Cliff Road Studios, London NW1

This outstanding live/work duplex apartment in Camden has been recently renovated by the current owner, using considered touches of colour to enhance the light, bright spaces. It is located on the ground and first floors of Cliff Road Studios, built in 1968 to a design by the Modernist architect and founding member of Team 4, Georgie Wolton. Originally designed as an artist's studio, the space is characterised by wonderful levels of natural light, care of double-height ceilings and banks of angled skylights. It also has access to communal gardens. The neighbourhoods of Primrose Hill, Camden Town and Kings Cross are all within easy reach.

The Architect

Georgie Wolton has been described by Jonathan Meades as “the outstanding woman architect of the generation before Zaha Hadid”. In 1963, she was a founding member of the architectural firm Team 4, which comprised a membership of future luminaries, including Richard Rogers, Su Brumwell, Norman Foster and Wendy Cheesman. The firm designed several houses, perhaps most notably Creek Vean, which was featured in issue three of The Modern House magazine. As the only qualified architect at the time of the practice's formation, Wolton was essential in helping the group to establish themselves and accept commissions.

The Tour

Cliff Road Studios presents a beautifully reserved façade to the street. Its front elevation is defined by pale concrete render and ribbons of glazing at each of its five storeys. Access to the building is at ground level behind a blue gate. The entrance foyer is bright and tiled with extensive glazing to the rear, with views of the communal gardens and recently reinstalled internal spaces to lock bikes.

Upon entry to this apartment, the space opens out dramatically to an open-plan living/dining room and kitchen with impressive double-height ceilings extending overhead. Banks of angled skylights frame treetop views of the communal gardens. Exposed copper piping runs throughout, adding an industrial touch. The space is brilliantly versatile and would suit a variety of layouts.

The kitchen is positioned at the other end of the plan. This has been executed to an extremely high standard with colourful plywood and laminate kitchen cabinetry that sits above and below Corian worktops. The dashes of colour are at once contemporary and considered, and are cleverly replicated in the scheme upstairs. All appliances are included: the oven, hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer.

An original open-tread timber staircase leads to the mezzanine level, where there is a large sleeping area with original hardwood flooring. Clerestory windows allow light to flood into the space, and sliding pocket doors open to a walk-in wardrobe and a newly refreshed bathroom. The floors are the original pine, and there are roller blinds on the windows to provide shade when required. The bathroom is home to a heated towel rail and a new mirror with built-in lighting.

The whole apartment has been rewired and replumbed, with new radiators throughout. There is also a new boiler.

Outdoor Space

The apartment has use of attractive communal gardens, which are laid to lawn, with mature trees and shrubs at their borders. These spaces are perfect for entertaining in the warmer months and can be accessed via the entrance foyer.

The Area

Cliff Road Studios is positioned on a quiet residential street just north of Camden Square and Caledonian Park in north London. The apartment is excellently positioned for a number of different local neighbourhoods, including Camden itself, Kings Cross, Primrose Hill and Lower Holloway.

The Lord Stanley is an excellent local pub renowned for its relaxed seasonal menu and leafy garden. Caravan Coffee Roasters have recently moved their roastery to nearby North Road. The space is also home to its brew bar and an excellent café. Camden Lock and markets are a 20-minute stroll south and have a wide array of independent shops, food stalls and traders. Coal Drops Yard, the Thomas Heatherwick-designed retail space near Kings Cross, is home to a vast number of restaurants, cafes and shops, including MHL. Margaret Howell, Barrafina, Cos, Tom Dixon and Spiritland.

The Underground is available at Caledonian Road running the Piccadilly Line. King’s Cross, with its National Rail and Eurostar services, is also within close proximity.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: approx. 944 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £1,600 per annum
Ground Rent: approx £100 per annum
Council Tax Band: F