Nunhead’s success with home-hunters is simple. You’ll pay far less for a home here than you will in some posher, neighbouring locales. And it’s pretty, close to amazing parks and within walking distance to some upbeat locales. Having had its centre revamped, Nunhead Green was tastefully landscaped, a modern playground was added and a new community centre built. Shop-owners along Evelina Road, the high street, were given grants to improve their frontage and new homes were carefully designed to sit comfortably in their surroundings. Nunhead’s position is brilliant. Peckham Rye Park defines its border with East Dulwich while other direct neighbours are Telegraph Hill, Brockley and Peckham. It’s small, mixed and popular with families and millennials who pay far less for comparable homes across Peckham Rye Park. Regeneration has helped Nunhead’s centre while roads south of the cemetery are a quiet, leafy backwater near the area’s most popular school.
Homes in SE15 Mainly Victorian, a few Georgians and a smattering of 1960s builds. The Pioneer Centre delivers a Deco haven while Waveney Avenue’s half-houses are brilliant starter homes for young couples. The three tower blocks in Rye Hill Park offer leg-ups onto the ladder as do the ex-locals and 1930s buildings lining Peckham Rye. You can pick up a huge ex-local house for the price of a Peckham flat or go all out on a rambling Victorian villa along St Mary’s Road. There’s a huge range of stock and some seriously lovely period piles if you seek them out. Ivydale Road is one of the longest and lined with family-friendly Vickie terraces as far s the eye can see.Early Victorian homes line Evelina Road, Nunhead Grove and Consort Road. If you want more for your budget, the Homes for Heroes houses around Kelvington, Athenlay and Lanbury roads are just the ticket. Flats are plentiful, from period conversions, purpose-built, modern developments and ex locals.
Where to eat Nunhead is catching up with its neighbours, fast. There’s an ever-growing choice of restaurants and bars, the feverishly popular being gorgeous Babette, a vermouth bar that serves tapas and an excellent micropub. London’s first co-operatively-owned boozer, complete with theatre, The Ivy House is fab, serves locally-brewed beer, hosts comedy, live music and quiz nights. Overlooking Nunhead Green is The Old Nun’s Head, an equally awesome pub that has street food pop-ups and live music nights. Is Peckham Bazaar in Nunhead or Peckham? It’s borderline, but whatever, you can get to it easily and it’s especially good. Napura is a cosy Portugese, there’s a great sourdough pizzeria and The Habit is ideal for brunch.
Shops Eco-conscious locals can buy plastic-free goods at BYO, if you’re after a special gift, head to Material or Alkemi. You’ll find a truly special garden centre at Nunhead station’s arches. The high street meets daily needs with a particularly well-stocked Nisa, a broad-ranging chemist, a bakery and traditional butcher. Soper’s Fishmonger has a reputation as one of south London’s best. Notable neighbours include the florist, a friendly bike workshop, Rat Race Cycles and a wine and cheese store . You’ll even find a renowned string-instrument maker and a mid-century furniture shop in Nunhead.
Culture Nunhead Art Trail showcases upwards of 90 local artists and makers in various studios or homes.
Peckham and Nunhead Free Film Festival shows films in different settings across SE15. If singing floats your boat, you can join Nunhead Community Choir while budding pianists can perform in Nunhead Piano Festival. Music, comedy and quiz nights are held at the Ivy House and the Old Nun’s Head. You could find street food pop-ups or drag evenings at either.
