Chevening, London, NW6

In the heart of Queen’s Park, this five-bedroom family home unfolds across four floors with heritage architecture and engaging finishes — plus a beautifully imagined three-tier garden. The property was built in 1900 and is an outstanding example of late-Victorian architectural style and proportioning. Its exterior heralds some of those typical Gothic revivalist features of the era: red brickwork, ornate column capitals, a portico entranceway and pitched roof with decorative trim. The paved driveway has off-street parking, bordered by landscaped flower beds.

The front door opens into a bright entrance hallway, leading first into a spacious double reception room. Hallmarks of the property’s period heritage are evident here, with ornate ceiling roses, immaculate wainscoting and two working fireplaces — complete with engraved stone surrounds and coloured tiling. The space, which is perfect to cosy up in during colder months, has all the handsome atmosphere of a traditional English drawing room, grounded by dark wood floors and decorative wallpaper. At one end, a bay window draws in natural light; at the other, French windows open onto a quiet Juliet balcony.

At the rear of the ground floor is the home’s social heart, an expansive open-plan kitchen, dining room and orangery. Given the current homeowner’s occupation as a chef, the space is tailor-made for culinary innovation and hosting. Expert kitchen design by Martin Moore sees green shaker-style cabinets surrounding hi-tech Miele and Liebherr appliances, a Woolf range oven, wine cooler and Quooker taps. There’s a sense of flow drawn between the central island and the dining area, which is bathed in sunlight under the skylit side return.

Pale stone floors, which are engineered with underfloor heating, continue into an orangery. With its glass ceiling and bi-folding windows, the space is beautifully illuminated to accentuate the De Gournay wallpaper and gilded chandelier lighting. Draw back the fenestration to reveal a paved dining terrace that acts as a viewing platform towards the garden — a mesmerising wall of green — beyond.

Courtesy of local landscape architect Jane Ashley’s exceptional design and planting, the vast outdoors space feels worlds away from an urban garden. Configured into three tiers, each part of the plot blooms with flowers and immaculately-laid stonework. The wrought-iron staircase is fringed with box plants, while rose and clematis bushes cascade across brick walls. Along the long stretch of lawn, a mature silver birch captures the eye, while fruiting apple, pear and medlar trees are interspersed elsewhere. The lower-level patio is perfect for summertime lunches, with space for outdoors seating and a barbecue.

From the lower-ground terrace, there’s access through bi-folding French doors into the home’s second kitchen and dining room. A neutral tonal palette across the wallpaper, stone floors and kitchen cabinetry set a soothing atmosphere for the space, which has versatility in how it could be used. An original reclaimed fireplace is a warming focal point for the living area — a feature which can also be found in the study next door. This contemplative office environment has been crafted with bespoke handmade shelving, a library ladder and sophisticated navy wallpaper. Completing this storey is a utility room and guest bedroom suite, which has access to a courtyard.

On the first floor, the principal bedroom suite maintains the home’s elegant and eccentric aesthetic persuasion. Botanic William Morris wallpaper spans the space, while sunlight is softly filtered through a bay window. A doorway with classic architraves leads into the bathroom, complete with a slipper-shaped freestanding tub. Three further bedrooms, one of which is en suite, are spread across the first and second floors.

Queen’s Park is beloved by its community for its town-like charm, fantastic schools and wealth of independent businesses — and Chevening Road is just moments from the action. This residential street links up to Chamberlayne Road, with coveted local spots including Wildcard Coffee and Rise & Vine. At the other end of the street is the neighbourhood’s eponymous Park, complete with tennis courts, a mini golf range and a calendar full of events, including the weekly farmers’ market, an annual Book Festival and family fete at Queen’s Park Day. Dine at Michiko Sushinio and Milk Beach, followed by a film at independent cinema The Lexi — a pillar of the local community.

Kensal Rise – 2 mins (Overground)
Kensal Green – 12 mins (Bakerloo, Overground)