‘Resisting the urge to add interior walls was the best thing I did!’
Having spent his previous professional years staying in chic boutique hotels around the globe while working in TV and music video production, John knew exactly the look he wanted when he snapped up this vast portion of a converted lightbulb factory in Brixton, south-west London, in 2003.
We caught up with him to explore why he resisted the urge to add interior walls, choosing instead to keep it as close to its industrial roots as possible.
The communal car parking leading to the front entrance of Johns home at The Lightworks
In a world increasingly defined by compact living and the relentless squeeze of urban density, the luxury of vast, open spaces within our homes has taken on a new, almost decadent allure. It’s no longer just about square footage; it’s about the feeling that space evokes – a sense of freedom, tranquillity, and an unapologetic indulgence in the simple pleasure of room to breathe.
“The temptation was to add more bedrooms, but I wanted the space to be as honest to it roots as possible. I kept as much of the character as I could and indulged in dark colours to add plenty of drama.”
Dark decadent interiors at The Lightworks
It most certainly works, and the combination of ceiling heights, oversized rooms and industrial features provides the perfect backdrop to a very social space.
“I’ve had some amazing parties here”, John explains. “There’s so much room on every level. The middle floor is the main space and I lose count of the number of guests I’ve entertained here, including full-on parties with a DJ. The top floor with the dining kitchen and roof terrace is a great place for more low-key get-togethers with a view of the Brixton Windmill, especially in summer. That said, my favourite room is the bedroom on the ground floor with its walk-in wardrobe, en-suite and sitting area. It’s basically the entire ground floor, but still very private and intimate.”
The vast interior mural wall on the ground floor
Available chain-free, this amazing space will definitely appeal to those from a creative background. And if, like the owner, you’re an art lover and long for a place to display particularly large works, the interior has the formidable ability to swallow the lot, demonstrated to perfection by the vast canvas that currently hangs in the bedroom.
So, for John, what’s made life so special here? “The fact that I can get to my office just off Oxford Street really quickly was always the main attraction: just six stops to Oxford Circus on the Victoria Line from Brixton tube is amazing. The rest has evolved since I’ve been here. Naughty Piglets near Brockwell Park is my go-to for its laid-back French bistro style, while coffees from F. Mondays on Brixton Hill always deliver. If I’m entertaining or just want a wander about, there’s always something at Brixton Village or Brixton Container Village just down the road.”
Room with a view you wouldn’t expect in Brixton !
If your heart lies with industrial living in its purest form, The Lightworks offers open plan living at the heart of one of London’s most vibrant playgrounds, for sale at £1,450,000. Freehold, parking and private terrace included.
Discover all the delicious detail by clicking here.
