Lymer Avenue, Marlowe Court

In a nutshell

Set within the Dulwich Estate, this two-bedroom modernist apartment offers a thoughtfully planned layout, beautifully proportioned rooms and far-reaching views.

Brickworks says

Designed by Austin Vernon & Partners and completed in 1959, Marlowe Court is part of a celebrated modernist development, where the buildings sit comfortably among mature trees and landscaped gardens. There's something particularly appealing about the simplicity of the architecture – expansive windows, carefully considered spaces and a close relationship with the landscape beyond. From the fourth floor, this apartment makes the most of its setting, with an ever-changing outlook.

Inside, the appeal of mid-century design becomes immediately apparent. With an emphasis on simplicity and practicality, well-defined rooms serve their purpose without unnecessary fuss. The reception and dining room stretches to over eight metres, comfortably accommodating a proper dining area and a corner for reading or working. The separate kitchen has been updated, while both bedrooms are good-sized doubles. Everything is arranged around a central hallway, giving the apartment a pleasingly straightforward layout. Outside, communal gardens offer lawns, established trees and winding paths – without the responsibility of maintaining them yourself.

Crystal Palace has a personality all of its own, with the Triangle offering an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafés and places to eat. Four Boroughs is a favourite for coffee, Book Seller Crow is perfect for a browse, while Bull & Finch and Gipsy Hill Taproom are good places to settle in for a drink. There's also an Everyman Cinema and Chatsworth Bakehouse, with Dulwich Upper Wood practically on the doorstep and Crystal Palace Park providing plenty more green space to explore.

The owners say

We've loved living here for the past five years. The light and space are probably the things we've appreciated most about the flat. There's something special about the evening light, particularly as the sun begins to set, and being surrounded by so much greenery makes it easy to forget you're in London.

The communal gardens are another real pleasure. We love the mature trees and the lawns between them, and because the paths connect the different buildings, you naturally get to know your neighbours. There's a lovely mix of ages and backgrounds, with people who are interesting, friendly and helpful. It's a sociable place if you want it to be, with a residents' party each summer and a nearby street party, but there's never any pressure to join in. You can be as involved as you like or simply enjoy the peace and privacy of your own home.

We've also enjoyed being so close to Crystal Palace, with its independent shops, cafés and restaurants, while having plenty of woodland and green space around us. The transport connections are excellent, too, making getting around London a breeze.

If we didn't need a third bedroom so that our children could have a room each, we wouldn't want to leave.

Points to consider

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC):
Current Energy Rating C.
Potential Energy Rating C.

Council Tax:
Band C in the borough of Southwark.
£1,748 in 2026/27.

Utilities:
According to the owners, monthly costs for electricity, gas and water total approximately £250. This reflects the usage of a family of four, including two children and parents who regularly work from home. These figures naturally change seasonally.

Tenure:
Leasehold, with approximately 122 years remaining on the lease.

The freeholder is The Dulwich Estate.

Outside space:
Communal woodland gardens with mature trees, lawns and paths connecting the neighbouring buildings.

Service charge:
£2,115 per year.

This covers cleaning of communal areas, gardening, lift maintenance and general day-to-day repairs.

Ground rent:
£0 per year.

Ews1:
The owners have advised that the building is exempt from requiring an EWS1 form.

Neighbours:
There are 38 flats in the building.

Recent work:
The owners installed an induction hob in late 2021, followed by new kitchen worktop, a sink and tap in late 2024. In 2025, a bedroom wall was repaired following the removal of a disused boiler flue, while improvements to the front door's fire safety were completed in 2026. The building also benefited from external maintenance in summer 2023, including roof repairs and repainting the window frames. A new lift was also installed in 2023. The gas boiler has a manufacturer's guarantee till June 2030, and its most recent annual service was in October 2026.

Getting around:
Gipsy Hill (Southern, Zone 3) is a 10-minute walk, with direct trains to Victoria, London Bridge, and Croydon. Sydenham Hill (Southeastern, Zone 3) is a 15-minute walk, with direct trains to Victoria and Bromley, and quick connections to The City and King's Cross St Pancras via Thameslink. Crystal Palace station is an 18-minute walk for London Overground services. Local buses, including the 3 and 450, provide further connections.

Onward plans:
After five happy years here, the owners are looking for a three-bedroom home so their children can have a room each. They haven't yet found their next property, but they are actively looking.

Anything else:
Named after the Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe, the building forms part of a modernist development recognised with a Civic Trust Award in 1964.

The owners have confirmed that pets are permitted under the lease. There is also a lift, with step-free access from the street via ramps and lifts.

The legal bit

We take reasonable care to make sure our property particulars are accurate, and professional pride in getting the details right. They are intended as a guide and may include information provided by sellers or other sources. We encourage buyers to visit, ask questions and check anything that is important to their decision. Floor plan measurements may be rounded and distances are approximate.