From the outside, 575 Wandsworth Road looks like any other three-storey 19th century house in Clapham.

But inside, hand-carved fretwork adorns ceilings, walls and floors. 

Wandsworth Times: Candles and picture postcards on a mantlepiece with decorative fretwork at 575 Wandsworth Road, London. ©National Trust Images/Robin Forster Candles and picture postcards on a mantlepiece with decorative fretwork at 575 Wandsworth Road, London. ©National Trust Images/Robin Forster

The house once belonged to Khadambi Asalache (1935-2006), a Kenyan-born poet, novelist, philosopher of mathematics and British civil servant.

He purchased the house in 1981 while working at the Treasury, and over a period of 20 years transformed the home into a work of art.

Wandsworth Times: The upstairs landing with decorative fretwork at 575 Wandsworth Road, London. ©National Trust Images/Robin ForsterThe upstairs landing with decorative fretwork at 575 Wandsworth Road, London. ©National Trust Images/Robin Forster

Number 575 was acquired by the National Trust in 2010 and is now available to tour in small groups.

When Khadambi first moved in he was inspired to cover the floors and walls with scavenged wood to fix the problem of damp.

Wandsworth Times: Decorative fretwork in the front bedroom at 575 Wandsworth Road, London. ©National Trust Images/Robin ForsterDecorative fretwork in the front bedroom at 575 Wandsworth Road, London. ©National Trust Images/Robin Forster

Asalache embellished the interiors with patterns and motifs, which he hand-carved from reclaimed pine doors and floorboards found in skips.

His artwork is a mix of English, African and Islamic influences.

Tours are intimate – with groups of up to six people.

Wandsworth Times: Decorative fretwork at 575 Wandsworth Road, London. ©National Trust Images/Robin ForsterDecorative fretwork at 575 Wandsworth Road, London. ©National Trust Images/Robin Forster

Visitors should note that places are limited to 2000 visitors per year and the house is closed during the winter season.

You can find out more here: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/575-wandsworth-road