Argyle Road, London E1

Positioned in the Carlton Square conservation area in Stepney Green, this two-bedroom garden apartment has been reconfigured by architects Brisco Loran. Built in the 1850s, the footprint of the Victorian ground floor plan has been extended to provide an additional bedroom and a light-filled living area. Careful consideration has been paid to the materiality which includes cement, aluminium and terrazzo by Max Lamb. It is perfectly situated to enjoy the independent bars and restaurants of Bethnal Green, Whitechapel and Hackney.

The Tour

Set among a row of terrace houses, the apartment is accessed via the communal entrance into a hallway with newly laid oak parquet floors. The eye is drawn immediately to the living area found at the rear of the plan. A light-filled space, it is awash with glazing, from the skylights overhead to the square window in the kitchen and the sliding doors to the garden. There are considered details everywhere, from the kitchen terrazzo worktop to the Dyke & Dean white porcelain plug sockets. Integrated appliances are housed in white, seamless cabinetry, including a Siemans oven and induction hob and the butler sink.  A micro cement floor running underfoot echoes the robust, utilitarian approach to materials.

The main bedroom is found at the front of the building and faces the quiet Carlton Square opposite. As well as two built-in wardrobes, the original cast iron fireplace has been preserved along with the sash windows, covered by shutters. The newly created bedroom is used as a music studio and sits centrally to the plan, with pocket, space-saving doors.

The wet room has been decorated with blue Portuguese tiles and is neatly tucked away in the walkway between the living rooms, along with the washing machine, which is hidden in the hall cabinetry.

Outdoor Space

The unique tactility of the rear of the building is understood from the garden. The raked exterior render has been painted bright white and is complemented by the windows which have been framed in aluminium with bespoke trims. There’s a bold patio light and geometric equilibrium to the glazing. A mixture of lawn, paving and gravel compromise the east-facing garden along with a palm tree and bamboo.

The Area

A thriving range of traditional pubs, cafes and restaurants exist in Stepney Green and Bethnal Green. Neighbourhood favourites include Tyabbs, East London institution Rinkoff’s bakery and The Whitechapel Gallery, which has a summer pop-up with Alba. The Young V&A Museum is a short walk way, as is York Hall leisure centre and the independent Genesis Cinema is at the end of the street. Bethnal Green is home to institutions like E Pellicci and The Approach Tavern, joined by a broad wave of bars and restaurants, including Brawn, Redchurch Breweryand Sager + Wilde on Paradise Row.

Regents’ Canal, Columbia Road Flower Market, Brick Lane and Shoreditch are all within walking distance. Many of east London’s finest parks, including Mile End Park, Bethnal Green Gardens, Weaver’s Fields, Victoria Park, and the historic churchyard of St Dunstans. Stepney Green City Farm is also close by.

There are several excellent transport connections close by, including Stepney Green Underground station, running Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines, which is a five-minute walk. Alternatively, Bethnal Green is a 13-minute walk through the park and is serviced by the Central line. The Elizabeth line runs direct lines from Whitechapel to central London in ten minutes and Heathrow Airport in 30 minutes.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: approx. 106 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £400 per annum
Council Tax Band: B