This exemplary four-bedroom Victorian house in Friern Barnet has been subject to an extensive renovation by Storp Weber Architecture. The architects have carefully extended the home to encourage greater interaction with the impressive Piet Oudolf-inspired garden that stretches at the rear, which bursts with sensitively selected perennial plants and flowers. The house is characterised by its clever use of materials, including oak and rubber, clean architectural lines and striking pops of colour, which punctuate the space against a predominant palette of serene grey.

The Tour

This end of terrace building cuts a dramatic profile with a grey-painted façade, set back from the road behind a fence draped in swathes of fragrant jasmine.

The front door opens directly into a vibrant hallway, where colourful hexagonal tiles ground this space and a staircase, painted fluorescent yellow, lies to one side. In the adjacent living area, the architects have seamlessly combined period features, including the original cornicing and fireplace, with a minimalist aesthetic. Wide oiled oak floorboards flow throughout, contributing to a clever sense of continuity between the spaces. Many of the windows and doors are by Rationel, replaced to ensure energy efficiency.

An arched doorway, with cleverly concealed cupboards positioned on either side, leads to a long bespoke kitchen in the centre of the house, with a birch ply splashback and work surfaces. All appliances are by Siemens and Neff and are fully integrated, and the taps are by Hansgrohe. Full-height glazed doors slide back from here to reveal a decked patio, allowing a seamless transition between indoors and out. A dining room sits at the rear, where a vast single-pane picture window frames beautiful views out towards the garden. The window, combined with a skylight and patio doors, allows an exceptional quality of natural light to pour in throughout the day.

Two spacious bedrooms and an immaculate bathroom sit on the first floor. In the main bedroom, plenty of cupboard space sits neatly within the alcoves and along the opposite wall to maximise storage. A burnt red Thomas Jeckyll reclaimed fireplace sits at the centre, adding an unusual focal point, and two arched windows illuminate the room. The rear bedroom also contains plenty of cupboard space, and the original fireplace has been carefully preserved. The immaculately executed shower room is largely clad in white geometric tiles, which adds a sense of texture against the smooth rubber floor.

Fluorescent yellow walls in the hallway create an effective distinction between the top floor and the rest of the house. There are two spacious bedrooms on this level, both with large sash windows and felt carpet. The bright yellow walls continue in the bathroom, which has a plunge bath and shower, working in vivid contrast to the emerald green studded rubber floor and shiny soft-grey tiles. A WC lies opposite.

There is a useful electric point at the front of the house for car charging.

Outdoor space

Designed to transform with the seasons, the garden has been sensitively planted with a wide variety of perennial plants, flowers and pollinators, allowing it to burst with wildlife and activity throughout the year. Concrete walkways snake through the large planters, constructed from corrugated iron, and up towards the vegetable patches and herb garden, which yields tomatoes, rocket and lettuce, amongst others. A decked area adjacent to the kitchen and dining room provides ample room for outside dining.

At the rear of the garden lies a useful office space, with large single-pane windows offering several wonderful vantage points to enjoy the garden. Made from particle board, the exterior is painted an arresting matt black. The garden can also be accessed via a useful side return, which also has a bike storage area.

The Area

A plethora of green spaces exist within the local area. Friary Park, Bethune Park, Arnos Park and Brunswick Park are all within easy walking distance from the house. Highgate Woods and Alexandra Palace are a 15-minute bike ride.

Slightly further afield to the south is Muswell Hill, with its abundance of excellent restaurants and cafes. The main high street also includes an Everyman Cinema and Planet Organic. Neighbourhood favourites include The Maid of Muswell pub and Korto, which serves fantastic tapas and good wine.

Friern Barnet is popular with families owing to several good local schools: Woodhouse College, Friern Barnet School and Fortismere school, which was ranked by The Sunday Times as the 12th best comprehensive school in the country in 2016, are all nearby.

There are many useful links into central London. New Southgate rail station is a seven-minute walk away and has direct lines to Highbury & Islington, Old Street, Moorgate and Kings Cross in less than twenty minutes. Arnos Grove (Piccadilly line) is the closest underground and only a fifteen-minute walk away.

Council Tax Band: E

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.