Newark Street, London E1

Meticulously renovated in recent months by Common Ground Workshop, this Grade II-listed four-bedroom Georgian townhouse sits within the Whitechapel Former London Hospital Conservation Area. The interior finishes present an artful fusion of early 19th-century detail and thoughtful modern concessions that combine to create a wonderfully individual home. A generous roof terrace crowns the top of the house, enclosed in London stock brick and nestled between the chimneys, establishing a peaceful and private elevated spot to enjoy the outdoors.

The Architects

Common Ground Workshop was founded in 2014. It works in a broad range of sectors that include residential, commercial, arts and culture, place-making and regeneration. They were recently finalists for the AJ Projects Manser Medal (House of the Year) for their refurbishment of a family home in Spitalfields, which exemplifies the same considered, tactile approach to materials evident in their latest project in Cottage Green. They were also awarded Silver at the Better Future: London Design Awards this year and are Architecture Masterprize 2022 winners.

The Tour

Entered at raised ground-floor level, accommodation is divided over four storeys. The front door opens to a long, bright hallway, where oak herringbone parquet runs underfoot. The living room is set to the left, where special consideration has been given to preserving and reinstating period details, which have been paired with a clean, contemporary finish. Full height cupboards span the length of the left hand wall cleverly concealing storage and plug sockets. A shower room also lies on this floor, predominantly executed in chalky green Domus tiles with sensitively chosen brass fixtures.

The lower ground floor houses the open-plan kitchen and dining room that opens at the back through to an enclosed courtyard, laid with neat decking. Defined by dark-stained oak cabinetry and topped with smooth Carrera marble, this room has an original fireplace and plenty of bespoke joinery that fits neatly within the alcoves. Dual-aspect light is drawn from the timber framed windows that look over the courtyard and the original skylights that sit at the front of the plan.

Four double bedrooms and a bathroom lie on the upper floors, each with wonderfully preserved fireplaces and further bespoke joinery  Sash windows are the defining feature here, casting dappled light over freshly painted off-white walls, chosen in sympathy with the building's early 19th-century origins.

Outdoor Space

Through the kitchen lies a charming courtyard, punctuated with oxblood painted woodwork. Decked and enclosed, this area establishes an airer feel to the interior spaces as well as a peaceful spot to enjoy a morning coffee. A generous terrace unfolds from the first floor. Tucked between the rooftops it offers elevated views across Whitechapel's skyline.

The Area

A thriving range of traditional pubs, cafés and restaurants exist in Stepney Green, Whitechapel and Bethnal Green. Neighbourhood favourites include Tyabbs, east London institution Rinkoff’s bakery and The Whitechapel Gallery, which is just over a 10-minute walk away has a summer pop-up with Alba. York Hall Leisure Centre is close by and the independent Genesis Cinema is a 14-minute walk away. Bethnal Green is home to institutions like E Pellicci and The Approach Tavern, joined by a broad wave of bars and restaurants, including Brawn and Redchurch Brewery.

Regents’ Canal, Columbia Road Flower Market, Brick Lane and Shoreditch are all within walking distance, as are many of the capital's finest parks, including Mile End Park, Bethnal Green Gardens, Weaver’s Fields, Victoria Park, and the historic churchyard of St Dunstans. The delightful Stepney City Farm café are also close by.

There are several excellent transport links to the city and beyond. Whitechapel station is only a five minute walk away and runs the District, Hammersmith & City, Overground and Elizabeth line. The latter offers direct services to central London in 10 minutes and Heathrow Airport in 30 minutes.

Council Tax Band: F