Kingswood House Reborn

Refurbishment rebirth

In 1980 Southwark Council began a programme of modernising and refurbishing the upper floors of Kingswood House. A fine suite named after Charles, H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, was formed on the second floor.

In what is now the main entrance hall and staircase, and in the corridors, the colourful late Victorian tapestries have been renovated at least twice and are in an excellent state of preservation. The originals are still on view on the ground floor, the others have been covered by modern replacements.

Major refurbishment on all floors was undertaken from 1997 to 1998, taking care to preserve the fabric of the house where furnishings were replaced or equipment updated.

License to marry

Since 1996 the house has been licensed to hold civil marriage ceremonies. The Golden Room, completely redecorated in August 1998, and the Jacobean Room both have function rooms, which are very popular for wedding receptions.

Friends of the house

July 1998 saw the meeting of The Friends of Kingswood House, which was established to explore ways and means of preserving this excellent example of a late Victorian family mansion, whilst ensuring that it continues to provide useful facilities for the local community.

Kingswood today

Since its early days as a community centre, the house has fulfilled the hopes of the council and local residents. Today the Kingswood over 50s club meets there every week and the Dulwich Helpline has moved into the premises.

The house is also regularly used for meetings, seminars and small conferences, with the Hannen Room equipped as a training suite with audio visual facilities and office space in the north wing. 

The garden provides the venue for an annual Summer Fayre for the local community. Filming for BBC period dramas also took place at Kingswood in 1998, with more of the same to come.

Contact us

Kingswood House Community Centre
Tel: 020 7525 2000
janice.francois@southwark.gov.uk
Seeley Drive
East Dulwich
SE21 8QR