This ingeniously reworked two-bedroom apartment sits between Kentish Town, Gospel Oak and Tufnell Park, close to the southern tip of Hampstead Heath’s Parliament Hill. An impressive sense of volume has been achieved in the rear extension, where a bank of triple-glazed windows provides an unfaltering connection with the generous, whimsically planted private rear garden. The finishes across the interior are exceptional, making use of a pared-back, calming colour palette and a curated selection of tactile materials.

The Tour

Lady Somerset Road is lined with tall stock-brick-and-stucco Victorian townhouses. This garden apartment lies in one such building and is entered through an original communal front door. The private entrance to this apartment lies just beyond, via an oversized front door with a beautiful driftwood handle. Triple glazing has been used throughout. Beyond the entrance lobby lies a glazed door leading to mini decked area, ideal for bike storage. Inside, there is a dark-stained timber cupboard and also a high book shelf making use of the lofty ceiling height.

The stairs that descend to the lower-ground floor set the stylistic tone for the rest of the apartment. Across the plan, light, almost ashy engineered oak floors have been paired with the soothing hue of limewashed walls.

From the stairs, the open-plan living space unfolds: the living room is tucked to the right, while the dining room and kitchen are on the left. At the rear, a Valchromat ceiling slopes up to a series of frameless roof lights, adding to the light drawn in by the rear windows. A near continuous run of windows run from wall to wall, tracing the line of the garden. Their deep sills provide a space to sit or to display books and/or ceramics.

The dining room lies adjacent, lit by a wide and deep roof light and with a built-in bench along one side. Forming an L-shape at the rear of the room, the kitchen is of dark walnut veneer cabinetry with porcelain countertops and integrated appliances, including a Bosch induction hob. It is left open to the rest of the space, creating unbroken sight-lines through to the garden greenery, which can be directly accessed through a glazed door in the dining space.

Towards the front of the plan are the apartment’s two serene bedrooms. The principal has been finished with a dark, chalky sage limewash along the walls. There is dedicated hanging space behind a discreet curtain. Wide glazed doors open to the cork-lined front light-well, where there is space for some creatively potted plants. Double doors lead into the guest bedroom, which can also be entered via the hallway. Here, a tall glazed window cuts a bright silhouette to the front light-well against a palette of moss green.

Lying centrally is the apartment’s walk-in shower room, wash basin and WC, a luxurious space clad with walls and floor clad in black freckle glazed tiles by Manderin Stone. Acrylic reflective panels on the ceiling create a mirrored effecting, giving the impression of added height. A frosted glass brick section at the rear borrows light from the rear.

Outdoor Space

A spacious, creatively planted garden unfolds from the open-plan living spaces, with shrubs, plants and flowers chosen to give year-round visual interest. Evergreen ivy clambers over walls while wisteria, jasmine, roses lemon verbena and cotton lavender add colour and scent when in season. There is also a beautifully mature acer among others including a Japanese Paper Fatsia, ferns and hostas providing year round colour and interest.

At the foot of the garden, reached via a meandering brick path, is a brilliant garden room with sliding fluted Perspex doors. There is also a terrace in front with room for a dining table and chairs; from here, a striking view of the house’s rear elevation and timber-clad extension is captured.

The Area

Lady Somerset Road lies just to the north of Kentish Town, minutes from Tufnell Park’s brilliant high street. Here, Tufnell Park Bakery and Intrepid Bakers are both excellent spots for freshly baked pastry and coffees, while Authentique and Haku are brilliant restaurants. Independents here include Diverse and the popular Pilates and yoga studio, Down to Earth. There are some fantastic pubs nearby too, including the Lord Palmerston and the Junction Tavern. Towards the Heath, pub Bull and Last and The Southampton Arms are among local favourites. For a weekend breakfast, Norman’s on Junction Road is a stellar option.

Even closer to home is the delicious Ethiopian restaurant The Queen of Sheba. From here, the pubs at the heart of Kentish Town are easily reached: The Pineapple is a short walk away, with the The Parakeet, The Lion and the Unicorn and Lady Hamilton only slightly further beyond. Local wine bar Half Cut Market, which focuses on sourcing from low-intervention producers, is also within walking distance.

Parliament Hill Lido is a 11-minute away, with the expanses of Hampstead Heath stretching out beyond. The Heath is one of London’s most popular public parks, with the men’s and women’s swimming ponds offering year-round freshwater swimming. It also has tennis courts, a lido and a weekly farmers’ market.

The area is known for its excellent public transport connections into central London. Tufnell Park station, which runs the Northern line, is a seven-minute walk from the house, while Gospel Oak Overground station is 11 minutes away. There are plenty of bus routes in the area too.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: Approx. 900 years remaining
Council Tax Band: C

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.