Sutherland House, Rosebury Square, London IG8

This impressive three-bedroom apartment is arranged over two floors of a Grade II-listed Victorian former hospital building in Woodford Green, east London. The exquisite space has been immaculately reimagined to an exceptionally high standard by its architect owner, who has introduced rich materials, high-quality fittings and a striking atrium. Located in a peaceful conservation area, Sutherland House is also close to the Central Line, which provides quick access into the City and central London.

Environmental Performance

Efforts have been made to improve the environmental performance of this apartment; as a result, it has been awarded a B-grade EPC despite its Grade II-listed status. This has included the fitting of a Valiant ecoTEC plus 630 boiler, double glazing the windows and added thermal insulation with impressive u-value scores.

The Building

Sutherland House is hidden from view deep within Repton Park, a historic gated development set high on a ridge with views across to the London skyline. Repton Park takes its name from the renowned landscape architect Humprey Repton (1752-1818) who advised on the gardens of the estate surrounding Claybury House and Woods.

The Justices of Middlesex bought the 250-acre estate in 1887 to create a purpose-built asylum based on the principle of therapeutic optimism and the burgeoning understanding of the health benefits that fresh air and exercise provided. Designed by G.T. Hine of Victoria Street, Nottingham, the bright, well-ventilated hospital was built to an echelon plan, allowing a large number of patients to be housed in a staggered zig-zag effect with views of the surrounding countryside.

Constructed in the Victorian Gothic style, the muscular blocks are broken up with large canted windows, brick segmental window arches, brick and stone string courses and green-tiled gable roofs. The complex was awarded Grade II-listed status in 1990.

The Tour

Sutherland House is one of a series of original pavilion-style blocks arranged in a trapezium configuration. Double-glazed two-over-two sliding sash windows punctuate the red brickwork, with features including brick stacks, tall chimney stacks and spire-style roofing. There is a small, landscaped area in front of the block. The apartment is positioned on the second floor and is accessed via a communal stairwell.

The front door opens into a wide hallway. Here, a series of windows overlook the grounds and cast light across the deep blue-painted walls. Recently added, though in-keeping with the building's period, are moments of moulded cornicing, decorative flower motifs on the internal doors and a combination of both cast-iron and steel column radiators fitted throughout.

A set of large double doors leads into an impressive south-facing living space. The room is beautifully lit by three sash windows and is grounded by the honey-coloured oak parquet that spreads through much of the apartment. A dramatic slant is added by a four-metre-high barrel-vaulted ceiling with encased steel beams, while 'Glass Logico' pendant lights by Artemide provide an ambient glow.

A run of cabinets separates the kitchen from the living space. An appliance corridor featuring two Neff ovens leads out to the hallway, which can be separated off by a sliding pocket door. There is a well-conceived utility room adjacent to the kitchen. Beyond is a cloakroom finished in Greek marble and with a circular basin and hardware by Lusso Stone.

The spacious main bedroom is at the end of the corridor, with dual-aspect windows that bring in a singular quality of light. Two recessed wardrobes provide plenty of hanging space. A door to one end opens into a large en suite with travertine stone flooring, a cast-iron slipper bath and a separate shower cubicle. Mirrored storage cupboards provide discreet adaptors for appliances.

In the entrance hallway, the current owner - an architect - has created an impressive circularity with a newly added atrium space; here, a dramatic cast iron French made spiral staircase winds up to the top floor with blue-painted steel hand rails and spindles. Stretching in two directions, the landing leads to two bedrooms set high in the eaves. There is a second bathroom upstairs finished with Carrara marble, Flos IC lighting, Lusso Stone brushed gold sanitaryware and a large cast-iron bath by Aston Matthews, as well as a separate shower.

Outdoor Space

Beautiful and meticulously well-maintained grounds surround the estate.  Much is left to luscious lawn, set against the backdrop of the mature trees of Claybury Woods. Many of the original quadripartite Victorian airing shelters made of timber and green slate roofs remain dotted throughout the grounds. A gate provides direct access out to the woods and parkland.

The apartment’s allocated car parking spaced is fitted with an electric vehicle charger.

The Area

Concierge services are based at the gates of Repton Park which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Woodford Green offers a slice of village life on the outskirts of London. It has a variety of pubs and independent restaurants including the Three Jolly Wheelers. The town is also home to its own cricket club and ground.

Neighbouring Claybury Wood is thought to be one of the largest new public parks created in London for over a century. Managed for nature conservation and with a Green Flag Award, it spans over 70 hectares of meadows, scrubland and woodland which includes a variety of species including oak, hornbeam pollard, birch, hazel and sweet chestnut. The park has a host of walking, cycling and horse riding trails and the ancient woodland has also achieved Forest Stewardship Council certification.

There is a Virgin Active Gym on site; a magnificent swimming pool is placed inside the former church nave and the gym hall is inside the former recreational hall of the former hospital.

There are two schools nearby that currently have "Outstanding" ratings from Ofsted: Ray Lodge Primary School and Woodbridge High School. Independent schools of note include Woodford Green Preparatory School, St. Aubyn’s School, Bancroft’s and Chigwell School. Pavilion Preparatory and Kindergarten is situated in the grounds of Repton Park.

Transport links are excellent. Woodford Station (approximately a 12-minute drive away) is on TfL's Central Line, which runs trains to Stratford, Liverpool Street and to the west of the capital. The M11 and North Circular are also close by.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: Approx. 974 years remaining
Service Charge: Approx. £4,165 per annum
Ground Rent: Approx. £300 per annum
Council Tax Band: E