Park Heights: new 20-storey tower on the edge of Zone 1 is set to bring sky-high flats to Stockwell

Stockwell struck lucky in the early 19th century when an estate of Regency villas arrived. Just enough handsome period buildings survive to provide some gracious streets and corners — pretty Durand Gardens, for example.

Grand townhouses were being built there from 1840 onwards around a pear-shaped green that has evolved into a piece of woodland and amenity space.

Not enough of these quiet conservation areas survive to make Stockwell a full-fledged gentrified inner suburb. However, the area is about 20 per cent cheaper than its near neighbour Clapham — Brixton, too — despite being that bit closer to the West End and City.

With a Tube station plugging travellers into the Victoria and Northern lines, for the time being Stockwell seems affordably priced for a district right on the cusp of Zone 1.

Park Heights, a 20-storey tower, is being built on the site of the former Stockwell Park council estate and lies next to a conservation quarter. Bigger-than-average flats come with wraparound balconies.

Two-bedroom apartments on the top floors have panoramic views and cost from £635,000. There is a communal roof garden. Call Network Living on 0344 809 2026.