Highpoint I, North Hill, London N6

Perched on the first floor of Berthold Lubetkin's Grade I-listed Highpoint, this well-maintained two-bedroom apartment retains the character of its original pioneering design. The building was built in the 1930s and is held as one of the city's best-preserved examples of modernist domestic architecture. Designed with community and well-being in mind, the building has pristine communal gardens that include tennis courts and a heated outdoor swimming pool. North Hill is positioned for the best of Highgate, with Hampstead Heath easily reached on foot.

The Architect

Berthold Lubetkin, one of the most important figures of architectural modernism, set up the practice Tecton in 1932; early commissions included the iconic Penguin Pool and Gorilla House at London Zoo. Lubetkin and Tecton’s buildings became some of the period's most renowned, ranging from private houses in Sydenham to a modernist terrace in Plumstead, south London, as well as the Finsbury Health Centre and the Highpoint I and II buildings in Highgate. For more information on Highpoint, please see the History section below.

The Building

True to their original design, the communal areas of Highpoint are immaculately maintained and reflect the architect’s utopian vision. The building has a wealth of amenities designed to foster a greater sense of community and well-being; these include beautifully landscaped communal gardens with extensive lawns, a trampoline, a climbing frame, tennis courts and a heated outdoor swimming pool. Off-street parking is available for residents on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is a bike store in the gardens.

There is also a comprehensive porter service, whose duties include helping to arrange maintenance and repairs for each flat, organising medical assistance, receiving deliveries, and so forth.

The Tour

Positioned on the first floor, this apartment is accessed up the sweeping staircase or via the lift from the building's lobby. Two wide doors open to an extremely generous hallway with a bold yellow ochre wall, a nod to the hessian wall covering used in Lubetkin’s penthouse apartment on Highpoint I’s top floor. Narrow floorboards and impressive 8ft-tall ceilings sustain an airy yet grounded feeling.

Crittall-style framed windows by Williams and Williams in the living room welcome in plenty of light. A versatile space, there is room for both a sitting area and a dining table here. From here, tucked behind a wall of curving glass bricks, is a neat kitchen and additional eating space. Kitchen cabinetry is of bamboo, white and grey laquered mdf, with classic Vitsoe shelving behind the kitchen units.

Opposite the kitchen is a smart study area created from what was once a balcony. The ceramic tiles underfoot nod to the home’s early history.

There is more generous glazing in the main bedroom, which has been sensitively fitted with Vico Magistretti's Teti Artemide bedside wall lights. There is built-in storage in the spacious second bedroom.

Just off the hallway lies the bathroom, which is which is complete with Duravit and Jacob Delafon fittings, Vola taps and an overhead shower. Original features remain here too, including the heated towel rail and the heated ceiling and floor.

The Area

Highpoint is positioned for the best of Highgate Village with its wide variety of shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants. The Bull is next door, while popular pub The Flask, fruit and veg shop Greens of Highgate and Gails are close by. There is also The Grocery Post on Archway Road, which serves good coffee and groceries.

Hampstead Heath offers freshwater swimming year-round in the nearby swimming ponds and some of London’s most beautiful woodland walks. In addition to elevated views of the city from Parliament Hill, there are tennis courts, a café and Kenwood House, a wonderful 17th-century country house and gallery. Waterlow Park and Queen's Wood are also in easy reach of Highpoint.

There are excellent schools in the area, including Highgate School, Highgate Primary School, St Michael’s Primary School and Channing.

The Northern Line at Highgate provides direct access to King’s Cross, the West End and the City, and there are convenient road links to the A1, leading to the M1, A406 and M25.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease: Approx. 988 years remaining
Service charge: Approx. £12,000 per annum (including buildings insurance, freeholders' or management charges, repairs to shared areas and the outside of the building, concierge or caretaker, sinking fund, storage unit and bike store, communal gardens, roof terrace, tennis courts and swimming pool, cctv) 
Ground Rent: Approx. £40 per annum (included in the service charge)
Council Tax Band: F