Victorian Villa

For Clerkenwell based practice Robert Rhodes Architecture + Interiors, to describe the renovation of their recent project Bedwardine Road as a labour of love would be an understatement, it was more like an epic struggle against insurmountable odds.

A Victorian Villa located in a South London conservation area, its owners were introduced to Robert Rhodes in June 2014. They had purchased an elegant wreck; an enormous 8-bedroom, now 5-bedroom, Victorian villa that had previously been the home of a multi-generational family. The magnitude of the property meant that even basic renovation would cost a small fortune.

The task set to Robert Rhodes was simple but challenging; total renovation and reconfiguration, with new heating, plumbing and electrics, new floors, structural repairs, new joinery, new bathrooms, a music studio, a wine cellar, new sash windows, landscaping, repointing… all for less than £1000/m2.

The owners also wanted a kitchen that felt like a New York loft, complete with a polished concrete floor, underfloor heating and large floor to ceiling Crittall windows.

As part of the approach for the interior and exterior concept, Robert Rhodes combined traditional architectural details including finely crafted gauged arches and denticulated brickwork on the rear elevation with fun details such as a hidden “jib” door that provides access to a dressing room and theatre lights in the master bathroom.

Taking four years from start to finish, more so than what was endured to get to completion, it is a forever home which Robert Rhodes and the property’s owners collectively made that makes the project so special.

Inside, as well as out, Bedwardine Road was a project about collaboration. It is the result of a brilliant working relationship between architect, design team and homeowner.

Design: Robert Rhodes Architecture + Interiors
Photography: James Balson