Shelley Court
Parkleys, London TW10
Architect: Eric Lyons
Register for similar homes“One of the finest residential projects by celebrated mid-century architect developers Span”
This light-filled two-bedroom apartment in Shelley Court forms part of Grade II-listed Parkleys, built by renowned development architects Span in the 1950s. Parkleys was the first development by Span co-founders Eric Lyons and Geoff Townsend and is one of London’s finest residential modernist estates. It is set among beautiful communal gardens planted with flowering trees, and expansive stretches of lawn that are much-loved by residents. The estate is located in leafy Ham, a pretty suburb with a lovely high street, which sits between Richmond Park and the River Thames in south London.
The Architect
Span are perhaps the most celebrated of all 20th-century residential developers. Many of the developments that they worked on throughout the south of England are now listed, and they are renowned for their outstanding, yet simple, modern architectural style and their considered landscaping.
The Tour
This apartment is located on the bright second floor of Shelley Court, and enjoys views through picture windows to the blossom-laden treetops. The communal landings and areas are of particular note in this estate, set with decorative brick, glass and lovingly maintained bespoke Span details. Each apartment has a private external store, and there are communal drying and bike storage rooms.
Entry is to a neat hallway, which opens into the large open-plan living room and kitchen. This dual aspect space is oriented east-west, allowing light to pour in throughout the day. The current owner has concertedly and carefully restored the apartment, introducing a new bespoke kitchen in ply and cork, plus beautiful green cabinetry that reflects the estate’s external colour scheme.
There are two bedrooms, both with views over the gardens and inbuilt wardrobes. One is currently used as a home office/music room. The spaces have been carefully and lovingly maintained by the current owner and exemplify an exceptional level of attention to detail. The bathroom has cork floors, echoing those of the kitchen, and white sanitaryware that enhances the sense of brightness and space found throughout the apartment.
The Area
Ham is a picturesque district in southwest London located between Richmond upon Thames and Kingston upon Thames. It unfurls around a large, open common and is renowned for the quality of its period architecture, the most notable example of which is Ham House, described by the National Trust as “the most complete survival of 17th-century fashion and power”. There is a parade of shops in Ham, including a monthly farmers’ market. Richmond and Kingston both have fast train connections into central London, and wider shopping and dining opportunities.
Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: approx. 960 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £2,400 per annum
Parking: There is unallocated residents parking in the estate
Council Tax Band: D
Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.
History
Span are perhaps the most celebrated of all 20th-century residential developers. The company built 30 housing estates between 1948 and 1984, and many of their buildings throughout the south of England are now listed. Founded by architect-turned-developer Geoff Townsend and Eric Lyons (thoroughly schooled in the modern movement having worked for Bauhaus designer Walter Gropius from 1936-37), their designs sought to bring the tenants of modernism – light, openness, a sense of order – to suburban areas on a domestic scale.
Parkleys was the first estate conceived by Span, built between 1954 and 1956. It remains one of the best-preserved examples of the characteristics for which Span are renowned, with a considered design throughout, particularly evident in the building’s ironmongery, signage and colour schemes. The interlinked courtyards, continuous glazing and glazed doors and screens create a sense of seamlessness between the interior and exterior landscape; this is characteristic of Span, who aimed to integrate architecture fully into the landscape, notably eschewing private gardens in favour of shared external spaces.
In recognition of its architectural importance, Parkleys was listed Grade II by English Heritage in 1998 and designated a Conservation Area by Richmond Council in 2003.
