Dalston Lane, London, E8

Redesigned by the architects Harty and Harty, this handsome four-storey Victorian townhouse spans over 2,000 sq ft of versatile living space and showcases an exquisite blend of contemporary elegance and meticulously preserved period features. The current owners' dedication to honouring the original character of the home is evident throughout, with an un-complicated material palette that accentuates the vast proportions and pared-back charm of the property.

Significantly set back from the bustle of Dalston Lane in a grand Victorian terrace, the paved front garden has ascending and descending steps leading to both the lower ground floor and the raised front door. Burnt orange and mustard tones characterise the original tiles and intricate stained glass in the porch.

Stepping through the traditionally glazed front door into a wide entrance hall, the unusually large proportions of the house are immediately apparent. To the right of the entrance hall is the primary living space. The voluminous dual-aspect room is filled with light from soaring sash windows which, retain their original shutters. Restored twin fireplaces, with white marble surrounds, act as striking focal points against the black-painted floorboards and whitewashed walls. The elegant and simple colour palette emphasises the original cornicing and woodwork throughout.

Winding stairs lead down to the lower ground floor which hosts the open-plan dining, kitchen and utility rooms. The kitchen is a simple and functional space perfect for both indoor and outdoor entertaining. Off the hallway lies a large utility room with yet more original tiling and masses of storage space. A pavement vault acts as a pantry and allows access to the street from the lower ground floor.

The 62 ft back garden with mature herbaceous planting, fruit trees and a well kept lawn provides a calm and private outdoor environment. Through tall double doors, the kitchen flows directly onto the outside dining and entertaining area. A sweet little outdoor loo can be found just off the patio.

Moving back to the raised ground floor, the remarkably intact tiled bathroom is one of the most distinctive rooms in the house and a testament to the current owner's meticulous commitment to preserving the property's historical charm. Pairing the rich blue and green hues of the tiles with simple traditional fittings has created a feeling of quiet opulence.

The first floor is home to two bedrooms. The palatial front bedroom formally used as an office and studio by the current owners spans the width of the house and benefits from two large sash windows and a wall of bespoke fitted cabinetry. The painted floorboards continue in the larger room, while the second bedroom is cosily carpeted with an exposed chimney breast in the centre of the room. Art-filled hallways lead to the two further third-floor bedrooms sitting neatly at the top of the house, mirroring the plan of the bedrooms below.

Situated on Dalston Lane in the heart of Hackney, the house is surrounded by a vibrant community, offering a plethora of dining options such as Oren, The Dusty Knuckle, and Little Duck the Picklery. Ridley Road Market, a local institution since the 1880s, adds to the area's charm with over 150 stalls offering fresh produce from around the world.

The green spaces of London Fields and Hackney Downs are just minutes away on foot. Several excellent schools are within easy reach of Dalston Lane, including the Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' Shacklewell Primary School and Mossbourne Community Academy.

The property's convenient location ensures easy access to transport. Nearby Hackney Downs station provides a link to Liverpool Street station in under 10 minutes. Dalston Kingsland and Dalston Junction stations are both just a short walk away, providing transport links on the east/west and south-bound branches of the Overground. Regular buses run along Dalston Lane and the nearby Kingsland Road.