Academy Apartments, Dalston Lane, London E8

Found on the first floor of a Grade II-listed, converted Victorian school in Hackney Downs, this apartment is characterised by double-height ceilings and elegant finishes. Bright and inviting, the original pine-encased glazing pours light into the rooms and makes an excellent focal point. Historic features are balanced with contemporary interventions that include a delicate colour and material palette, and a luxuriant freestanding bath on the sleeping platform.

Discussions are ongoing regarding the upgrading and restoration of Academy Apartments. Funds for priority works have already been collected. Dates and costs of further works are yet to be finalised. More details can be provided on request.

The Tour

Entry to the apartment is via the beautifully maintained, glazed tile arches of the communal hallway and up the original staircase onto the first floor.

The apartment's front door opens into the vast, double-height ceiling living space, where the eye is instantly drawn to the huge arched windows which have been stripped back to the original pine frames. Solid oak Ecora parquet flooring spreads across the lower storey, a flexible space currently demarcated by furniture into a living, dining and kitchen area.

The kitchen has a contemporary feel with concrete worktops and bright white cabinets with brass handles. There is also a bedroom on this floor, with the original cast-iron radiator and plenty of room for storage. Particular attention has been paid to the bathroom which has underfloor heating, a beautiful bespoke walnut cabinet and Vola fixtures and fittings.

Built-in storage is integrated into the stairs. Up on the mezzanine sleeping area, there is an exposed brick wall and a freestanding bath, plumbed in for long soaks. Built-in storage is positioned at one end of the room, neatly tucked away.

Outside Space

The apartment has access to a secluded paved resident’s courtyard.

The Area

The apartment is located in Hackney Downs, just to the north of the famous London Fields and bustling Mare Street and lies within the inner circle for Mossbourne Community Academy. The green spaces of Victoria Park and the Regent’s Canal path are within easy reach. There are many fantastic restaurants locally, notably Lardo on Richmond Road, Angelina's on Dalston Lane, and Pidgin and Violet on Wilton Way.

Weekly markets occur at Victoria Park and Well Street, and Broadway Market has a reputation for excellent places to eat and drink and hosts a food market on Saturdays. The E5 Bakehouse, on the edge of London Fields, is excellent for freshly baked artisan bread and grains.

Hackney Downs Overground Station is less than a two-minute walk from Academy Apartments and provides links to Liverpool Street in less than 10 minutes. Hackney Central is less than 10 minutes away and runs east-west Overground services. Buses run regularly to London Bridge and the City from nearby Kingsland Road.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: Approx. 98 years remaining
Service Charge: Approx. £1,360 per quarter
Council Tax Band: D