Christchurch Square
London E9
Architect: John Spence & Partners
Register for similar homes“This well-regarded modernist development is renowned for its sharp, angular glazing and tiered brickwork exterior”
Designed in 1966 by John Spence & Partners on behalf of The Crown Estate, this expansive four-bedroom townhouse is located on the south-western tip of Victoria Park; it can be found on Christchurch Square, a well-regarded modernist development renowned for its sharp, angular glazing and tiered brickwork exterior. The house has been sensitively renovated, adhering to its original mid-century design, to create a series of considered, cohesive spaces. A charming private terrace sits adjacent to the bright living area, overlooking the lush gardens which lie at the heart of the estate.
The Tour
A short staircase leads to a private, paved terrace that faces the luscious gardens of Christchurch Square. The first-floor entrance opens to a beautifully bright open-plan living and dining space with 5 finger parquet underfoot. To the left of the entrance, glazed, sliding doors open onto a charming patio that runs adjacent to the living area and faces the communal gardens of the square beyond. The space flows into the understated kitchen, fitted with ply cabinets, walnut worktops and cork floors, reflecting the home’s mid-century charm. Original features, including the cork and parquet floors, have been preserved and restored throughout. The house was renovated under the exacting eye of architect Lawrence Quinn.
There is a cosy lobby area to the rear of the kitchen, which is flooded with natural light via a skylight and large enough to be used as a study area. There is also a WC and a central corridor on this level. The garage has been converted into a utility room, creating an abundance of storage. A back door opens onto a private, paved corridor that runs across the back of the building and is separated from the street via a gate.
Upstairs, there are two double bedrooms with solid oak floors and windows with views out towards the central communal gardens. A staircase leads to a second floor with two further bedrooms and a large family bathroom. The bathroom is minimal in design, with white oblong tiles and a rose shower. The larger bedroom has been fitted with sleek, built-in wardrobes.
Outdoor Space
A glazed, sliding door opens from the living space onto a sizeable terrace, which faces the manicured gardens of the square beyond. At the back of the house, there is a paved external corridor that is separated from the surrounding houses via a gate. There is also a small patio here, which provides plenty of planting opportunities.
The Area
Christchurch Square is positioned at the edge of Victoria Park and is a short walk from London Fields. Neighbourhood culinary favourites Bistrotheque, Bright and Ombra are all within walking distance, as are the many independent shops, restaurants and pubs of the bustling Broadway Market. Just the other side of the much-loved green space, Victoria Park Village has a great food and drink scene, featuring the Ginger Pig butchers, Bottle Apostle and Jonathan Norris Fishmongers. Columbia Road’s world-famous flower market, which takes place every Sunday, is also nearby.
The closest Overground stations are London Fields and Cambridge Heath, with direct services to Liverpool Street in approximately 10 minutes. Bethnal Green tube station is a 20-minute walk away and connects citywide via the Central Line.
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.
History
John Spence and Partners was commissioned by The Crown Estate to design affordable housing for an area in east London once occupied by a church but badly damaged by bombs during World War II. The resulting Christchurch Estate is an outstanding development, comprising 149 homes in low rise blocks of mixed sizes. The hope was that the development would allow local people working in essential public services to live close to work and provide housing for all types of modern family – small and large.
The Crown Estate did not have the budgetary restrictions that applied to many local authorities and the design was intended to echo the existing Victorian street patterns nearby. Although the buildings have concrete frames, they are fronted with warm toned brick and simple windows that sensitively embed the buildings within their traditional surroundings. The estate is laid out around a series of courtyards and lush gardens of trees, shrubs, and grasses that that encourage a sense of community. These shared spaces are connected by complex and well-planned landscaping that successfully separates pedestrians and traffic. The Christchurch Estate is much admired for its discreet combination of housing types, along with elegant use of brick and concrete.
