Hornsey Road, London N19

Masterfully reworked in recent years by the architect owners, this three-bedroom apartment on Hornsey Road is articulated with tactile materials and a gentle colour scheme. It centres around a large open-plan living space and with two beautifully designed outdoor terraces. Hornsey Road is home to several much-loved coffee shops and restaurants, and is close to Finsbury Park station.

The Tour

The apartment is accessed via a newly renovated communal hallway shared with only one other apartment. Stairs ascend to the first floor, where a private front door leads onto a smart entrance hallway on arrival, with a nook for coats and shoes. Directly ahead are French doors that open to the decked terrace, lined with built-in planters.

A staircase, painted a light pink, ascends to the primary living space on the second floor.

The living space, at the front, basks in a beautiful south-westerly light from twin two-over-two sash windows. A wonderfully open room, a sitting area is arranged at the fore, open to a spacious dining area and generous galley kitchen. The seam between chalky white-painted walls and large format oak floorboards is blurred, lending a uniform and simple backdrop.

In the kitchen, floor to ceiling units sit opposite waist-height cabinets topped with a Charcoal tone Foresso worktop, providing both an exceptional amount of storage and ample space for cooking. At the far end, a large window allows natural light to pour through deep into the plan and opens to a Juliet balcony. Birch plywood shelves fitted within the window frame are the perfect ledge for houseplants.

A sage-green stairwell injects a muted pop of colour into the house, with a contrasting dark green balustrade. A pair of frameless rooflights over the stair provide light and volume.

Three soothingly appointed double bedrooms lie on the top floor. The principal sits at the rear, with access to its own private terrace and a pristine en suite, top lit by a lofty rooflight over the rain shower. The bedroom walls are washed in the embracing deep shade of Obsidian Green by Little Greene, and there is a built-in matching vanity and fitted wardrobes.

The two remaining bedrooms are at the front; both have dormer windows that draw in plenty of natural light and frame views over the surrounding rooftops. One of the rooms is currently used as a home office with a built-in plywood desk and plenty of open shelving above.

At the rear is a sublime bathroom; a high-level, wall-to-wall wrap over rooflight frames views of the sky over the bath. The en suite and bathroom share a palette of coral tiles contrasted against black and grey, all by Domus; and both feature hidden storage.

Designed with energy efficiency in mind the apartment has been newly insulated throughout alongside energy efficient glazing and an integrated MVHR.

Outdoor Space

Both terraces are unique in character. The first, extending from the entrance, is laid with timber decking and has a peaceful sitting area surrounded by planting. A waist height brick wall runs around its perimeter, providing privacy and shelter.

Upstairs, the second terrace off the principal bedroom is the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee in the sun. Its elevated position affords far-reaching views and creates a feel of privacy.

The Area

Hornsey Road is home to several much-loved coffee shops and restaurants, including Big Jo, an outpost of Jolene, and The Roasting Shed.

The apartment is a short walk from Stroud Green Road with its wonderful restaurant scene. Local favourites include Pizza Pappagone, brunch spot Common Ground, Hiden, Itto and Max's Sandwich Shop. There are several popular pubs in the area, including The Landseer, The Faltering Fullback, The WB Yeats and The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms.

Finsbury Park is home to The Plimsoll and Tollington’s Fish Bar. It also has a Picturehouse cinema along with several larger supermarkets.

As far as public green spaces are concerned, Finsbury Park is nearby. The East and West Reservoirs are slightly further afield but still in easy walking distance, along with Clissold Park. The Parkland walk is a much-loved trail on a disused railway line that connects Finsbury Park up to Highgate.

St Mark’s CofE Primary School is on Hornsey Road; other schooling options include Yerbury Primary School, Christ The King Catholic Primary School and Pakeman Primary School.

A 13-minute walk away, Finsbury Park station is the nearest and runs Piccadilly and Victoria lines as well as the Thameslink. There are also plenty of bus routes that serve the surrounding area.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 100 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £1400 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £600 per annum / Council Tax Band: C