Leswin Road, London N16

Built c.1837, this former schoolhouse in Stoke Newington, north London, has been beautifully reimagined to create an elegant home. It unfolds over two light-filled storeys and has three peaceful bedrooms on its lower level. An open-plan living space with an adjoining patio dominates the upper level, where a vaulted ceiling and the soaring windows of the former school chapel remain in situ. The ever-popular shops, cafés and pubs of Stoke Newington are within easy reach of Leswin Road.

The Tour

Approached along a quiet residential road, the house's red-brick entry leads to a private courtyard entrance. The house is arranged over two floors within the school complex; the façade is comprised largely of the original early Georgian London stock brick with tracery moulding.

An entrance courtyard leads to the bright hall. Variostone marble tiles run underfoot with light filtering into the welcoming space through light wells and large windows.

Stairs lead to the first floor, an expansive and airy living space where the eye is immediately drawn upwards to the exposed beams that rise through the line of the pitched roof. Skylights running across much of the room, working in tandem with bespoke arched Ottostumm steel doors that lead out to a patio. Zoned electric underfloor heating runs across the entire first floor.

An open kitchen sits to the rear of the space, with solid oak cabinetry and Carrara worktops; integrated appliances are by Bosch. Fumed oak flooring combines with exposed brick and v-jointed woodwork to establish an organic, tactile palette. The quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout is extraordinary; all woodwork and joinery has been meticulously finished, resulting in a wonderfully cohesive set of living spaces.

Downstairs are the house's three large bedrooms, where electric underfloor heating runs underfoot throughout, as well. The main bedroom has excellent proportions with a striking en suite bathroom adjoining; the bright white walls are lined with metro tiles and marble tiles run underfoot. A freestanding roll-top bath sits to one side, opposite a mounted basin. A second bedroom is currently used as an office/music room. Both bedrooms have sliding Velfac crittall-style doors leading onto the private courtyard light-well.

At the front, the third bedroom is a perfect guest room, drawing in light from large windows off the front courtyard. There is a second bathroom with a tiled shower room.

Outdoor Space

The large Ottostumm crittall-style doors from the open-plan living area give access to the first floor terrace, where a substantial crab apple tree and planters integrated into the larch-clad railings lend a pastoral tone.

On the ground floor, a private courtyard by the entrance is echoed by a light well to the rear. Integrated beds wrap around the perimeter planted with ferns and lush grasses. The blend of materials in period London stock brick, lateral timber cladding and and planting make for an inviting outdoor space with plenty of room for seating.

The Area

Leswin Road is conveniently positioned for all the amenities of Stoke Newington, Clapton and Dalston. The Jolly Butchers pub is at the end of Garnham Street and is something of a local institution, specialising in craft beer and excellent pub food. Neighbouring Haru Coffee is a charming new addition to adjoining Evering Road, while vegan stalwart Wave sits a couple of doors down.

Much-loved Church Street is a short walk away and is home to The Spence Bakery, Rasa, The Good Egg and Escocesa; there is also a branch of Whole Foods. Sonora Taqueria, on Stoke Newington High Street is famed for its Mexican food. Cosy pub The Axe is a few minutes' walk towards Stoke Newington Common and does a delicious Sunday roast. Neighbourhood favourite, Esters, is also nearby, as is the brilliant YogaHome.

There are several green spaces nearby; Abney Park and Cemetery is six minutes' walk, while Hackney Downs and Clissold Park are nine minutes on foot. Slightly further afield but still within easy reach, Clissold Park is a wonderful space with tennis courts, a popular café, beautiful lakes, and resident deer.

Stoke Newington is very popular with young families, in part due to the number of good schools in the area. Particularly of note are the Betty Layward Primary and Clissold School.

Rectory Road station is just around the corner and runs London Overground services to Liverpool Street in around 10 minutes. Numerous buses run into central London and the neighbouring Dalston area.

Tenure: Share of Freehold / Lease Length: approx. 990 years remaining / Service Charge: approx. £820 per annum / Council Tax Band: E