Built in 1860, St. Oswald’s Place, formerly home to “The Lambeth School of Art”, where the Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone for the premises and Vincent Van Gogh is thought to have attended art classes, has just come onto the market for the first time in years with leading central London agents Harris Le Beau.
Studio One, is one of six properties that now make up the former school. The stunning home renovated by Tobias Hestler, 52, and his partner, Alexander Wegner, 54, offers a magnificent light-filled space that forms part of a grade II* listed Victorian school building. Converted by renowned architect Tony Fretton in the 1980s, this outstanding home in the heart of London, steeped in history rarely becomes available to purchase. Tobias and his partner Alexander bought the property in 2017, moving to London from overseas due to work commitments. As well as their London home, they also have homes in Switzerland and Mallorca.
Tobias comments: “We loved the property when we first saw it, especially its layout. The prior owners, who had lived here for nearly 40 years, were clearly avid collectors, and although they had done a lot to the property, it had naturally become dated over time. As lovers of interiors and with Alexander being a former editor of a leading interiors magazine and now a stylist for furniture and accessories photo shoots, we set about re-designing it into the home of our dreams, with Alexander’s expert eye, of course.”
Studio One occupies two floors of one wing of the old school building. Approached via a secluded cobbled courtyard, set back from St. Oswald’s Place, this stunning home offers 2,300 sq ft of light-filled living space that has been meticulously renovated and interior designed to an exceptional specification. It features three bedrooms, a huge reception room with 14ft ceilings, two bathrooms, and a private courtyard, as well as a communal garden and parking space.
Joe Le Beau from Harris Le Beau comments: “An exquisite opportunity awaits a discerning buyer with this unique property. This elegant residence combines classic architecture with modern comforts, offering a unique blend of luxury and sophistication. Tobias and Alexander are collectors of art and in a rare opportunity some of this art is available to purchase by separate negotiation.”
The beautiful bespoke, hand-made kitchen has been crafted in solid wood by a local carpenter and features Miele appliances, Vola taps, and underfloor heating with views over the cobbled courtyard. There is also a pantry, larder, and a ‘Winecave’ for storage of up to 70 bottles.
The master bedroom is spacious, with high 14 ft ceilings to match the living room, and comes complete with a dressing room. The large ensuite bathroom features an AGAPE bathtub, Bert & May tiles, a Geberit shower WC, and underfloor heating. Upstairs are two further bedrooms with bespoke built-in wardrobes and a Jack-and-Jill bathroom.
The current owners changed the layout from the original atelier to the master bedroom, which gave room for a larger bathroom and dressing room. The property features some pieces of furniture and decorative pieces, including a large wooden table that came from a cloister and three wood-carved statues, some of which belonged to the church next door. The original floors stem from when the building was constructed, they are mostly the school’s classroom floors.
Henry Doulton was part of “The Lambeth School of Art,” of Royal Doulton fame. He exhibited experimental works by the school’s students, who were trained for pottery design work. Many of which went on to work for Doulton. It is also thought that Vincent Van Gogh attended classes here. In 1937, the school changed its name to the City and Guilds of London Art School. Numerous significant artists from the 19th and early 20th centuries received their training at this institution, and today, Royal Doulton pieces that were decorated by Lambeth artists have become valuable collector’s items.
Situated in Vauxhall, surrounded by green open spaces close by, including Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, this part of London has seen the largest regeneration and now offers an abundance of cafés, bars, and restaurants, as well as being moments from the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament.