Occupying the site of a former Victorian stables, this unique end-of-terrace house in Stoke Newington runs over three storeys, each connected by a central oak stairwell. The house couples remarkably intact period features on the ground floor with unabashedly modern lines and materials upstairs. A first-floor terrace sits at the front of the house and is cloaked in mature wisteria; the spire of St Mary's Church rises in the near distance.
The Tour
Converted from a stable and outhouses, this characterful house has a distinctive profile from its Oldfield Road neighbours. The white-rendered frontage at ground level recedes into stock brick and anthracite cladding on the upper storeys, which step back from the street.
Entry is to the kitchen and dining room through a beautiful stable door, custom made for the house. Large terrazzo tiles run underfoot as new, solid wood worktops and ceramic tiles bound the kitchen workspace. The cabinetry has new handles and has been repainted, while recently added windows on the front and side of the house allow light to flood in.
Moving through the plan to the rear of the house, an unexpected reception room has been established in the old stable block: glazed tiles line the walls and bend around alcoves that once defined stable doors. New parquet floors run underfoot and light is welcomed in through a recently added electric skylight and three new windows. This space can be partitioned from the kitchen by two pocket doors on either side of the central stairwell.
A wooden staircase bounded by a white balustrade leads up to the first floor. Internal windows placed in the stairwell heighten the flow of light and establish varied sightlines throughout the space. Here, a large room - used alternately as a bedroom, reception room or office - gives way to the front terrace through the sliding doors. Looking to the rear of the house, one can see the green roof over the ground floor living room. The exposed brick walls have been whitewashed and sit sympathetically in this assuredly modern living room.
The ascent to the second floor is characterised by an angular roof light, which cuts through the ceiling and walls to create a dual-aspect main bedroom. A balcony lined with 'Lava' tiles by Patricia Urquiola sits to the front of the room, accessed by slimline sun seeker doors that fold seamlessly to one side.
A shower is on one end of the landing, with additional Patricia Urquiola tiles here. There is a family bathroom on the ground floor off the reception room, where a skylight sits over the bathtub.
Care has been taken throughout the house to maximise storage space. On the ground floor, a large cupboard under the stairs sits opposite concealed cabinets. The first-floor landing provides further built-in storage space.
Outdoor Space
To the front of the house, a beautiful decked terrace looks down the length of the quiet Victorian street beyond. Shaded by mature wisteria, this is a wonderfully light spot to enjoy an evening drink with plenty of space for a dining table and chairs. There is a new balustrade made of beautiful iroko wood.
The Area
Oldfield Road is located moments from the independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs of Stoke Newington, in particular those along Church Street and around Newington Green. Local favourites include The Good Egg, Rubedo, and Nook. A particular local favourite is nearby Esters cafe, while the gallery Everyday Sunshine is moments from the house. We've written more about Stoke Newington in our area guide.
The Jolly Butchers pub is at the end of Garnham Street and is something of a local institution, specialising in craft beer and excellent pub food.
There are plenty of green spaces nearby: Abney Park and Cemetery are 10 minutes’ walk away, as is Clissold Park, with its tennis courts, popular café, beautiful lakes and resident deer.
Dalston Kingsland and Dalston Junction are within easy reach and run. Overground trains to Highbury and Islington, Shoreditch High Street and Stratford. Rectory Road is also close by and runs regular services to Liverpool Street, taking around 15 minutes.
Council tax band: C