Defined by its clean, crisp architectural lines and minimal palette, this two-bedroom home in the heart of De Beauvoir unfolds across the top three floors of a Victorian terrace house. Recently and comprehensively renovated by its current architect-owners, the home employs an upside-down plan, with the bedrooms on the lower levels and the living spaces on the impressive top floors. Positioned within the De Beauvoir conservation area on a peaceful residential street, the maisonette is a short stroll from the best of De Beauvoir, Dalston and Canonbury.

The Architect

Architect Grace Cooper of Studio Hart explains that “the inverted design celebrates the plethora of light at the top of the building, with a sense of tranquillity created by treetop living and the leafy park beyond. The unexpected and voluminous space combines an interest for open-plan, loft-style city living with Victorian charm, while the exposure of existing brickwork, stone and new timber floors brings a natural, textural palette and sense of warmth.”

The Tour

The former Victorian residence has a handsome façade of London stock brick and white stucco. It occupies the corner plot of a quiet crossroads a few minutes from De Beauvoir Village. The front door is at street level, where a staircase ascends to the first floor.

The heart of the home and arguably the most impressive space is the kitchen and dining room on the top floor, which also provide access to a second living room on a newly created mezzanine level. With expansive double-height ceilings, this monochrome space is brilliantly bright and has a superb sense of volume. Kitchen worktops are of Caesarstone, with integrated appliances by Samsung; a pendant light by Muuto hangs above the island, while wall lights are by Fritz Hansen. There is a boiling water tap by Franke plus a separate drinks fridge, making this the perfect space for entertaining. Built-in cabinetry runs along one wall in the dining area, providing storage space, and an electrically controlled roof light allows further light in.

The recently added mezzanine level is contained within the roof’s high pitch. Accessed via a smart set of solid oak stairs with a bespoke white-painted balustrade, this is a versatile space that would suit a variety of uses; it is currently used as a playroom and second living room. Overlooking the kitchen, it feels private and secluded, but also connected to the spaces below. There is also access to generous eaves storage at this level.

The main living room is positioned on the second floor of the plan; illuminated by light that streams in through sash windows, it is a serene, peaceful space. A Stovax ‘Vogue’ woodburning stove is the focal point, surrounded by a handsome hearth of Purbeck limestone. Built-in storage for logs extends from floor to ceiling, adding texture to the space; the flooring is the same wide-format engineered oak as on the floor above.

The main bedroom lies on the first floor. With double-height ceilings and large sash windows, the room is wonderfully light and airy. The windows are surrounded by simple, white-painted shutters, which frame leafy views over a cherry tree beyond. Full-height built-in wardrobes extend across one wall, providing plenty of storage. The second bedroom has similarly large built-in wardrobes and an en suite bathroom separated by a pocket door. Both the bathroom and the shower room use generous amounts of monochrome terrazzo.

There is a utility area on the half-landing with a built-in washing machine and dryer. Sash windows look over the crossroads below, making this an excellent place to fold clothes while watching life unfold on the street.

A Sonos system extends throughout the house; there is also a Hive heating system. All sash windows have been restored and resealed.

The Area 

Downham Road is conveniently positioned for the pubs, restaurants, shops and cafes of both De Beauvoir and Dalston. The Scolt Head and De Beauvoir Arms, both excellent local pubs, are extremely close at hand. The De Beauvoir Deli is a short stroll away and is a firm favourite, offering locally sourced produce alongside seasonal fruit and vegetables, sandwiches and salads. The house lies within the Canonbury low traffic area, so is wonderfully peaceful. It overlooks Rosemary Gardens, which has tennis courts, playing fields and a play area for children.

Nearby, Dalston has an eclectic range of bars, restaurants and cafes including Furanxo and Brilliant Corners, plus many lively pubs. The Regent’s Canal is within easy reach, providing a gateway to the rest of London, with the much-loved Towpath Cafe on the section of the canal nearest Downham Road. The shops, galleries and restaurants of Shoreditch are also close at hand.

Haggerston station is a short walk away, providing transport links on the east/west and southbound branches of the London Overground. Buses run regularly to London Bridge and the City from nearby Kingsland Road.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: approx. 233 years remaining

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.