This grand townhouse on Aberdeen Road presents a typically Victorian façade to the street, formed of white stucco, London stock brick and a sweeping bay window. The interiors within, however, exemplify a truly contemporary approach to design; they have been sensitively and impeccably executed, unfolding over four floors and encompassing four bedrooms plus a private patio area. The house is within easy reach of the best of Highbury, Canonbury and Stoke Newington, and is just moments from the green space of Highbury Fields.

The Building

The house was once the former London residence of hair stylist Guido Palau, who commissioned the original architectural interventions, and was latterly the residence of fashion designer Alexander McQueen. As such, deference to Victorian proportions has been eschewed in favour of sleek, expansive, minimalist spaces created initially by Azman Owens Architects and adapted in recent years by Gullaksen Architects, who have introduced a beautiful lower-ground floor living room and bedroom.

The Tour

The house lies on a grand terrace of Victorian townhouses (many of which have been the subject of contemporary architectural interventions) on Aberdeen Road; a peaceful, tree-lined no-through road that runs vertically between Highbury and Canonbury. Elle featured the project in 2000 when it was completed, remarking, “The beauty of Azman Owens’ design is that it looks like a Victorian house converted into a tranquil modern space, as opposed to pretending to be something it isn’t.”

Indeed, the work of architects Ferhan Azman and Joyce Owens is immediately apparent; original pine floorboards run underfoot from the entrance hall through to the dining room and kitchen on the raised ground floor. These spaces display a pared-back, minimalist aesthetic that has seen the removal of Victorian doors, fireplaces and mouldings in favour of clean, flowing lines and a low-level concrete hearth. The result is a set of living spaces bathed in natural light, running uninterrupted from the front to the back of the plan.

The contemporary kitchen has a marble counter along one aspect, with a breakfast bar opposite on translucent struts. Crittall doors open out to a Juliet balcony with beautiful, leafy views over the garden below.

The main hallway leads to the lower ground floor, where Dinesen Douglas fir floorboards pave the way to the cosy living room where a set of Critall doors open directly to the patio area. Gullaksen Architects have cleverly designed this floor as annexable living quarters, with an en suite bedroom at the front of the plan, in addition to creating a utility room and a separate front entrance.

The first floor comprises two significantly sized double bedrooms with high ceilings, large sash windows, wrought iron radiators and a subtle continuation of the concrete materiality established on the ground floor. The main bedroom suite can be found on the second floor; this has built-in wardrobes and two large sash windows to the front of the house. In the bathroom, the shower and basin stand have been beautifully finished in bespoke terrazzo, and a Juliet balcony opens to the rear, enjoying elevated views over the garden.

Outdoor Space

The house sits in front of a large, private garden. There is an almost sculptural fig tree which partially shades the patio area in the warmer months, ivy clad garden walls and raised beds with mature plants and shrubs. The patio space is brilliantly set up as a flowing continuation of the lower ground floor living spaces and is perfect for alfresco dining on warm summer evenings and cooler nights, which can be spent in front of the fireplace.

The Area

Aberdeen Road is perfectly positioned for the best of Highbury, Islington and neighbouring Stoke Newington. It is a short walk to Highbury & Islington station (for Overground and Victoria Line services) through Highbury Fields, which has tennis courts, a playground and a swimming pool. The much-admired shops and restaurants of Highbury are all within easy reach, as is Highbury Barn with its wonderful butcher Godfrey’s, the new addition of Bourne’s Fishmongers, Da Mario deli and the excellent original branch of La Fromagerie.

Nearby Newington Green is home to contemporary café and bakery Jolene, a greengrocer, an Italian deli, a florist and a health food shop, as well as numerous restaurants. King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard are within easy reach, and the Regent’s Canal path at Angel is a short walk from the house.

The nearest station is Canonbury, for London Overground services towards Shoreditch High Street and Stratford (Jubilee Line and Central Line, and DLR). There are also very good bus routes and a fast train into the City from nearby Drayton Park station.

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.