Beechworth Close, London NW3

An exceptional plot bordering the wild, wooded south-western corner of Hampstead Heath is the setting for this rare and exciting opportunity. Planning permission has been granted to significantly extend an existing late-1950s house with an exquisite 6,000 sq ft contemporary home designed by William Paul Architects.

The Street

Beechworth Close is something of a well-kept secret, where unassuming privet hedges give way to some of London’s most prized examples of mid-century modernist architecture. Post-war architects wanted two things: space for open, lateral living, and plots to allow residents to live alongside and in unison with the landscape. This covert corner of Hampstead Heath - shielded by yew trees, built into the slope of the land which extends into the Heath’s rolling grasslands - was just that place.

After modernist pioneer Patrick Gwynne built a mid-century masterpiece at 4 Beechworth Close in the 1960s, the street became a mecca for both mid-century modernism and modernist-inspired contemporary homes. Walking down Beechworth Close today is something like promenading through an architectural gallery. This plot neighbours works by Gwynne and a sublime, project-in-progress by Anglo-Scandi heavyweights Ström Architects.

The Tour

Halfway down the leafy cul-de-sac, the plot and existing house extend more than a third of an acre to the Hampstead Heath border.

The proposed ground floor gives entry to an impressive double-height atrium, achieved by a tiered extension on the existing first storey, clad in the soft vertical rhythm of timber batten panels, filtering an extraordinary detail of light and shadow into the lobby. The construction employs a subtle language of natural materials, interjecting the existing brick frontage.

Oversized entrance doors will be flanked by dual sheets of glazing, establishing the house’s position within the modernist tradition of restrained luxury. The first tier of the extension will be bordered by laurel hedging, a motif of suspended foliage taken up elsewhere, consolidating the house’s kinship with its green setting.

The plan has been immaculately conceived to facilitate a diverse lifestyle that includes separation for work and study; intimate, private rooms for time spent with family; and light, open spaces for entertaining. Upstairs, bedrooms will be orientated towards the east and west, affording views of green space rather than neighbouring houses. Throughout, the primacy of the house’s setting is to be reinforced by full-height picture windows, magnificently dissembling the boundary between the house and its verdant setting.

The five bedrooms will be built into two additional stories, all with en suite access to bathrooms. The proposed main bedroom is an expansive, special room taking in the spectacular views afforded by the house’s signature glazing. There is scope for a steam room in its en suite.

The plan comprises additional space for vehicular storage, gym space, sauna, and outhouse accommodation with adjoining utilities.

Outdoor Space

The existing roof terrace will remain intact, now gaining access from the bedrooms on the second floor. The main bedroom and guest suite on the top floor each have their own potential for south-facing terraces – a place to catch exquisite evening light as the sun sets over Hampstead Heath.

The existing house has a mature front garden encircled by cypress hedges, comprising a driveway which will remain in situ. Green stretches of lawn surround the house, and will be shielded by high rustic brick walls.

The Area

The plot is a short walk across the Heath from the delights that make Hampstead one of the most sought-after locations in London. Hampstead High Street offers a plethora of boutiques, cafés and eateries, including Jin Kichi, Oddono’s gelati, Ginger & White, Gail’s and the famous Hampstead Crêperie. There are several charming pubs nearby, including The Horseshoe, The Flask and The Holly Bush, while the open expanse of Hampstead Heath is just minutes away. Some of London’s best independent schools can be reached on foot.

Hampstead Underground Station (Northern Line) is under 20 minutes from the house.