Howard Road, London E17

This beautiful two-bedroom garden apartment is enviably situated in the Poet’s Corner area of Walthamstow on the no-through, sought-after Howard Road. It has been lovingly refurbished by the current owners, who have used a tactile material palette of Bauwerk lime wash paint, handmade Moroccan tiles and reclaimed floorboards. A timber-clad extension with a pitched roof extends from the rear into a lusciously planted south-west-facing private garden, where mature trees and shrubs provide a perfect backdrop for al fresco dining.

The Tour

The flat rests behind a front garden laid with grey flagstones. A wide bay window curves across the façade, next to an antique glass front door that opens into the apartment’s hallway. Here, the gentle pairing of original floorboards and Bauwerk walls is introduced. On one side is a generous coat cupboard, and at the end are pocket doors that slide to the kitchen and living spaces at the rear. There is a laundry area in the hall with an integrated washing machine and plenty of storage. The owners sourced reclaimed sliding wooden doors for the bathroom, study and kitchen, and there are cast iron traditional radiators by Carron throughout.

The kitchen has a wraparound oak countertop with solid, reclaimed limestone open shelves from Retrovirus, a Smeg range oven and twin Belfast sinks. Care has been taken to introduce delightful fixtures and fittings; antique brass taps and handles by Devol, and a brass pan rail sit alongside a splashback formed of handmade Otto tiles. Lighting throughout the apartment is also by Devol.

Two timber steps at the end of the kitchen descend to the living and dining room. A sense of light and connectivity to the exceptionally landscaped garden has guided the design of this part of the flat. Large Velux windows draw in a wonderful quality of light, there is built-in bespoke joinery with storage, while glazed doors and portrait windows provide a visual and physical connection to the outdoors.

The main bedroom occupies the space at the front of the plan, with a bay window that exaggerates its proportions and makes it brilliantly bright. There are bespoke wardrobes, shelving and cabinetry here, as well as an original fireplace set on a black granite hearth, with pale yellow tiles to each side that date from the house’s construction in the late 19th century

A second double bedroom off the hallway is currently used as a home office. A demountable desk sits between two cabinets, with a deep shelf above. From here, two timber steps lead through a wide opening towards the living and dining room.

The bathroom has an opulent generosity. The floor is laid with handmade Moroccan terracotta tiles and has underfloor heating. There is a black towel radiator, twin sinks with unlacquered brass taps, and a walk-in shower set behind a brass framed screen with fluted glass.

Outdoor Space

The private garden is a peaceful retreat where considered plantings sit alongside hard landscaping to create a sociable space alive with greenery, grasses and year-round colour. There is access from a rear gate to the quiet Aubrey Road, a one-way street that forms part of the low-traffic neighbourhood. This back gate is handy for arriving or leaving on bicycles, and there is an Asgard storage unit with ample space for multiple bikes.

A sandstone terrace sits beside the main living spaces of the house, allowing it to feel like an extension of the inside. A young Wisteria has begun to traverse across the rear elevation, while black grasses, bamboo and pampas grass in raised timber beds border gravel pathways along with aromatic black elderberry and large scented jasmine.

The owners have approved planning permission for a garden studio/office at the back of the garden.

The Area

Howard Road is one of the most desirable streets in Walthamstow. The tree-lined no-through road is one-way and set in a designated low-traffic neighbourhood. Enviably situated at an elevated level, there is easy access to the town centre, Walthamstow Village, Lloyd Park, and Walthamstow Central Station (Overground and Victoria Line), all within a 5-minute walk away. Nearby Bell Corner is home to vegetarian café Buhler and Co, which serves brunch and great coffee.

Walthamstow Village is a short walk from Howard Road and is home to numerous independent shops, including the famous Eat-17 deli. Lloyd Park is home to the William Morris Gallery and Lloyd Park Market, where, on Saturdays, a range of high-quality produce and street food is on offer. Local pubs The Castle and The Queens Arms are local favourites in Walthamstow Village, the Castle offers fantastic roast dinners, and the Queens Arms serves great food all week. The Nags Head is also close by, and offers free live jazz every Sunday and stonebaked pizzas.

Within easy reach is East of Eden, a much-loved yoga, pilates, barre and spin studio. Next door is Soho Theatre Walthamstow, a refurbished Victorian music hall set to open in early 2025. The 1,000-seat venue will run a programme of international comedy, theatre and cabaret from the owner of the esteemed Soho Theatre.

For more of our recommendations in Walthamstow, read our residents’ guide.

Walthamstow Central (Victoria Line and Overground) is around a five-minute walk away, with trains running into Liverpool Street and central London in under 20 minutes.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: Approx. 996 years remaining
Service Charge: Approx £550 per annum
Council Tax Band: B