Property investor-developer Vfund has unveiled a new collection of 16 beautifully restored one-bedroom urban cottages at Alms Gate, their exceptional residential scheme in Lewisham SE13.

The initial release of homes was successfully sold off-plan with the scheme now build complete.

The homes in the new collection of one-bedroom cottages now released to the market are available for immediate occupation, for sale via joint agents Hamptons and Kingsbury Stone, with prices starting from £420,000.

The Grade II listed former almshouse has been sensitively restored to preserve its original character while providing modern, sustainable homes. The development offers a total of 39 one, two, and three-bed homes, including the newly launched 16 one-bedroom cottages, set within a secure gated community with private landscaped central communal gardens spanning almost 1.63 acres (70,000 sq ft).

The interiors of each cottage, designed by F3 Architects, have been thoughtfully crafted to accommodate contemporary living while retaining the original charm of the almshouses. The Victorian fireplaces, original timber panelled walls, and cast iron windows have all been preserved.

The cottages feature an open-plan living area and a fully-equipped kitchen on the ground floor, with a modern bathroom and one bedroom on the first floor.

Each cottage has its own individual private courtyard, and residents can enjoy the expansive green central gardens and woodland areas for a serene and ecologically rich outdoor space to socialise, relax, and engage in active outdoor pursuits.

Originally built in 1826 to the designs of architect William Jupp, the Regency-era style of the almshouses features handsomely detailed moulded window and door architraves, pilasters, and cornicing. The exteriors have been sympathetically restored, brick by brick, to successfully bring them back to life.

The centerpiece of the Grade II listed almshouses is the old clock tower with a commemorative tablet that gives the names of the Master and Wardens of the Almshouses. Above it sits the Guild's coat of arms in the shadow of an old weathervane, looking down as life unfolds on the lawn below.

The almshouses were originally built to create a sense of community and connection for South Londoners. Thanks to a collaboration with specialist conservation architects Feilden + Mawson, the Grade II listed homes have been reimagined for the 21st century while retaining many of their charismatic heritage features.

The U-shaped layout of the almshouses around a shared garden brought the community together, and this legacy continues with the beautifully landscaped gardens at Alms Gate. The woodland is part of the London Biodiversity Action Plan Priority habitats and home to breeding birds, and the landscaping of the gardens has been thoughtfully designed to retain ancient trees and ornamental shrubs while sensitively planting around the grasslands.

Just a short walk from Alms Gate is Lewisham Station which provides overground connections to London Bridge in less than 8 minutes and DLR connections to the heart of Canary Wharf in just over 15 minutes. London City Airport is also less than 30 minutes away.

Adam Shafron, Director at Vfund says: “We are delighted to launch our latest collection of urban cottages at Alms Gate. The project to evolve and rejuvenate these special Grade II Listed buildings has spanned a number of years. Our aim throughout, working closely with a broad team of dedicated specialists, has been to first and foremost protect and maintain the unique character of the historic Alms Houses, while carefully updating them for all that’s needed for an utterly modern life. Each of the urban cottages pairs a perfectly formed and superbly designed home with the added benefit of a private courtyard. When you step into the grounds, it’s hard not to feel some of the authentic atmosphere and history and admire its transformation. It’s a truly special place.”

Joe Bickerton, Senior Sales Manager at Hamptons says: “The uniqueness and character of the urban one-bedroom cottages at Alms Gate mean they bring much more benefit than a one-bedroom flat. The instant access to vast outdoor space combined with the excellent transport links into the bustling city, with good proximity to Canary Wharf, make these homes a wonderful opportunity for young professionals or downsizers to have the best of both worlds.” 

Graeme Grossman, New Homes Director at Kingsbury Stone says: “The newly launched urban cottages at Alms Gate are perfect for those looking to get on the property ladder, or downsizing, looking to be surrounded by London’s most dynamic neighbourhoods whilst still enjoying the peace and tranquillity of open green space. The cottages are unique in design and are truly a talking point with the privacy of individual front doors and their own private courtyards.”

Prices for the newly launched one-bedroom urban cottages at Alms Gate start from £420,000. Contact joint agents Kingsbury Stone and Hamptons.

See Alms Gate development profile where you'll find more photos of both the exterior and interior of the development and the link to the official sales website.