1 month ago
If walls could talk, 64 Clapham Common Northside would have some seriously juicy stories to tell.
This charming little property has been standing its ground since the 1780s, and, after a close brush with demolition, it’s now set to be lovingly restored. It might not look like much at first glance, but this unassuming house has survived centuries of change, adaptation, and even some rather dramatic near-misses.
At one point, 64 Clapham Common Northside was just a quaint country cottage, standing out in the fields, long before Clapham became the vibrant area we know today. But its future looked shaky not too long ago when developers had their eyes on the property, planning to demolish it and replace it with something sleek and modern. Luckily, the community wasn’t about to let that happen.
The house is one of the oldest on Clapham Common, and once people realised just how much history was hidden inside those walls, they rallied to protect it. The initial planning application was blocked – and rightly so – with the council’s planning department stepping in to give a thorough “thanks, but no thanks” to the idea of flattening the building.
This house has been through it all. It’s been a country cottage, a dairy, and even staff quarters at one point. It was originally attached to a now-long-gone manor house and has managed to dodge complete redevelopment time and time again. Inside, it’s seen better days, but if you take a closer look, there are still plenty of its original features, like stone flag flooring and the historic front elevation, that give it real character.
The new owners have fully embraced this history. They’ve taken the time to dig into the archives, finding old maps and illustrations that show the property as it was back in the day, even discovering an old map from St Mary’s Parish that highlights the house’s unusual garden layout. Now, they’re planning to give it the care it deserves, restoring it to its former glory while keeping all the best bits intact.
The house has been empty for ages, and the roof hasn’t exactly held up well – there’s a giant hole in it that’s wreaked havoc on the floors below. But rather than tearing the place down and starting fresh, the new owners are opting for a sensitive restoration. They’ve already applied for planning permission to make some thoughtful updates, which have been well received by the community.
Their plans involve making the property liveable again while preserving its original charm. They’ll be making some changes to the back of the house, but the front elevation and key historical features will stay as they are. Local residents have praised the approach, saying it’s exactly what the house needs – a revival without losing its soul.
This isn’t the first time 64 Clapham Common Northside has been at risk. Over the years, it’s survived all sorts of changes, but it’s always come out on top. Thanks to the community and its dedicated new owners, this little house is set to keep going for another generation – and that’s something worth celebrating.
So, if you’re walking past Clapham Common and spot number 64, take a moment to appreciate it. It’s not just a house – it’s a survivor with a rich history and plenty of stories left to tell.
