electric gates, these five newly-finished houses mix bright, modern spaces with a dash of industrial inspiration. At the end of the mews, the original workshop is being converted into three warehouse-style apartments.
Are you ready? Then let’s begin!
Hither Green is still something of a secret, but it’s become an artisanal jewel in South East London’s crown. Creatives and entrepreneurs love putting down roots in this lovely leafy corner, not least because it’s just 11 minutes by train from London Bridge.
What better excuse to spend an intermittently sunny and rainy spring afternoon to get to know the houses a little better?
Are London mews houses good for an office?
As well as being great places to live, the houses at Mitre Mews are mindful of people working from home. Mezzanine and landing spaces are perfect locations for a desk, or as a place to sit and form ideas. Large windows, skylights and bi-folding garden doors deliver the cool, creative vibe that runs through the interiors.
With open-plan living spaces running front-to-back, the ground floors have a noticeably sociable vibe. Slate grey floors, sage green units, oak interior doors and large factory-style windows create a timeless, restful and stylish pallet. It’s the perfect backdrop for almost anyone’s taste, and a refreshing, modern take on traditional London mews houses.
Everyone needs a break for a chat, and where better than the kitchen over a coffee? Open shelves, deep drawers and plenty of cupboards keep everything in check and close to hand, with a nice long prep space. For maximum flexibility, the design leaves room for a dining table or a breakfast island on wheels.
The upper floors mix the exposed ceiling timbers of London mews houses with Victorian-style radiators and contemporary glazing. Here, Danny ponders the relative merits of modern architecture from the convenience of chaise longue as the sun pours in.
Out in the neighbourhood
There are two local shopping parades, one on either side of the station. Just around the corner from Mitre Mews is Springbank Road, home to the lovely breakfast-and-brunch cafe Arlo & Moe. A couple of doors down, Three Sisters does wonderful plants, cards, homewares and vintage booty. There’s good Asian cooking too, with Indian at Bengal Brasserie, or Vietnamese at Cafe Green on Ennersdale Road. For a proper fry-up, head straight for H’s Cafe on Hither Green Lane.
On the other side of the tracks is Staplehurst Road, dominated by the massive Victorian tavern that is The Station Hotel. So much more than a pub, they’ve got hotel rooms upstairs, a beer garden with weekend DJs, and an excellent kitchen. Come for top British and European grub like battered cod sandwiches, pan-fried gnocchi and mean Sunday roasts. Alongside glistening beef and chicken, they do a remarkable vegan Wellington with all the trimmings.
Across the street, you’ll find the delightful You Don’t Bring Me Flowers. This cafe-cum-florist serves cakes, coffees and treats upstairs, with exotic flora at street level. Their outdoor pavement deck, known as The Ark, is the result of a community lockdown project.
A few doors down, the pizzas at Sapore Vero are the bomb. Previously a food truck outside the station, the restaurant now has a permanent location, much to the delight of locals. Next door, grab a craft beer at Park Fever or wander a few more yards for Mediterranean and Meze at Fera.
What is a London mews house?
A traditional mews house is part of a mews, which is a row or street of unique houses with distinct personalities that can be found tucked away behind grand mansions in some of London’s most exclusive neighborhoods. A mews is a safe, almost traffic-free environment that is commonly found along quiet cobbled lanes.
Want to know more about these London mews houses?
The houses for sale at Mitre Mews are available in one-bedroom and three-bedroom designs. Click the links to see the image galleries, floor plans and individual descriptions, or get in touch to arrange a viewing.
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