In 1883 the fruit and vegetable garden of
Oaklands was auctioned. The land was described as being suitable for one
or two houses.
Henry Staines who was involved in a number of Lewisham Park properties
applied to build 2 houses on the land in 1884. Henry & his wife
Elizabeth are shown living at Sunnyside (65) in 1886.
The third house Springdale was built on the garden of Yeddo Grange by
Henry Staines in 1887.
The middle house, South View, was listed in an estate agents catalogue
of 1886 where it was for sale for £1,300.
It was described as being double fronted, having 4 bedrooms on the upper
floor. The first floor also having 4 bedrooms one of which was 20ft by
15ft, as well there was a fitted bathroom and lavatory with hot and cold water.
The ground floor had a dining room and drawing room both 20ft by 14ft
6ins., and a library. At ground level there was a kitchen and scullery and
the basement had extensive dry cellars.
A 60ft by 200ft walled garden was accessed from the drawing room by
steps.
The arrangement of sanitation was described as most efficient.
In 1976 the council proposed converting the three houses to provide accommodation
for elderly people. As obtaining a compulsory purchase order
of number 65 (Sunnyside) proved difficult it was decided to defer the
scheme until the lease ran out in 1983.
During the mid 1990's the houses were demolished and replaced by St.
Mauritus House to provide sheltered housing and a day centre operated by
Lewisham Park Housing Association.
