A MERE FIVE MILES OUTSIDE THE CITY, THIS VILLAGE GEM HAS A SURPRISINGLY RURAL FEEL, WITH HISTORIC HOMES, ART FESTIVALS, AND OUTSTANDING SCHOOLS
Residents of this rather enchanting corner of south-east London are known to put down roots for more than 20 years. “With its leafy streets, white-picket fences, and exclusive charm, Dulwich Village is in high demand for many reasons,” says Sylvia Jones, sales branch director at KFH Dulwich Village.
“The area offers an incredible selection of world-class schools, excellent transport links to the City, an abundance of green spaces, and great independent shops, cafes, and boutiques.”
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Dulwich has managed to maintain its country-village feel –“something that you simply cannot find anywhere else in London – and that’s why people here tend to stay in their homes for 20-plus years,” says Jones. “It’s not unusual for clients to be searching for a couple of years before they find their property.”
Its eclectic mix of architecture is a particular draw, says Mel Carter, associate director of Hamptons Dulwich. “There are large Georgian villas, Victorian terraces, mid-century townhouses and newly-built houses and developments. Periods can vary even in just one road, so there really is something for everyone.”
The property market tends to stay reasonably firm as there’s strong demand for properties across all price ranges, adds Carter. “Prices range from £500,000 to £10m, depending on size and condition. Flats fetch up to £1m for a Victorian conversion within the catchment area for The Charter School.”
Set within the borough of Southwark, the village splits into the East Dulwich, West Dulwich and Dulwich Village neighbourhoods, all of which have easy access to amenities such as the Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich Park, Brockwell Park and lido, Crystal Palace Park, Picturehouse cinema, the golf course and Dulwich woods.
DAY OUT IN DULWICH
9AM
Find out
Start the day with a yoga class on Croxted Road’s Hotpod Yoga, as spring begins to bloom, find the class that’s right for you whether it’s nurturing, hotpod, or dynamic flow. You’ll need to book in advance to secure your spot.
11AM
Cuppa culture
Head to London Road for a trip to the inspiring Horniman Museum, named after social reformer Frederick Horniman who ran his father’s tea business (Horniman’s Tea). Free to visit, discover global cultures in this dynamic space. Highlights include the Horniman Spring Fair on the 30 March (ticketed) and the 茶, चाय, Tea (Chá, Chai, Tea) exhibition which explores how the essential drink is enjoyed worldwide and its history, above.
1PM
Desi dining
Built possibly by the architect himself (or in the style of Robert Adam), head to Belair House on Gallery Road. The former residence is now home to the 1785 restaurant full of north Indian culinary treats, in addition to being an event space. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, whether for a light lunch or fine dining in the evening.
3PM
Picture perfect
A five-minute walk from Belair, designed, and built by Sir John Soane, Dulwich Picture Gallery on Gallery Road has long been a landmark in the area. Initially built to house the collection of Soane’s friend, Swiss painter Sir Francis Bourgeois, RA, it’s home to one of finest collection of Old Masters in the world, above.
5PM
Artist in the making
Made a resolution to start or refresh a hobby? Dulwich Art School’s classes on Champion Hill, are tailored to those who have busy schedules, as well as sketchers with more time on their hands. Supplied with easels, charcoal and pencils, you just need to bring yourself. Find classes on the website to start.
DULWICH, ASK A LOCAL: JENNY SCOTT, DIRECTOR OF DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY
“Wandering through Dulwich Village is an experience in itself – a picturesque neighbourhood. Quiche at Romeo Jones is a must, followed by a browse in Village Books and sampling the latest varieties at Heritage Cheese. In West Dulwich don’t miss Alleyn Park Garden Centre, and the Rosendale pub is a cosy gem. In East Dulwich, Lordship Lane is a hive of activity. My favourite treat is ice cream from Oddono’s. There are lots of green spaces to enjoy, from Sydenham Hill Wood to Dulwich Park, across the road from Dulwich Picture Gallery, with its array of creative activities.”
DULWICH: FOOD & DRINK
HERITAGE DULWICH
101 Rosendale Lane
Paying homage to the past, while embracing the present, Heritage is headed up by chef patron Dayashankar Sharma, who pairs varying styles of Indian cuisine shining a light on lesser- known regions. With dishes such as Goan stuffed fish, lotus root and spinach chaat to fig-stuffed potato dumplings to tantalise tastebuds, go on a culinary journey with modern fine dining. heritagedulwich.co.uk
THE CHERRY TREE
31-33 Grove Vale
As the seasons change, keep warm at the neighbourhood favourite The Cherry Tree. With a menu full of British gastro-pub classics, such as chicken-and-leek pie or sausage and mash, alongside European favourites such as French onion soup. For those who like a challenge, every Wednesday the Cherry Tree hosts pub quizzes. thecherrytreedulwich.co.uk
YAMA MOMO
72 Lordship Lane
Where tradition meets innovation, Yama Momo celebrates the diversity of Japanese food and flavours by blending Japanese izakaya with modern European elegance. Find appetisers such as nasu goma and hamachi with kazi wasabi and mains such as chargrilled seabass, truffle beef and gin dara (grilled cod marinated in yuzu miso sauce). yamamomo.co.uk
MEGAN’S IN THE HAMLET
25 Dulwich Village
In the middle of the village, Megan’s is inspired by Mediterranean tavernas, which is reflected in both its cuisine and interiors. Making all of its food and sauces in-house, you’ll find vibrant dishes in this much-loved eatery. With the menu filled with classics, such as Megan’s speciality open kebabs, falafel and halloumi. If you’re hankering after something on the sweeter side, warm lokma doughnuts will prove a treat. megans.co.uk
ROCCA DI PAPA
75-79 Dulwich Village
Named after a small village in the Alban Hills, south-east of Rome, the independently- owned establishment brings great Italian food to the area. Its popular pizza, breads, pasta and sauces are all homemade. Offering Italian classics alongside modern menu additions, diners can even eat alfresco when the weather’s warmer. roccarestaurants.com
DULWICH SCHOOLS
Education is a huge draw for buyers in Dulwich, with a variety of Ofsted ‘Outstanding’-rated local schools for children aged 4-18 years within the catchment area, as well as a host of world-renowned independent schools within easy reach. The most popular state options are the voluntary-aided Dulwich Village Infants’ School, Dulwich Hamlet Junior School for 7-11 year olds and The Charter School North Dulwich for ages 11-18.
Judith Kerr Primary School also offers a bilingual education, with lessons in English and German. Meanwhile, favoured independent options include James Allen’s Girls’ School (best known as JAGS) offering both junior and senior schools, the world-renowned Dulwich College, an academically-selective school for boys aged 11-18 and a junior school taking boys from 7-11, and the co-ed Alleyn’s School, which also offers an all-the-way-through option for children aged from 4-18.
ASK AN AGENT: CATHERINE STAGE, PARTNER AT KNIGHT FRANK DULWICH
“Dulwich Village offers a wonderful mix of Edwardian and Victorian family homes, which range in price from around £1.5m to £2.5m. The main buyer demographic we see is young families.
Schools are a huge draw, meaning that people don’t tend to move from the area once their children are in the schooling system, and catchment areas are of paramount importance.
The most popular roads are Woodwarde Road, Court Lane, Turney Road and the North Dulwich Triangle. Given how interest rates have fallen, this has given confidence to buyers in the market and it’s certainly buoyant, particularly in the price range up to £1.75m.
Almost half of the properties we sell are “off market”, so we recommend that buyers come and speak with us directly, rather than relying on online listings, as many properties never hit the websites.” knightfrank.com
Properties in Dulwich
COURT LANE
Located in Dulwich Village, this thoughtfully extended and refurbished five-bedroom semi-detached house offers an abundance of space for the growing family and enjoys a fantastic south-west-facing garden backing onto Dulwich Park. There’s a utility room, music room and integrated garage. Guide price £2.75m Agent: knightfrank.com
POND COTTAGES
This charming Grade II-listed cottage has bags of character, two bedrooms and is located on a private road with views across to Dulwich Village and pond. £850,000 Agent: kfh.co.uk
SHAKESPEARE ROAD
Set over four storeys on a popular road near Poets Corner, Herne Hill, this five-bedroom house has double-height ceilings on the lower floors and a landscaped garden. £1.9m Agent: hamptons.co.uk
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