Sandstone Place III
London N19

SOLD

Architect: Peter Tabori

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“A light-filled apartment on the iconic Whittington Estate”

This beautifully bright one-bedroom apartment is located on the top floor of Sandstone Place, a building on the popular Whittington Estate in Highgate. The renowned modernist block was designed by Peter Tabori in the 1970s during Camden Council’s “golden age” of progressive social housing developments. It is characterised by its stepped profile that provides each apartment with excellent levels of natural light, and the private entrances leading to each apartment from the pedestrianised street. The estate is located between Highgate Village and Dartmouth Park, with the expansive green spaces of Hampstead Heath and Waterlow Park just a short walk away. For more information, please see the History section below. 

The Tour

The Whittington Estate comprises six terraces with a pedestrian walkway between each terrace. Landscaping formed an important aspect of the original design and each terrace has an interesting selection of trees, plants and mature shrubs, softening the strong horizontal lines of the concrete structures.

This apartment lies on the top floor of Sandstone Place, creating a tranquil environment. The main living spaces are oriented towards a balcony, accessed via the original sliding glazed doors. The southerly nature of the space allows light to flood in throughout the day, illuminating the pared-back palette within. Storage takes the form of built-in bookshelves, plus a further built-in shelving unit made of oak. The space feels warm and welcoming, filled with light and supremely calm.

The living space flows to a dining area positioned centrally, with the kitchen located at the rear. This has been executed with oak worktops and simple white cabinetry, which houses built-in appliances including a dishwasher, a Smeg hob and a Bosch oven. A window over the sink frames views of a flowering tree beyond, creating a sense of flow from the balcony at the opposite end of the plan.

The hallway retains its original cabinetry, which is extremely deep and makes excellent storage. The hall provides access to the recently renovated bathroom, which has a generous walk-in shower with matt black fixtures and fittings. Tiki-style tiles on the floor add subtle texture to the space. The bedroom beyond is a tranquil room, with views onto treetops and planting below. Two large original cupboards and a set of bookshelves provide ample storage.

Outdoor Space

The south-facing balcony has been carefully maintained, with planters full of lavender and bee-friendly specimens. It has views through an Indian bean tree towards the city, and makes the perfect spot for alfresco dining and drinks.

The Area

The Whittington Estate is positioned between the desirable areas of Highgate Village and Dartmouth Park. Parliament Hill, with its tennis courts, lido and farmer’s market, is a short walk away. The beautiful Waterlow Park is also close at hand, an excellent spot for weekend walks. There are several excellent gastropubs in the area, including St. John’s Tavern, The Bull and Last, The Flask, The Lord Palmerston and the Southampton Arms. The much-loved Norman’s Cafe is a short walk away, as is the wine shop Theatre of Wine.

Tufnell Park is also easily accessible, where there is a butcher, fishmonger, cafe, and charming French bistro with a deli.

Archway and Tufnell Park Underground stations (both Northern Line) are close by.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: approx. 91 years remaining 
Service Charge: approx. £1,953 per annum
Ground Rent: approx. £10 per annum
Council Tax Band: B

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

The Metropolitan Boroughs of St. Pancras, Holborn and Hampstead merged to become Camden in 1965. Under the stewardship of Sydney Cook, the new borough quickly became renowned for its radical housing. Cook appointed a “dream team” of architects working out of Holborn Town Hall, led by Neave Brown. These included Peter Tabori, who was born in Hungary in 1942 and studied at the Regent Street Polytechnic. When he was a student, he asked the local authority for a diploma project and was given the brief for Highgate New Town (Whittington Estate). After working for Ernö Goldfinger and Denys Lasdun, Tabori joined Camden Architects Department – Sydney Cook had been so impressed by Tabori’s student work that he was employed to develop it into the final scheme.

The estate was built between 1973 and 1978 overlooking the cemetery. It comprises six terraces with strong horizontal lines of balconies and cornices and vertical cross walls. Between each terrace is a pedestrian walkway, with trees and shrubs to soften the architecture.

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