Sophia Road, London E10

This radically reconsidered four-bedroom house is positioned on a quiet, tree-lined street in Leyton. Having undergone a profound renovation by the architectural practice of Urban R+D, the loft and kitchen have been extended to provide a generous canvas of contemporary living spaces. Seamlessly flowing from the dining area, the garden melds the internal and external spaces for al fresco lunches and sundowner socialising.

The Architect

The renovation was devised by Urban R+D, the practice led by Vincent Walsh and Seán Kehoe. The studio specialises in architectural interventions with a focus on city spaces, splitting its attention between research projects and developments in the private and public sectors. Funnels of light, tactile materials and the efficient use of space are common denominators across their projects.

The Tour

Positioned at the front of the traditional Victorian façade is a timber-clad bike and bin store. A rusted steel planter sits atop with weather-hardy shrubs and foliage.

On entering, a triptych of ply-edged, fluted-glass windows line the hallway and dapple the living room with additional light. The living space has sash bay windows and an exposed brick fireplace, signalling the prominence of raw, unfettered materials across the design. A utility cupboard is housed discreetly behind folding doors, with a handy WC also neatly tucked away.

The exposed brick theme continues at the back of the plan, as the kitchen extension opens the space with a striking, almost monochromatic palette. A Claybrook-tiled backsplash offers a bright counterpoint to the black cabinetry. A prominent birch ply-backed quartz island has room for three stools and houses a black Elica induction hob with an integrated downward extraction fan.

On the first floor is the main bedroom, grounded by insulated and re-laid original pine floorboards. A black metal fireplace is offset by the gentle lavender hue on the walls and simple cornicing. A further double bedroom and family bathroom complete the floor. The inviting bathroom has a freestanding bath under a sash window, Zellige tiles and built-in brass fixtures.

A long, black-framed roof light signals an ascent towards the loft extension. The loft is given over to two double bedrooms, one with an en suite shower and a WC behind a pocket door. The walk-in shower has a dramatic glass ceiling which bounces light across its glazed tiles. The loft extension exterior is larch-clad and finished with the Shou Sugi Ban technique, a Japanese method of charring wood for a unique, darkened appearance.

Outdoor Space

At the rear, the same stone from the kitchen area flows into the crescent-shaped patio area. The space is bound by rusted steel planters filled with heuchera and red robin as well as fragrant herbs. The built-in seating area slots into the ziggurat-style brickwork of the extension.

A central lawn is encased by bamboo and black timber fencing, with a pergola and raised deck providing a wonderful space to eat and drink outside during the warmer months.

The Area

Sophia Road is perfectly positioned for a wide variety of green spaces. Nearby, Leyton Jubilee Park is incredibly popular with locals and leads directly onto Hackney Marshes. There are also a wide variety of independent cafés, bars, shops and restaurants nearby, including local institution Patchworks, serving excellent local coffee, craft beer and, on Wednesdays, Dusty Knuckle bread, Le Pinch Deli, Cups and Jars and Blondies Brewery & Bar.

A short walk away is Bamboo Mat restaurant and independent wine shop, bar and deli Yardarm. The ever-popular Walthamstow Village is a 25-minute walk away.

There are numerous quick and easy connections towards Shoreditch, Spitalfields and Victoria Park, and within a short walk or cycle are the green spaces and facilities of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the canal-side restaurants, bars and workspaces at Here East. The River Lea is also nearby, as are the Hollow Ponds, which lead into Epping Forest, one of London’s largest expanses of common land. The Wanstead Flats also have several established walks with beautiful views of the city.

Nearby are a handful of Ofsted-rated "Good" and "Outstanding" primary schools.

Sophia Road is a short walk from Lea Bridge and Leyton Midland Road stations, which run Greater Anglia and London Overground services.

Council Tax Band: C