Coombe Rd - Former Oakwood School

The Opportunity
• School for sale freehold with vacant possession
• Existing floor space of approximately 26,630 sq ft GIA
• Site extends to approximately 4.6 acres (1.86 ha)
• Currently benefits from a license with the London Borough of Croydon to occupy an additional c.6 acres of sports pitches
• An exciting educational development/refurbishment opportunity, with the opportunity for a change of use (subject to the necessary permissions)
• Last occupied by an independent school educating pupils from age 3 – 11.
Description
Oakwood school represents a rare and exciting opportunity to acquire a substantial freehold property in a desirable and secluded south London location. It presents either as a refurbishment opportunity for continued educational use or for alternative uses and development, subject to the necessary consents.
The Property is freehold with a mix of buildings of varying ages, architecture and construction. The main building, Coombe House, formerly known as Geoffrey Harris House, is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1761.
The Property is set within an abundance of green space, nestled within Lloyd Park and the Addington Hills giving the immediate locality a rural and spacious feel.
The site benefits from a generous provision of outside space, with mature gardens and a private MUGA pitch located in the northern part of the site. The freeholder additionally benefits from a license with the local council for use of an adjacent area of Lloyd Park, utilised as sports pitches.
Historical context
The property is believed to have been originally built in the 17th century as a residential home, ownership has changed hands several times with notable owners until Frank Lloyd’s death in 1927. A decade after Lloyd’s death, the house had become a convalescent home for army officers. Following the war, the house was used as St Margaret’s School for handicapped children (1946-85) – the first school in the country for children with cerebral palsy. An extension was constructed between 1942 and 1954.
From 1985 Coombe House was a residential care home for those with mental health and learning difficulties within the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. This was renamed in 1988 after Dr Geoffrey Harris, a consultant at St Lawrence’s Hospital for the mentally handicapped in Caterham, who died in 1987.
As of 2013 the house has been a school. Firstly, The Cedars School, an independent secondary school for boys. The school vacated the campus in July 2021 with Oakwood School taking up residence as an independent primary school. The building is currently vacant.