Toilet set to become a £135,000 flat

For rent: cosy, split-level Edwardian conversion, handy for shops and transport links, some period features. Sounds promising, doesn't it? But delve deeper into the details of this £135,000 des res in Forest Hill and you might think twice about moving in, for it has a somewhat undistinguished past.

The two-storey building started life nearly 100 years ago as a public convenience. It has been derelict for 10 years but now developers want to turn it into a well-appointed studio flat which they plan to let out.

One of the capital's first ever public WC-turned-homes will boast an open-plan living room and kitchen together with a bedroom area and en-suite bathroom. At just over four square metres the flat will undoubtedly be "compact" - even when given a space-saving studio layout.

Nevertheless, the architects insist they will make the most of its special features. A staircase, built to appropriate scale, will be installed and designers plan to open up the roof to increase living space. Colin Sharpe, of Architects Plus in Chislehurst, said: "There is only so much you can do with two rooms and a staircase. Our main task is to maximise the space available but I'm sure it will look great when it's finished.

"There are some interesting features, like the wonderful arched doorway to the rear of the property, which we will be filling with glass bricks to preserve its character."

Far from hiding its history, estate agent Tony Ravenscroft, of Acorns in Lewisham, said the building's former function will be its selling point. And with one-bedroom flats in Forest Hill selling for around £125,000, the property should be worth at least £10,000 above the going rate for something similar.

Mr Ravenscroft said: "The building's history is definitely a selling point because it has such character. Also, it is a stand-alone building with its own entrance, which increases its value."

The lavatory - a stone's throw from the South Circular - was built in the Edwardian Arts and Crafts style. It was closed owing to poor access. A previous plan to knock it down and replace it with a block of flats was rejected because of its location in the Forest Hill conservation area.

Before planning could commence, architects had to have a pigeon infestation removed from the rotten interior.

Developers Hambridge Homes bought the building and a neighbouring plot of land from Lewisham council subject to planning permission. As well as converting the lavatory, there are plans to build three studio flats on the plot, which is next to a row of terrace houses.

The plans are expected to be approved by the council within the next six weeks, meaning the converted lavatory could be a dream home by Christmas. Mike Overton, managing director of Hambridge Homes, said he was inspired to convert the building after working on Edwardian properties in the same street. He said: "When we realised it was up for sale, it seemed a good idea. The studios will make ideal rental investments."

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