This handsome, three-bedroom Georgian townhouse, positioned within the heart of Islington’s Barnsbury Conservation Area, has been subject to an innovative renovation by award-winning architectural practice Architecture for London. Unfolding across four floors, the architects have expertly redesigned the interior spaces to sensitively echo the original fabric of the building while introducing a series of careful updates and a contrasting colour palette throughout. A substantial roof terrace crowns the top of the house with far-reaching views across Islington and an integrated outside kitchen.

The Architect

Architecture for London is an award-winning RIBA chartered practice founded by director and architect Ben Ridley. The practice takes a collaborative approach to architecture, landscaping and design, working on all scales, from furniture to bespoke private homes and commercial developments.

Its work draws inspiration from the existing built fabric of London and, crucially, is informed by the immediate site context. This considered approach creates beautiful and contextual buildings, which thoughtfully reimagine new ways to live.

Environmental impact is a key to its designs. The practice takes a research-based, fabric-first approach to sustainability that carefully considers the embodied energy of materials and the performance of buildings in use.

The Tour

The house sits within a charming terrace, characterised by a typical Georgian façade of London stock brick and stucco rendering, painted in ‘Railings’ by Farrow and Ball. The current owners have painstakingly restored the original frontage, reinstating the arched sash window on the first floor (now double glazed and sound insulated) while adding thoughtfully planted window boxes.

A short set of stairs leads to the smart panelled front door with brass features, which opens directly onto a bright living area, where oiled oak herringbone parquet by Havwoods grounds the space. This room is dual aspect, allowing plenty of natural light to illuminate white-washed walls, which appear throughout. There are two working fireplaces with plenty of shelving on either side for storage.

A staircase leads to the lower ground floor, where the kitchen and dining area is located. Architecture for London has completely reimagined this space, transforming the rear courtyard into an impressive conservatory enclosed by a luscious green wall. Oak parquet flooring is warmed by underfloor heating on this level.

The bespoke kitchen sits at the front of the plan, predominantly executed with a dark grey and pink palette with fixtures by Buster and Punch. Solid white concrete work surfaces and an integrated sink by Mortise concrete mirror the industrial feel exposed beams overhead. There is a line of integrated full-height cupboards on the opposite wall, while ‘melt lamps’ by Tom Dixon hang above. From here, glazed doors open onto a small front patio. There is also a WC on this floor painted playful bubblegum pink, with a matching concrete sink and rose gold taps by Lusso Stone.

A spacious double bedroom and an impeccably designed bathroom sit on the first floor. The bedroom has full-height wardrobes, and two sash windows look over Liverpool Road. Stripped back floorboards flow throughout this room. A freestanding copper bath by London Encaustic sits in the centre of the bathroom, which also has a spacious walk-in shower with fixtures by ABI interiors and concrete tiles by Porcelanosa. There is also underfloor heating.

Two further bedrooms sit on the third floor, one of which has been reconfigured as an office. The larger of the two also has newly built bespoke cupboards and a smart en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and charcoal-coloured concrete sink by Josef, again with underfloor heating. The roof terrace is accessed via an additional staircase with a ‘Railings’ painted runner.

Outdoor Space

Through a bespoke glass entrance lies a generous terrace with far-reaching uninterrupted views across the rooftops beyond. A wonderfully private and secluded space, the terrace has a built-in kitchen area equipped with a sink, outside fridge and a mains gas BBQ, perfect for entertaining or alfresco dining. It sits alongside a seating area painted a vivid pink, in contrast to the newly laid decking stained with Osmo Oil. The house is one of the few on the street to have a demised terrace.

The Area

Liverpool Road is located only moments from the boutiques, cafes and eateries of Upper Street, which is home to an abundance of amenities, from Ottolenghi to Gail’s, the Almeida Theatre to The Old Red Lion Theatre & Pub. The charming Compton Arms and the wonderful Union Chapel are both a minute’s walk from the house along with the Pig and Butcher. For art, the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art is only a short walk away. Third Space gym is also a four minute walk from the door.

Islington High Street and the excellent Camden Passage are also close by. The area has some very good gastropubs, including The Drapers Arms and The Albion. Corbin and King’s Bellanger is nearby on Islington Green.

The much-admired shops and restaurants of Highbury Barn are just to the north, through the green open space of Highbury Fields – which has tennis courts, a playground and a swimming pool. King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard are also within easy reach.

The area enjoys excellent access to public transport, including several main bus routes to the City and central London. The house is an eight minute walk from both Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line) and Angel (Northern Line). The Eurostar at King’s Cross St Pancras is also easily accessible, as are London’s airports.

Council Tax Band: F

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.