Compass Point
London E14

SOLD

Architect: Jeremy Dixon

Register for similar homes

This five-bedroom house in a spectacular location overlooking the River Thames, forms part of Compass Point, perhaps the most critically-acclaimed London housing development of the 1980s. Designed by Jeremy Dixon and built between 1985 and 1988, Compass Point was lauded by both the leading champion of Post-Modernism, Charles Jencks (he called it “an urbane and civilised set piece”), and Post-Modernism’s main adversary, the Prince of Wales who proclaimed that he “very much liked” these “Dutch-looking houses”.

It is easy to understand why these properties have been so celebrated – they appear both fresh in their design and seem to fit easily into their timeless riverside setting. The communal spaces designed by Dixon are among the most pleasant in the city and the interiors of the houses are both light and pleasingly proportioned with stunning views.

Accommodation is arranged over four floors. The ground floor includes an integral garage, WC and kitchen / dining room that leads out via glazed doors onto the garden. There is a bedroom and reception room on the first floor, the latter having spectacular panoramic views across and along the Thames and access to a wonderful terrace. The second floor has two further bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom. Again the front bedroom has outstanding views. The third floor features a family bedroom and another two bedrooms. There is a private river-facing garden and two terraces. Although there is an integral garage if needed, on-street parking is easily found nearby.

The house can be found in a quiet residential location in the Canary Wharf area. Island Gardens DLR station is a short walk away which gives easy access into central London. Greenwich, one of the London’s most popular and historic areas, can be reached on foot in approximately fifteen minutes, via an attractive riverside pedestrian walkway. All the restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities of Canary Wharf are also easily accessible. There are two small parks – St. John’s Park and Mudchute Park – within easy walking distance. The ‘Oustanding’ rated Canary Wharf College is nearby.

Sir Jeremy Dixon is among Britain’s leading architects. Perhaps best known for his work on the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, he was knighted for his contribution to architecture in 2000. He has worked across the world and on many high-profile projects but it is his early housing designs in London that many see as his most outstanding achievement.

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.


History

The critic Charles Jencks chose the Compass Yard houses as one of his ‘Post Modern Triumphs in London’, a book published by Architectural Design / Academy. In the book he wrote the following appraisal (see image above):

“The flats and houses are organised according to three London typologies: as terrace housing along the river front [such as the one for sale here] , as a broad avenue of semi-detached villas in the middle and as cheaper courtyard housing a the back. Transition points are marked by higher buildings, towers in the grammar Dixon has adopted. Dark brick and light render unify the three typologies and, for the most part, distinguish between main surface (brick) and protrusion or setback (render). The English-Dutch gables add slight articulations. This unity in variety makes it the most urbane and civilised set piece in the Docklands. No other housing approaches it for the basic urbanistic decisions: a sheltered river walkway with pergolas and seating areas versus a dignified avenue culminating in a modest ‘circus’. The villa typology creates a very nice rhythmical balance between architecture, automobile and entryway – that is between the ideal and all to real.”

Related stories


Related sales


Recently Viewed