Chetwynd Villas, London NW5

Beautifully renovated in recent years, this four-bedroom 1930s terraced house occupies a sought-after position in Dartmouth Park, close to Gospel Oak, Kentish Town and the green spaces of Hampstead Heath. A creative approach to materials defines the interior, which sees a combination of terrazzo, stained glass and colourful flourishes that carefully respond to the original design of the building. A generous garden unfolds at the rear, filled with established evergreen plants and bushes and with a spacious office for peaceful homeworking.

The Tour

The house sits at the end of a short 1930s terrace, set back behind a front garden with vibrant pops of pink from rambling roses that drape across the front gate. Entry is through to a long hallway laid with herringbone parquet flooring that flows into the adjacent living room. Chalky lime plaster walls imbue this room with a sense of calm, and a large circular bay window draws an exceptional quality of light deep into the plan.

Bespoke steel doors with colourful stained glass open to the kitchen, which is predominantly executed in cool swathes of Italian terrazzo that extends to the right-hand wall. Further clustered oak joinery sits neatly in the alcoves with plenty of concealed storage. An-L shaped kitchen sits on the opposite side, painted a racing green with contrasting brass accents and topped with marble worksurfaces. Bifold doors slide open, framing a broad vista across the garden. Globe lighting throughout adds soft curves and subtle focal points.

A technicolor carpet runner, reminiscent of Missoni textile, draws the eye up the staircase towards three bedrooms and a sizeable family bathroom tiled in soft grey Calacatta Marble. Clustered and sawed oak continues in the main bedroom seen on the front of the wardrobe and cupboard space, and the windowsills. Midnight blue-painted ceilings and bespoke brass cabinet pulls add a sense of warmth to the overall palette.

Next door is a second double bedroom, currently configured as a library. A single bedroom has also been transformed into a walk-in wardrobe with plenty of easily accessible shelving. Colourful panes of glass have been replaced within the bespoke oak framed doors, echoing the ground floor. The loft has been converted to house a fourth bedroom nestled in the eaves. Large skylights highlight the dramatic pitch of the roof, while wide textured oak floorboards ground the space.

Outdoor Space

Vibrant shades of green burst from the evergreen boarders within the Mediterranean style garden, which can also be accessed via the side passage. Paved in stone, there are plenty of shady spots to sit, dine and enjoy the outdoors during the warmer months. Surrounded by neighbouring gardens, this area feels especially secluded. At the rear of the garden lies a large studio clad in Scottish cedar and lined in Douglas Fir. It has panels of copper-light windows that were salvaged from the former LSE building and is independently wired making it an ideal area for home working. A shed houses the utility room and there is an additional secure bike storage area.

The Area

Situated in Dartmouth Park, the house is exceptionally positioned to enjoy the green expanse of Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill. The latter has tennis courts, a lido, a boules court and a weekly farmers' market, while ‘The Heath’ is one of London’s most popular public parks, with the men’s and women’s swimming ponds offering year-round freshwater swimming and 790 acres of greenery, all within a 10-minute walk.

There are a wealth of pubs and eateries in the area, including local favourites The Bull and Last,  Norman’s Cafe and Dartmouth Arms. The surrounding area also has a fantastic selection of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, notably on Swain’s Lane including The London Shell Co, which is also an excellent fishmonger, Citro and Superette deli. Ideal for picking up a coffee and pastry before a walk, there is a handy Gail’s or Roni’s Bagel Bakery.

There are plenty of excellent school options in the area including the Ofsted “Outstanding”-rated Eleanor Palmer or Gospel Oak Primary School. For secondary education, along with a host of independent options, there is Parliament Hill School, which also has an “Outstanding” rating.

Gospel Oak Overground and Rail Station is a six-minute walk away, while Tufnell Park Underground Station is a 11-minute walk away for the Northern Line with quick access to the city. The area is also well-served by buses.

Council Tax Band: F