Clerkenwell Close, London EC1

This contemporary two-bedroom apartment occupies a corner position on a quiet garden square within the Clerkenwell Green conservation area. It sits on the first floor of a postmodern building and has been redesigned in recent years by award-winning architectural practice Groupwork. A strong sense of community defines the immediate area, along with a host of independent shops, cafés and Clerkenwell's celebrated culinary scene.

The Tour

Located on a no-through road, the square is an especially peaceful spot. This apartment sits on the first floor of a smart building, accessible via a communal front door and staircase.

Tucked at the end of the corridor, its front door opens directly onto an open-plan living space, where generous glazing on four sides ensures a bright, airy feel. Double sash windows punctuate the living space on either side, with views across the peaceful square at the front and the communal grounds at the rear. There is underfloor heating throughout this space, the hallway and the bathroom.

Chevron-laid parquet flows underfoot, continuing into the kitchen, where birch ply joinery emphasises the room's light profile. Space has been cleverly used here: kitchen cabinetry runs on both sides of the room, above a Corian worktop on one side and surrounding a window on the other. A breakfast bar subtly bounds the space and has drawers underneath.

Two well-proportioned double bedrooms extend from the corridor, adjacent to the entrance. Both bedrooms have shaker-style wardrobes with plenty of hanging space.

The bathroom sits at the far end, predominantly executed in quartz tiles and with a generous shower.

Residents are also able to rent an off-street parking space at a highly discounted rate.

Outdoor Space

Tucked away between the building and the neighbouring award-winning 15 Clerkenwell Close building lies a thoughtfully planted, communal green space designed by Amin Taha. Dotted with benches, it provides a peaceful setting and also includes covered bike storage.

The Area

Clerkenwell was named the London winner of The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2024. Stalwart restaurants like The Eagle, the first gastro pub in London, St John and Luca are revered local favourites. In nearby Exmouth Market, much-loved Moro and the original outpost of Caravan can be counted among the excellent local offerings alongside newcomers Morchella, Ken's and Bouchon Racine.

We've written more about our recommendations in Clerkenwell in our Journal.

The Barbican Centre, with its world-class cultural programme of cinema, music, theatre, talks and exhibitions, is a short walk away. Sadler's Wells is also nearby, as is gallery Victoria Miro.

Leather Lane beckons in the other direction. It has a brilliant mid-week street food market, where great coffee options include Prufrock and Attendant Coffee Roasters. Laidback Lamb’s Conduit Street, with its independent restaurants and boutiques, is under a 20-minute walk away; favourites here include the culinary institution Ciao Bella and the celebrated wine bar Noble Rot.

Despite the apartment's central setting, there are several restorative green spaces in easy reach - not least St James' Church Garden, immediately opposite the building, which is also home to a lovely independent café in the park. St Luke's Garden has well-tended grounds and is home to a striking 18th-century church; Spa Fields and Spa Green are also in easy reach.

The Regent's Canal footpath and the Thames Path are just a 20-minute walk away in either direction, providing an ideal and picturesque route for runners.

Farringdon station is under a 5-minute walk away and is one of the best-connected stations in London running Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith and City, and Elizabeth line services, along with National Rail and Thameslink. There are direct trains to Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton aiports.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 94 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £1,950 per annum / Ground Rent: Peppercorn / Council Tax Band: E