Auction House London’s area guide for Peckham

Auction House London’s area guide for Peckham

Auction House London lists properties available at auction across the whole of London and
further afield. Knowing the area is vital for people considering moving to a new location or
investing in a region they need to learn more about. It can distinguish between committing to
a property or deciding against it. Each month, our team of property auction specialists will
launch a new area guide designed to make the life of property buyers in London easier.
Our first guide takes us to the trendy district of Peckham.

Where is Peckham?

Peckham is in the London borough of Southwark, South East London. It is 5.6km to the
south-east of Charing Cross. Once synonymous with Rodney, Del Boy and Only Fools and
Horses, SE15 has become one of the trendiest areas of South London. While there is no Tube
to Peckham, the area’s two train stations, Peckham Rye, and Queens Road Peckham, are well
served by the Overground. The area also has a busy bus route with useful commuter routes.
History of Peckham

In the Domesday Book (1086), the area was called ‘Pecheham.’ By 1361, it had become
‘Pekkham,’ meaning ‘homestead by a peak or hill.’ However, there is also a reference to the
name, which means the village of the River Pech, a small stream that ran through the district
until it was enclosed in 1823. By the 16th century, Peckham had become a wealthy residential
area, and it is believed that architect Christopher Wren had links to the area. Peckham grew
as the transport system improved, as people could move out to the suburbs. By the 18th
century, the area boasted a vibrant commercial centre that attracted industrialists who
wanted to avoid paying high-priced rent in Central London. It was known as a market garden
town, producing melons, grapes, and figs. Towards the end of the 19th century, the last of the
fields and markets were replaced by housing developments.

Starting in the 1990s, the European Union invested in the regeneration of Peckham and partly
funded the award-winning Peckham Library.

What does the architecture and property look like in Peckham?
When purchasing a property, the style of architecture is one of the first and most important
things buyers consider. The architecture in Peckham is impressive, diverse, and innovative.
Fine Victorian houses can be found around Bellenden Road, some with as many as five
storeys. This trendy area is home to quirky village-style shops. The Holly Grove conservation
area is home to the stunning Choumert Square, where a unique mews of cottages compete
with one another in the best gardens stakes in the annual National Garden Scheme. Glengall
Road is another conservation area, home to 1840s Regency semi-detached villas. The area
also comprises of social housing estates and new-build flats.

What are the amenities like in Peckham?
Much of Peckham’s appeal, particularly among young professionals, renters, and first-time
buyers, is owed to its vibrant lifestyle scene. Rye Lane, the main shopping street, is lined with
shops, including Khan’s, a large emporium which sells a bit of everything. In recent years, the
bar scene has flourished in Peckham. From rooftop bars to cosy pubs hidden under the
railway arches, a wide range of drinks and experiences can be found in Peckham. The area’s
dining scene is equally diverse. From African-Caribbean grills to upmarket coffee houses and
European bistros, Peckham offers an eclectic gastronomic experience where foodies are at
home.

Peckham is also home to a busy leisure and arts scene. South London Gallery on Peckham
Road is a leading contemporary art gallery in London. A summer arts programme is held on
the upper levels of the multi-storey car park. Swimmers and leisure enthusiasts are also
well-catered. Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre has a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pools, a
large gym, and three state-of-the-art fitness studios.
Open spaces

In Peckham, you also have the best of both worlds, with the vibrant buzz of entertainment,
nightlife, and places of tranquillity to escape. Bordered by Burgess Park to the north and
Goose Green to the south, SE15 is exceptionally green. Peckham Rye Park and Common
extends for 113 acres, where visitors can enjoy an ornamental and water garden, lake, and
woodland.

What are the schools like in Peckham?
For young families looking for somewhere to live in London, choosing schools naturally takes
priority. Peckham offers various education options, including primary, secondary, private, and
specialist schools. Most of the schools in the area are rated ‘good’ or better by the education
watchdog Ofsted, and there are some ‘outstanding’ local comprehensive schools.
Auction House London prides itself on having local knowledge about diverse areas of the
capital. If you have questions about Peckham or any other London area or suburb, don’t
hesitate to contact our friendly property auction professionals. If you’re considering buying
property in London at auction, browse through the lots listed in our forthcoming auction. Or, if
you have a property you want to sell in London or the surrounding areas, why not see how
much it could be worth in an auction with a free valuation by Auction House London?