Much like pubs and well, houses, the Victorians put furious effort into building handsome city schools after the 1870 Elementary Education Act made primary education compulsory.
Some of the smartest around are the legacy of E. R. Robson, who worked under Sir George Gilbert Scott and became the first architect to the London School Board in 1871.
Once split up, such buildings tend to combine the best bits of warehouse conversions – namely towering sash windows, lofty ceilings and mezzanine levels – with more manageable domestic proportions. There’s also less risk of emulating the Noughties batchelor pad look than in a more industrial space.
Surprisingly few are listed, so this can also be a sensible route into owning characterful period property without the tedious box ticking.
Here are ten of the best on the market now.
Hackney Downs, E8
£700,000
This smart flat sits within a Victorian school conversion minutes from two Overground lines at Hackney Downs and Hackney Central. Highlights include herringbone floors throughout and a second bedroom with standalone tub on the mezzanine level.
Dexters, 020 7067 2420
Brixton, SW4
£525,000
A spacious one-bedroom apartment in a Grade II-listed building set in pretty communal gardens. Sought-after features include particularly lofty ceilings and sash windows, while sweeteners include residents’ parking and an on-site gym.
The Modern House, 020 3834 8558
Lambeth, SE11
£600,000
A sleek one-bedroom flat in the original Lilian Baylis School, a 1960s Brutalist complex since converted by Conran and Partners. It has a balcony running the full width of the space, a sensible utility area and a handy second WC.
Urban Spaces, 020 3744 2500
Battersea, SW11
£1.395 million
Located on the fourth and fifth floors of a Queen Anne style former school close to Battersea Park, this almost 1,900 square foot apartment has been renovated with light and flow in mind. Exposed timbers and a sunken living room add extra character.
The Modern House, 020 3834 8558
Peckham, SE15
£645,000
A distinctive flat in a popular gated development with two bedrooms, a walk-in wardrobe and a double-height living area, plus exposed brick walls and an original fireplace. Queens Road Peckham is within easy walking distance.
Urban Spaces, 020 3744 2500
Twickenham, TW1
£315,000
This blank-slate one-bedroom flat sits on the top floor a small former school, now split into seven apartments. It’s close to the mainline station for trains into Waterloo, the river and plenty of green space including York House Gardens.
Property Partnership, 020 3889 9161
Regents Park, NW1
£1.125 million
A sensational two-bedroom apartment in the Regent’s Park conservation area with five metre ceilings, Gothic windows and a sweeping staircase, plus a balcony and undesignated roof terrace. It’s being sold with a share of the freehold and no onward chain.
Urban Spaces, 020 3744 2500
Holloway, N7
£400,000
This one-bedroom mezzanine apartment in an old Edwardian school is close to the heart of Holloway and a short walk from a Piccadilly line station. Though some updating is probably required, rooms are of a good size and there’s a bonus WC by the front door.
Hotblack Desiato, 020 3872 6008
Clapham Junction, SW11
£650,000
A bright one-bedroom apartment suited to a live/work set up, with an unusual double aspect main living space, vaulted ceilings and parquet floors. Clapham Junction station is minutes away and the Common only slightly further.
Savills, 020 3402 1900
Bow, E3
£500,000
This well-maintained split-level flat sits across the top two floors of a former Victorian school, tucked away between residential streets. Victoria Park, Mile End Park and the Regent’s Canal towpath are all easily accessible.
