This beautiful four-bedroom house occupies a peaceful position on a quiet and leafy street in Leyton. In collaboration with Mike Tuck Studio, the current owners have carefully extended the internal plan to maximise the sense of space, volume and flow. A meticulous approach to detail and craftsmanship is evidenced by the considered palette of materials, which includes Douglas fir. A sunny south-east garden extends to the rear, enclosed by mature trees, vegetable patches and carefully planted borders.

The Architect

Founded in 2014 by director Mike Tuck, Mike Tuck Studio is a London-based architecture firm undertaking work in London, Cambridge and south-east England. Renowned for its thoughtful and collaborative approach to design, its process often includes model-making and hand-sketching to ensure its clients are involved and informed at every stage. The studio is often a hub of investigation, with environmental impact and considerations at its core.

The Tour

The house is set back from the road behind an immaculate front garden. A pathway with traditional monochrome tiles underfoot leads to the front door, which has been painted a vibrant yellow. Entrance is through to a separate cloakroom area, with plenty of hooks and hanging space for coats.

The living room is positioned at the front of the plan, illuminated by a large triple bay window. Bespoke joinery frames the fireplace on either side, offering an abundance of storage while sympathetically emulating the building’s Victorian design. The walls and ceiling have been painted a muted moss green creating a serene environment, while original floorboards lie underfoot.

A striking open-plan kitchen and dining room lies at the rear. The architects have responded to the current owner’s passion for light, open and warm spaces, creating an extraordinary room that is practical for modern living without forfeiting design. The bespoke kitchen sees a wonderful combination of birch plywood cabinetry set against cool swathes of veined marble. A mono-pitched roof with exposed white beams characterises the dining room extension, and harks back to a mid-century aesthetic. Warm Douglas Fir frames the extensive glazing at the rear, with magnificent views over the garden. There are plenty of built-in open shelves in this room for books and easily accessible storage. Off the kitchen, a separate utility room with laundry and WC completes the ground floor.

A staircase with a bespoke oak balustrade ascends to the first floor, home to two spacious bedrooms and a large family bathroom. The main bedroom is positioned at the front of the plan, bathed in natural light from the extensive glazing and the triple bay window that mirrors that of the living room. Birch plywood cupboards and open shelves provide ample storage. A second bedroom lies at the rear with light grey painted floorboards underfoot. The bespoke joinery continues here, cleverly configured around an open fireplace. A playful family bathroom is also accessed on this level with colourful jungle-themed wallpaper and a free-standing oval bath and accessories by Lusso Stone.

A further set of stairs lead to the loft extension with two further bedrooms and a second bathroom. Mike Tuck Studio has created an utterly tranquil space, with white exposed beams and extensive glazing that extends the length of the wall, framing glorious far-reaching views across the treetops beyond. A secret window hatch overlooks the garden and adds a sense of fun, with Siberian larch cladding. A smaller bedroom with a skylight is arranged just behind. This sits adjacent to a shower room, which has hand-painted tiles by designer Inga Sempe underfoot and a concrete sink with gold fixtures throughout.

Outdoor Space

An immaculate private garden extends at the rear, laid mostly to lawn, with mature plants, veg patches and trees at its borders. At the rear is a shed, currently used as an artist’s workshop. Facing southeast, the garden receives direct sunlight throughout the day.

The Area

Leyton is a popular area of East London, well-positioned for access to the green spaces and facilities of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as well as Epping Forest and Walthamstow Wetlands Centre, Hackney Marshes and the Lea River. The pedestrianised Francis Road is a 10-minute walk, where there are a variety of independent cafes, bars, shops and restaurants, including Marmello Kitchen, Yardarm and Venner. The nearby East Bank has recently opened in the Olympic Park, which will be home to the V&A East (due to open in 2023). There will also be a new Sadlers Wells and BBC Music performance venue, and the London School of Fashion.

A key feature of the house is its location — Leyton tube is just three-minutes away by foot (Central line). The newly-opened Crossrail, with services from Stratford, will run Elizabeth Line services into central London in just 12 minutes. Stratford International also runs express train services all over the UK, taking passengers to the south coast in under an hour.

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.