Highpoint, North Hill, London N6

Understated and pared-back, this three-bedroom apartment in Highpoint One speaks to Berthold Lubetkin's original, resolutely modernist design. Its neutral simplicity draws attention instead to views across the surrounding communal grounds, captured by wide, recently restored windows. Stretching to just under 1,200 sq ft, the raised ground-floor apartment has two/three bedrooms and a light-filled living space that adjoins a balcony, which in turn gives way to the gardens.

The Architect

Berthold Lubetkin, one of the most important figures of architectural modernism, set up the practice Tecton in 1932; early commissions included the iconic Penguin Pool and Gorilla House at London Zoo. Lubetkin and Tecton’s buildings became some of the period's most renowned, ranging from private houses in Sydenham to a modernist terrace in Plumstead, south London, as well as the Finsbury Health Centre and the Highpoint I and II buildings in Highgate.

The Building

True to their original design, the communal areas of Highpoint are immaculately maintained and reflect the architect’s utopian vision. It is known for its facilities, indoor and out, which include immaculate grounds, a swimming pool and a comprehensive porter service, whose duties include helping to arrange maintenance and repairs for each flat, organising medical assistance, receiving deliveries, and so forth.

Highpoint is Grade I-listed, a rare accolade for a building of its age and type. Historic England has described it as “the ultimate expression of modern movement styling in Britain, offering a relaxed serviced lifestyle on a stunning hilltop site with extensive grounds in a building demonstrating technical sophistication and exceptional elegance.”

The Tour

The apartment is accessed via the lobby: an immaculately maintained space that upholds the building’s overarching modernist ethos. It is at the lowest level of the building, entered via the rear of the lobby to its original teak double doors. Two cupboards flank the door on the inside, ideal for storing coats, shoes and the like.

Thoughtful details render the home a celebration of craftsmanship, both old and new. Original features are tactile and have been lovingly looked after, such as the orignal sliding windows restored by Highpoint stalwart and period specialist David Antic.

From here is a wide corridor with brass-rimmed, glass-fronted display cabinets on either side of entrance to a study. Its views are far-reaching across the grounds, making for a particularly peaceful spot to work, paint or hunker down with a book.

The hallway melds with the living space at the rear, where fitted bookshelves line two walls. A Crittall door and a long, folding window run along another, providing access to, and capturing views of, a private balcony and the grounds beyond. West-facing, the room receives an especially beautiful evening light. It has space for both relaxed seating and a dining table and chairs.

The galley kitchen is at the front of the plan, with sleek white units and cabinetry running above and below a countertop, providing plenty of storage space. At the far end, another window looks into the leafy canopy of an viburnum bush.

Sited at the far end of the apartment, the primary bedroom has a feel of remove. Its view is also a leafy one and, despite the apartment’s low elevation, is wonderfully private. A bank of wardrobes run along one aspect and solid wood-lined shelves are fitted into the wall. At the easterly end is a neat en suite shower room.

The remaining bedroom is towards the front of the apartment; originally designed as two rooms concetina folding doors now divide the space. This could be returned to two rooms if desired. There is a shelving unit and a series of fitted wardrobes.

A family bathroom with striking cobalt-blue wall tiles lies between the bedrooms at the furthest end of the plan.

Outdoor Space

The building has a wealth of amenities designed to foster a greater sense of community and well-being; these include beautifully landscaped communal gardens with extensive lawns, a trampoline, a climbing frame, tennis courts and a heated outdoor swimming pool.

Off-street parking is available for residents on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is a bike store in the gardens. There is also an allocated storage unit within the building.

The Area

Highpoint is positioned for the best of Highgate Village with its wide variety of shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants. The Bull is next door, while popular pub The Flask, fruit and veg shop Greens of Highgate and Gails are close by. There is also The Grocery Post on Archway Road, which serves good coffee and groceries.

Hampstead Heath offers freshwater swimming year-round in the nearby swimming ponds and some of London’s most beautiful woodland walks. In addition to elevated views of the city from Parliament Hill, there are tennis courts, a café and Kenwood House, a wonderful 17th-century country house and gallery. Waterlow Park and Queen's Wood are also in easy reach of Highpoint.

There are excellent schools in the area, including Highgate School, Highgate Primary School, St Michael’s Primary School and Channing. The Northern Line at Highgate provides direct access to King’s Cross, the West End and the City, and there are convenient road links to the A1, leading to the M1, A406 and M25.

Tenure: Leasehold / Length of lease remaining: Approx. 986 years / Service Charge. Approx £18,000 a year (includes, heating and hot water, buildings insurance, freeholders' administration or management charges, repairs to shared areas and the outside of the building, cleaning services, concierge or caretaker, sinking fund, storage unit, bike store, communal garden, roof terrace and swimming pool) / Ground Rent: Approx. £100 per year / Council Tax Band: G