‘The Leaning Tower of Rotherhithe’ in London

‘The Leaning Tower of Rotherhithe’ is a lonely, wonky house in south London.

Situated in Rotherhithe, this precarious house teetering over the Thames stands alone and was once owned by Winston Churchill’s nephew.

Four storeys tall and 3.5 metres wide, it looks conspicuously out of place.

The building was originally part of a row of buildings, known as 41 Rotherhithe Street (pictured below).

However, the other buildings on this street were destroyed in the Blitz during World War 2, ‘The Leaning Tower of Rotherhithe’ is all that remains.

Post-war, those remaining were sold to London County Council and demolished as part of a plan to extend Southwark Park to the river.

Only number 41, which Braithwaite & Dean refused to sell, survived.

To the east of the building stood what has been described as ‘a once absurdly picturesque row of largely wooden tenements…seedy in the extreme but vibrantly populated in the 1950s by a bohemian set of artists and writers’.

Lord Snowdon lived along this row in a former coal store and is said to have met with Princess Margaret here, as well as hosting celebrities such as Marlene Dietrich and Noel Coward (who entertained him on the piano in his studio flat). 

In around 1960 he lent his room to John Betjeman (as you do) when his house burnt down.

It’s not known exactly why this particular structure was allowed to remain.

It is not of any particular architectural value, though perhaps it was its brickwork that saved it, as many of the other buildings were wooden so arguably less sound structures.

Today, the renamed 1 Fulford Street is a 2,131 sq ft home with 180-degree views over the river - with stunning views on London.

The property went on sale earlier this year for £1.5 million.

Over the years, it has seen many famous residents living and visiting.

Esmond Romilly, the nephew of Winston Churchill, and his communist wife, Jessica Mitford, allegedly lived there between 1937 and 1939 when it went by 41 Rotherhithe Street.

British photographer and husband of Princess Margaret, Lord Snowdon, was another famed reported inhabitant.

He is rumoured to have met with his future wife, Princess Margaret in the building, while actress Marlene Dietrich and playwright Noel Coward may also have visited.

It was also claimed Lord Snowdon may have lent his room to English poet Sir John Betjeman.

The property offers 180 degree uninterrupted views of many of the city's most iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge.

Inside, there are two kitchens in the building, along with two open-plan living areas, three additional reception rooms, two bathrooms, a bedroom and a spare room.

With the capacity to change the rooms around, increase the number of bedrooms or convert the building into flats.

Steven Morish of Savills Auctions, said: “Fulford Street presents a rare opportunity to acquire a one-of-a-kind riverside property which is a well-known landmark in the local area.

”With approximately 2,131 sq ft of accommodation over four floors, this is without doubt one of the most unique properties to come to auction in recent years'“

If you’d like to take a look at this building, the address is: 1 Fulford Street, London, SE16 4NW.

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