The house that Dan and Jeff bought...
In late May 2004 we moved from lively York Way in North London to a brand new apartment on the Thames in South London. A new development in the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich to be precise.
This whole area is steeped in military history. From the 1600s this site was home to the Royal Arsenal and was vital to the ongoing development of weapons for the Empire. In 2000 an early Pagan cemetary was uncovered providing conclusive proof that people have been living on this site for thousands of years.
Click here to view the building site just before the construction phase began.
Click here to view a Google Map of our house - so you can find your way to visit!
Our house plans
The total floor area for the apartment is 80 sq. metres - and as you can see from the floor plan below, a majority of that space combines to form the living/dining and kitchen areas. Both bedrooms are good sized doubles, and like the main living areas, get ample natural light throughout the entire day.
Inside the house
We have included some photos showing how everything looks now we have finally settled in. Below you can see two different aspects of the main living area. The artwork on the wall is a Ben Jones original oil on canvas... an abstract architectural piece that we bought in 2002. Finally we can show it off!
The kitchen is fully fitted with a striking blue design. All the cupboards, units, the oven and the refrigerator were supplied. We added the tea-towels!
Inside the house (continued...)
This shot of the main bathroom shows the style of fittings and continued use of "down lights" to reflect against bright colours. The bath has a power-shower unit attached and it never seems to go cold! The en-suite is much the same design as the main bathroom... but with a shower instead of a bath.
These two photos have been taken from the balcony of the apartment looking south towards Woolwich Arsenal city centre... overlooking the historic Royal Arsenal area. The first image shows summer 2004, the second was taken as we approach late autumn 2004.
Outside the house
The first image below shows the view from our front door... out into the enclosed courtyard. If it weren't for the building opposite you would have a clear view of the river Thames. The second image shows the "Bailey Bridge" inspired external walkway, elevator and stairs.
All access to the courtyard is through a security gate. Whilst we don't currently own a car, we do have a car park. The second image below shows the view from the car park up to the main balcony and living room.
Outside the house (continued...)
The first image below shows a side view of the building (the west side). Our apartment is not actually visible, but you can gain a good impression of the building size and it's orientation toward the river Thames. The second image shows the top of the Towerblock - the only listed building that remains in that part of the development.
The two photos below show some interesting brick work used on the Towerhouse building and on our own building.
The environs about the house
The first image below is the view from the courtyard entrance... walking toward the river Thames. To the right (east) the view of the Thames and the Thames footpath.
Looking to the left (west) along the river, is the Royal Arsenal Pier - we remain hopeful that they will extend the River Taxi service to here in the next few years. The second image shows the view from the Thames south. The stone "cannon balls" are a tribute to the Royal Arsenal's military past and are used generously throughout the development.
The environs about the house (continued...)
The offical main entrance to the Royal Arsenal development is locked every evening by 11pm - and with those spikes it's safer to walk around to the other entrance. The Oak tree below is outside Dial House and is growing over a Pagan cemetary - perfect symmetry.
The image below shows the development across the river Thames "north of the river" close to North Woolwich (not to be confused with Woolwich - where we are).
Autumn in the Royal Arsenal
The scattered leaves on the grass, and the yellow leaves clinging to shivering branches is a sure sign that Autumn is turning. These photos were taken around the Royal Arsenal in late October 2004.
Standing in front of Dial House the view toward Beresford Street shows the yellowing leaves - tidy until the wind starts to blow. The moss has already started to grown between some of the cobbles... a sure sign of a damp winter ahead.
Autumn in the Royal Arsenal (continued...)
One plant not showing any effect of the recent weather change is the humble Rosemary. We need never worry about running out in the middle of cooking a roast! The colourful display of plants borders the Thames footpath that runs along the Thames river.
