After freelance fashion editor Holly Swayne showed us around her flat in Stoke Newington for our ‘My Modern House’ series, we got thinking about some of our favourite period conversions in London. With hallmarks like bay and sash windows, fireplaces, tall ceilings and functional, adaptive floorplans, period properties make for versatile canvases on which to leave a mark. These seven are some of the best.

Mare Street, London E8
This townhouse forms part of a Grade II-listed terrace near London Fields. A beautiful renovation celebrates the property’s original features, incorporating sash windows, two stone staircases, restored floorboards and fireplaces in every room.

Christchurch Hill, London NW3
This three-bedroom house is located on one of the finest roads in the Hampstead Village area, home to some of London’s most beautiful Victorian houses. Inside, an elegant, modern aesthetic complements original details including floorboards, sash windows, architraves and coving.

Patshull Road, London NW5
Renovations to this four-bedroom semi-detached house within the Bartholomew Estate conservation area in Kentish Town introduced a new layout and saw the installation of an elegant, minimal kitchen. A sunken space in a new two-storey rear extension forms a light-filled living space.

Willes Road, London NW5
This early Victorian house is located in the Inkerman Conservation Area of Kentish Town and was renovated by celebrated architects Margot and Edward Jones. With an end-of-terrace position, three bedrooms and private garden, the property would make an ideal family home. The south-facing dining room is accessed through a sliding pocket door and has sash windows and original wooden shutters.

Brick Lane, London E2
For this house located on Brick Lane, RIBA Award-winning architects Threefold reconfigured the traditional Victorian terrace model to comprise an ingenious layout featuring double- and triple-height spaces and external terraces. Three bedrooms, a kitchen and dining space, and versatile reception rooms feature modern touches like black Valchromat and Corian, honey-coloured parquet and ample glazing.

Hereford Road, London W2
Behind a stucco-fronted façade, a fine example of early Victorian architecture, this two-bedroom duplex offers a west-facing private garden and living space arranged over two floors. Designer Eva Gundersen, who has worked extensively for Italian brand Missoni, introduced a comprehensive refurbishment to include under-floor heating throughout and a new timber staircase.

Barrington Road, London SW9
First established in 1871, this one-time Victorian furniture warehouse was converted in 2010 to accommodate a mixed-use space with a sprawling ground floor, ideal for exhibitions and events. Heaps of character come by way of exposed ceiling joists, steel pillar supports and original wood floors and raw brick walls.

Feeling inspired? Explore our Old Meets New collection to view similar properties.

Read more: My Modern House: fashion editor Holly Swayne on small-space living in Stoke Newington