Situated in the Pitfield Street Conservation Area, this wonderfully bright two-bedroom apartment is characterised by its pared-back palette and carefully considered design details. Unfolding over the ground and lower-ground floor, the apartment retains many original features that work in harmony with Japanese-inspired contemporary interventions. There is a communal outdoor seating area to the rear, and Hoxton, Shoreditch, Brick Lane and Spitalfields are all within easy reach.

The Building

The apartment is positioned in the middle of a terrace that was built in 1888 for the families of Metropolitan Police Officers. As such, the doorways and window frames are painted in shades of deep blue and white, as a tribute to their original inhabitants. The terrace is impeccably maintained and retains most of its original features, such as the Victorian street lamps hanging over each doorway, endowing the street with a palpable sense of history.

The Tour 

Haberdasher Street is a quiet, tree-lined street. Entrance to the building is through a handsome blue-painted front door that opens to a communal hallway; the apartment is accessed immediately from the ground floor.

At the front of the plan lies the living room, a beautifully pared-back space where two original sash windows allow light to flood in. Original pine floorboards with a subtle varnish extend underfoot, and walls are painted in a complementary off-white. Built-in shelving occupies the alcoves on either side of the cast-iron fireplace, which makes a smart focal point for the room.

The kitchen is positioned on the lower-ground floor and makes excellent use of space. Executed to an extremely high standard, it has been perfectly thought through for avid cooks, with worktops and cabinetry in restaurant-standard stainless steel and raw plaster walls. Japanese-inspired frosted glass panes with a square imprint slide open to reveal further storage in the oak cabinetry above. Built-in appliances are new and high spec: a Neff induction hob, a Siemens dishwasher and an AEG oven all feature. A fanlight above the doorway allows light into the space, as does a window to the stairwell.

Nestled behind the living room on the ground floor is the main bedroom. With walls in a dark grey-green, it makes for an extremely peaceful sleeping environment and is a thoroughly serene space. Extending the length of one wall are bespoke Japanese-style sliding doors in Tyvek with dark wooden frames, which conceal deep storage behind and contribute to the textured materiality that characterises the apartment. There is an original cast-iron fireplace mirroring that in the living room.

Pine steps descend to the lower ground floor and the bathroom, kitchen and second bedroom. The second bedroom is a light, generous space with direct access to the communal outdoor area. Currently arranged as a child’s bedroom, it is extremely versatile and would work equally well as a study, dining room or secondary living room.

The bathroom floor has been recently retiled to match the kitchen. White porcelain tiles clad the walls around the bath, with dark green-painted sections creating a simple yet effective contrast.

The house has recently been completely rewired, and there is a new boiler.

Outdoor Space

Directly behind the apartment is a communal outdoor area for residents; the space immediately behind each apartment is carefully segregated for each home’s private use. There is plenty of room for a large seating area and potted plants, with each side enclosed by black-painted timber trellises.

There is a real sense of community on the row, making it an excellent spot for summer drinks or barbeques with neighbours.

The Area

The apartment is positioned a short walk from Hoxton Square, an early example of one of London’s public gardens. Completed in 1720 and designed to emulate existing squares in west London, it was the first of its type in the area. During the 19th century, the square and surrounding streets became the centre of Shoreditch’s furniture and carpentry trade.

Today, Shoreditch and Old Street are renowned for their exciting mix of restaurants, bars and galleries, including Lyle’s, Rochelle Canteen, Shoreditch House, Bao, Hales Gallery and Victoria Miro Gallery. The boutiques and cafes of Redchurch Street and Spitalfields are also nearby.

For green space, Shoreditch Park is a 10-minute walk away. Currently providing over seven acres of open space, funding was provided in 2019 for an improvement project in the park. Over 1,900 local people and park users took part in a public consultation to provide ideas to shape the designs. Planning approval was granted in July 2021, and works are expected to commence in early 2022.

There are plenty of transport links within walking distance. Hoxton and Shoreditch High Street stations run London Overground services; Liverpool Street Station provides access to the Central, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, as well as nationwide National Rail services. Old Street Underground station is a short walk away, running Northern Line services across the city.

Tenure: Leasehold 
Lease Length: approx. 152 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £1,700 per annum 
Ground Rent: approx. £220 per annum
Council Tax Band: D

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.