Whose house?
When I bought my flat my mum’s best friend, a long-time London dweller, was really excited about one thing. The fact that I lived close to an old house she’d been fascinated by for years. I am also now fascinated with it, and it seems I’m not the only one.
This picture is from Vanessa Woolf of London Dreamtime, a storyteller and performer based in south east London. She has also documented a few other of my favourite Peckham, Camberwell and Lewisham buildings (chip shops). This house is very mysterious, brightly painted and surrounded by a lovely rose garden. Does anyone know anything else about it?
I used to go past this house on the bus when I lived in Brockley – I could never make up my mind whether it’s charming or spooky. I think it’s kind of a Hansel and Gretal thing. I would love to know the real story behind it.
I have lived near this house for the past 22 years. i don’t know much about it but an old rather crazy west indian gentleman lives there. As far as I know he has been there for many years and is probably responsible for the colours. Sadly as he gets older and more confused the house looks more and more run down. Still a cheerful sight on Lewisham Way though. Lets hope the developers don’t move in anytime soon.
Thanks Nicola. Yes, the gent who lives there I see out in his garden a lot, but it’s interesting to know he’s been there years and may well be responsible for the house’s appearance. A Lewisham landmark.