Clapton Terrace, London E5

This two-bedroom apartment crowns an elegant Grade II-listed Georgian house in Upper Clapton. Subject to a creative renovation in recent years, it comprises a set of serene living spaces where period features and contemporary interventions meet. Clapton Terrace is a short stroll from Stoke Newington and is within easy reach of some of Hackney's best loved cafés, pubs and green spaces.

The Building

Clapton Terrace, together with the parish church of St Thomas and the green expanses of Clapton Common, forms the Clapton Common Conservation Area. The terrace, comprising some 17 houses constructed at the end of the 18th century, has been described as a "remarkable survival" and is one of Hackney’s earliest extant examples of terraced housing.

The elegant stock brick façade of this building exemplifies Georgian domestic style: tall sash windows are set below gauged flat brick arches, and its front door is topped with a spoked fanlight and a deep door-case with Doric columns, mutuled cornice and an open pediment.

The Tour

Accessed via a well-preserved Georgian staircase and spiralling balustrade, this apartment unfolds across the third and forth floors of the building.

Behind its private front door is an open-plan living space with timber-framed sash windows that overlook the leafy common opposite. Original stained floorboards stretch the breadth of the room, complementing soft neutral walls painted with St. Leo Dolomite Plaster, which continues throughout. Wonderfully quiet, sound insulation has been added beneath the floors. All light switches have been replaced with circular, porcelain versions.

A galley kitchen by Object Atelier sits to the side, with midnight blue cabinetry made from matt Forbo with circular cut-out handles. A splashback of white fluted tiles by Bouroullec Brothers adds a playful touch against the smooth countertops below.

Two generous double bedrooms lie on the top floor, where the plaster painted walls emit a soft, pinkish hue. Bespoke Douglas fir storage has been carefully integrated in both rooms.

There is a well-proportioned bathroom with a step-in shower and Japanese Omni bathtub. A striking contrast, its pillow-shaped white 'Dune' wall tiles by 41zero42 are paired with black matt fixtures and a sky blue sink. There is also plenty of drawer space.

A loft runs the entire length of the flat, adding handy additional storage.

The Area

There is plenty of green space within easy reach. Opposite is Clapton Common, while idyllic Springfield Park is just a few minutes' walk away. The River Lea and its winding footpath run adjacent, with the expansive Walthamstow and Hackney Marshes beyond.

Stoke Newington Church Street and High Street are a 15-minute walk away. The latter is home to Sonora Taqueria, pub The Jolly Butchers, and Stoke Newington Bookshop, while the former has Spence Bakery, an outpost of Whole Foods and brunch spot The Good Egg. Rasa is a local institution, and Escocesa serves delicious tapas.

Clapton’s Chatsworth Road is around a 25-minute walk away and has a lively gauntlet of independent shops, cafés and restaurants including Jim’s Cafe and specialist suppliers L’Epicerie 56, London Borough of Jam and Hackney Draper. There are plenty of good pubs nearby, including The Crooked Billet, The Anchor and Hope, The Clapton Hart, The Star at Hackney Downs and The Elderfield.

Stoke Newington and Clapton stations are a 15-minute walk away, and both run fast and regular Overground services to Liverpool Street. There are also plenty of good bus connections nearby offering routes to the City and West End.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease: Approx. 954 years remaining
Service charge: approx. £900 per annum
Council Tax Band: C