Cary Road, Leytonstone, London, E11

Situated in a welcoming community in the heart of Leytonstone, and only a 10-minute walk from Wanstead Flats, you’ll discover this gorgeous Victorian home, which combines beautiful period features with a sophisticated colour palette and high-end fixtures and fittings for a character-meets-contemporary-chic vibe. Throughout, natural materials and subtle embellishments have also been paired to create a calming and relaxed atmosphere that sets the scene for family life and entertaining.

Since the current owners moved in, they have updated the house while retaining its original features, fitted a new composite front door, consumer unit, and radiators, along with a new bathroom. The roof flashings were also replaced in late 2022.

To the front, white-painted lintels, a colonnaded bay window, and mouldings to a recessed entrance with period tiling provide instant charm. Sheltered by a mature tree frequented by squirrels, the front patio sits behind a low brick wall and opens via a wrought-iron gate to the front door, which is framed by foliage capitals and an iron hanging basket hook.

A transom window and a decorative arched pane allow a glow of light into the hallway, which feels very true to the period with its textural wallpaper, dado rails, and avian-inspired detailing to the wooden staircase ahead.

The engineered-oak floorboards underfoot unite the two reception rooms behind the stripped wooden doors on your right. Begin in the front living room where exposed wood skirtings, mantelpiece, window frames and dados harmonise with the natural green wall tones and the elegant cornicing to the ceiling.

The south-facing bay window beautifully frames the tree out front and draws light in throughout the day, while the original cast-iron fireplace and a period cast-iron feature radiator tie the overall design together. Bookshelves to one side of the tiled hearth add a practical touch.

In the dining room behind, botanical elements highlight the outdoor-indoor scheme, which works well with the cream-coloured walls, white dados and coving. Reminiscent of tree bark and plant roots, the wallpaper to the chimney breast echoes the garden view from a large awning window with a fitted Venetian blind to match the décor. Beneath, a modern flat-panelled radiator throws warmth into the room.

Continue into the kitchen, where slate flooring and a black metro-tiled splashback with white grout offset a good range of wooden cabinetry and a floral-inspired box bay which currently houses the seller’s bespoke movable kitchen island.

A glazed garden door and casement window above the sink fill the whole area with light, while a tall black vertical designer radiator brings style. You’ll also find an understairs storage cupboard with a folding door, a New World double oven and gas cooker, and space for a freestanding fridge-freezer and a laundry appliance.

Upstairs, engineered-oak floorboards flow from the bright and spacious split-level landing into three double bedrooms warmed by cast-iron radiators. The primary bedroom fills the front of the house, benefiting from southerly light streaming in through two broad windows, while white wooden plantation shutters allow you to dim the room when desired.

Along with the windows, the cast-iron radiators beneath, the white coving, and bespoke alcove wardrobes flanking a white-painted mantlepiece and original white iron fireplace with a glass mosaic surround contrast with the striking sea-green walls and ceiling to dramatic effect.

Also on the upper landing, bedroom two has softer, neutral décor with a bolder-toned chimney breast backdropping another original white iron fireplace. There’s also a bespoke cupboard with iron latches to match the wardrobes in the front bedroom, along with in-built storage and shelving in the other alcove.

Bedroom three overlooks the garden at the back of the house through a large awning window with a fitted Venetian blind. A sloping roofline and coving to the neutral walls add to the character.

Finally, the bathroom features glossy grey stone-effect format tiles that surround a deep, double-ended bathtub with a luxurious waterfall tap and an overhead shower, a chunky countertop basin set on a stylish vanity unit beneath a deep-set window, and a contemporary toilet. Upstairs, you’ll also find easy ladder access to a mostly boarded storage loft.

Outside, a private walled side return leads to a sunny garden enclosed with fencing, so it feels lovely and secluded. Laid with gravel and stone slabs, with a small planting bed for growing tomatoes or other food plants, it has a charming Mediterranean atmosphere for enjoying outside without requiring much maintenance. Two holly bushes, which constantly have red berries, and red roses bring colour to the space. We’re told the sun hits from around 11:30 am and stays in the garden most of the day.

A NOTE FROM THE OWNERS

‘I have lived in Cary Road for 25 years, and most of my neighbours have lived here as long or longer. All of the neighbours are genuinely lovely people. Our local Facebook group, Leytonstone Life, is excellent for finding out what’s going on in the area.

‘I’ve loved that I have green open spaces and connectivity to all the city living one would want to enjoy, and, of course, the local Londis is just two minutes away when you run out of bread, milk or wine!’

IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Cary Road is part of a quiet pocket of Victorian streets between the lower end of High Road Leytonstone and the wonderful Wanstead Flats – a walking, jogging and mountain-biking paradise that acts as a gateway to Epping Forest. Chalet Wood also provides a beautiful carpet of bluebells every spring.

Alternatively, run through Hollow Ponds and beyond, exploring the beautiful forest trails, or head to Langthorne Park for pools, wildlife, basketball courts, a play park and an outdoor gym. You are also just 1.5 miles from the Olympic Park with all it has to offer.

The popular Jenny Hammond Primary School is just two minutes’ away and rated Good by Ofsted. Davies Lane Primary School is a short walk away and is rated Outstanding. You'll also find a couple of nurseries nearby.

Within a 10-minute walk is the lovely Leytonstone Tavern (check out the fantastic burgers and roasts), as well as El Cafecito (serving Aussie breakfasts and coffee), Kotch for pizza, and The Rookwood Village pub with its stylish interior, deck, and electronic darts. Stroll a few minutes further to explore Winchelsea Road's artisanal food and drink scene, including The Wanstead Tap, Rambles Café and Wild Goose Bakery for custard tarts.

The High Road is only a few minutes' walk away and has many cafés and convenience stores at its southern end, along with Leytonstone High Road Overground station. If you like traditional Neapolitan pizza, check out Bocca Bocca.

Other local favourites include Sunday roasts at the Holly Tree pub, Singburi for famously good Thai food, after-work drinks at Mammoth taproom, the Leytonstone arts' trail and the weekly local farmers' market beside Cann Hall Park, with its coffee shop, play areas and skate park. Our sellers also often recommend Asado, Mora, Here East, and the Heathcote and Star.

Leyton Underground for the central line is just a short walk away, with the Elizabeth line available in the other direction at Maryland rail station – also reachable by foot. From here, it's just a short journey to Liverpool Street and one stop from Stratford's major interchange with the DLR, Central and Jubilee lines, along with shopping, cinema and food at Westfield and East Village. Various local bus stops run regular services to Stratford, too. Leytonstone High Road (Overground) is also close by.