This bright terraced house is part of Independent Place, a converted Victorian factory in Hackney. A thoughtful renovation by the current owners introduced a selection of bespoke joinery and finishes, including a new staircase with a bespoke balustrade. Plenty of parks, pubs and well-regarded restaurants are in easy reach, as are Hackney Downs, Dalston Kingsland and Dalston Junction stations, all around a 10-minute walk away.
The Tour
Independent Place is a gated development of a converted Victorian printworks just off Shacklewell Lane. The complex is divided into three main sections and retains the hallmarks of the original warehouse design, including handsome exterior brickwork and large timber-framed windows. Despite its proximity to the bustle of Dalston, the house is in a peaceful and private enclave. This house forms part of 'The Square', which has a central courtyard with mature acers and blossom trees.
Past an enclosed terrace, the entrance door reveals an airy hall; arranged across two levels, the apartment has an upside-down configuration, with the reception areas on the upper floor, and two bedrooms at ground level.
Lofty proportions and a pared-back palette define the interiors, which have been transformed with a thoughtful selection of bespoke additions. Concealed storage opportunities throughout ensure an uncluttered and relaxed atmosphere.
On the first floor, the open-plan living room is set beneath soaring vaulted ceilings with exposed steel and timber beams and black-painted floorboards, true to the building's heritage. Dual-aspect and framed by double-glazed warehouse windows and an electric Velux skylight, the space is bathed in natural light from sunrise to sunset. It opens to a south-facing balcony overlooking the quiet courtyard, and is complete with an automatic watering system.
To the rear is a bespoke galley kitchen arranged with a U-shape layout that extends to a handy breakfast nook with bespoke joinery. The kitchen has base and wall-mounted cabinets that stretch to the ceiling. Integrated appliances include a Miele induction hob, an oven and microwave by AEG, a Miele dishwasher, an LG smart washing machine, and a wine fridge. The adjacent dining area is anchored by bespoke fitted banquette seating.
A staircase with a custom-made iron handrail leads to the versatile mezzanine. Equipped with substantial built-in storage, it could be used as an office, workshop, or sleeping area; the space could also be closed off from the level below, if desired.
Two bedrooms lie on the ground floor. Secluded and quiet, the voluminous principal is at the rear. It has high ceilings, soft carpet flooring, full-height wardrobes fitted with Buster + Punch hardware, and an en suite shower room with Fired Earth tiles. The second bedroom is equally spacious and faces out to greenery. Although currently used as an office, the room has large fitted wardrobes.
The main bathroom is decorated with Fired Earth tiles with mother-of-pearl detailing and has a shower over a bathtub and a bespoke vanity. There are integrated dimmable lights and built-in smart speakers.
Outdoor Space
A small front garden, with an automatic watering system, is accessed via the front door or the second bedroom. The house also sits on the communal garden square within the gated development, which feels wonderfully private and tucked away from the bustle of Dalston beyond. This has been thoughtfully planted with flourishing borders, shrubs and mature trees; several sections of lawn are dotted with daisies and interspersed with paths that wind around the greenery. Benches provide a secluded spot to sit and relax.
The house has access to an allocated car parking space in a secure gated compound. Residents also have access to shared visitors' car-parking spaces and secure cycle storage.
The Area
At the heart of St Mark’s Conservation Area in Hackney, Independent Place is brilliantly positioned just off Shacklewell Lane, north of the famous London Fields and bustling Mare Street. The green spaces of Victoria Park and the Regent’s Canal path are within easy reach.
There is an almost endless choice of dining options within easy reach of the house. To the west is Dalston's Kingsland Road, home to a wealth of excellent bars, including Three Sheets and Brilliant Corners alongside beloved bakery The Dusty Knuckle. The Spurstowe Arms, with its delicious pizza, and The Prince George are among locals' favourite pubs. Especially close is the wonderful Casa Fofo, along with the likes of Oren and Mangal II. Neighbourhood favourites also include Violet, Wilton Way’s Deli, Fran and Sesta, all just a short stroll away on Wilton Way.
Broadway Market has a reputation for excellent places to eat and its popular weekend market. The e5 Bakehouse, on the edge of London Fields, is excellent for freshly baked artisan bread and grains.
Transport connections are brilliant: Hackney Downs, Dalston Kingsland and Dalston Junction Overground stations are all around 10 minutes away on foot and provide easy routes to Liverpool Street, Highbury and Islington/Stratford, and Whitechapel/Shoreditch respectively. Buses also run regularly to London Bridge and the City from nearby Kingsland Road.
Tenure: Share of Freehold / Lease Length: approx. 973 years remaining / Service Charge: approx. £2236 per annum / Council Tax Band: C