Occupying a peaceful position on the second floor of Darnhills, a wonderful modernist building, is this beautifully renovated three-bedroom penthouse apartment. Characterised by clean lines and expansive glazing, the apartment’s interior design marries a pared-down minimalist appeal with flowing living spaces filled with natural light. It has a garage, a large south-facing balcony and, care of its elevated position, wide views of the surrounding tree canopies. Surrounded by extensive, immaculately maintained communal gardens, the apartment is a short walk from the shops and cafés of Radlett, and around half a mile from the station, with access to London St Pancras in approximately 30 minutes.

The Estate

Darnhills is a quiet residential estate comprising low-lying linear blocks defined by uncompromising architectural regularity, softened by trees, undulating lawns and seasonally flowering beds. The blocks are arranged in a U-shaped layout, their red brick façades punctuated by horizontal windows and wide planes of sliding glazed screens recessed behind private balconies.

The Tour

Entry to this particular block is on the first-floor level via an external staircase. The penthouse apartment is accessed by a short flight of stairs. Inside, a generously proportioned central hallway provides access to all rooms, with a view straight through to the expansive living area where relaxing, dining and cooking take place in a single open-plan space.

Recent renovations were undertaken with a confident clarity of thought and wonderful attention to detail. There is a carefully edited palette of materials; engineered oak floorboards run throughout, unifying the sophisticated interiors. The house is defined by the splashes of sunlight penetrating deep into the internal plan through concave reeded glass panels set within black-framed doors.

The dual-aspect living and dining area is a welcoming space with leafy views of the gardens and excellent quality of light, care of picture windows and a glazed screen that extends the entire width of the southern aspect and opens to the balcony, opening the room to the greenery beyond, which acts as a striking backdrop.

The recently updated kitchen is neatly positioned alongside the dining spaces and has been decorated in a sleek palette. Ply-fronted cabinetry, including a pantry cupboard, provides copious storage and is topped with hardy grey-veined white marble worktops and splashbacks, which create a clever tonal contrast.

All three bedrooms are bright and generous spaces where the simple, pared-back aesthetic continues. The main bedroom is wonderfully peaceful, illuminated by an expanse of glazed sliding doors that give direct access to the balcony. A luxurious en suite bathroom is replete with marble floor and wall tiling, which matches the kitchen, creating a sense of cohesion. A deep bath has a rainfall shower overhead; built-in wardrobes add plenty of storage.