Forestdale, London N14

Recently renovated to an exceptional standard, this five-bedroom house sits on a quiet street in Arnos Grove, North London. The house unfolds across three storeys, with each room characterised by a warm palette of materials and colour. Olive trees and agapanthus bloom at the front of the house, while a large, south-facing garden extends to the rear. An adjacent yet self-contained studio provides a brilliant workspace or overspill accommodation. Transport connections to central London are excellent, as is the choice of open green spaces.

The Tour 

The house sits back from the street behind a paved driveway lined with olive trees, lavender, verbena and agapanthus. Behind the panelled front door is a hall lined with tongue-and-groove panelling painted in a chalky shade of 'Sage Green' by Little Greene; matching hooks provide plenty of space to hang up coats. Walnut veneer parquet flooring begins here and spreads throughout much of ground floor.  

To the rear of the plan is a large, open-plan kitchen and reception room. The kitchen is composed of solid oak cabinetry with Carrara marble worktops and brass fixtures. There is a six-ring range from Britannia, a deep stainless steel sink, an integrated wine fridge and a central kitchen island. Open shelves and a row of pegs are convenient for storing pots, pans and utensils. The room’s high ceilings and a soft colour palette make for a bright and spacious feel, and bifold doors open to create excellent flow between the house and the garden. There is plenty of space for a long dining table, as well as a comfy seating area beside built-in cabinets and a fireplace.  

The living room is to the left of the hall. Finished in a deep shade of 'De Nimes' by Farrow & Ball, the space is crowned with swan neck coving. Light pours through a large bay window, and at the end of the room is another carved fireplace surround. There is also a handy WC and utility room on the ground floor, finished with 'Aline Sage' wallpaper from The Pure Edit, Burlington fittings and engineered Iroko-topped counters. 

A staircase with a sisal runner and stair rods rises to the first floor, where four bedrooms are a family bathroom are arranged around a central landing. Each bedroom has a distinct colour scheme. The double bedroom at the front of the plan is lined with Colours of Arley wallpaper and fitted with built-in wardrobes, while the cosy bedroom next door is painted a warm hue of yellow.  

In the bathroom, Carrara marble surrounds an oval bathtub and sink; there is also a large rain-style shower. Refined white and mint green-veined marble tiles run in a checkerboard pattern underfoot.

The double-aspect primary bedroom is on the second floor. Soaring ceilings are accentuated by the vertical grain of sleek engineered oak wall panelling, with the same wood used across the floor. A corner of built-in wardrobes forms a dressing area, and there is adjacent en suite bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, rain-style shower and a double sink. 

At the rear of the house is a studio with access from the back garden and from the front drive. The space would make a wonderful office, exercise room, or additional accommodation with windows framing views over the garden. It also has a private WC and a handy storage room. 

Outdoor Space 

Extending from the rear of the house is a large, south-facing garden. Doors open from the kitchen to a raised patio surrounded by red-brick walls. The patio is an ideal place for an outdoor dining table, or for keeping pots of herbs and greens for use while cooking. 

Steps descend to a second patio level and lawn. Here, a striking water feature takes centre stage and there is a shed for storing tools or outdoor games. 

The Area 

A wealth of green spaces lie within the local area. Arnos Park, Broomfield Park and Brunswick Park are all within easy walking distance from the house, while Alexandra Palace is a 15-minute bike ride away.

Slightly further afield is Muswell Hill, with its abundance of excellent restaurants and cafés. The main high street also includes an Everyman Cinema and Planet Organic. Neighbourhood favourites include The Maid of Muswell pub and Korto, which serves fantastic tapas and good wine. 

There are several good schools in the vicinity, including Walker School and Bounds Green School at primary level and Alexandra Park School, Woodhouse College and Friern Barnet School at secondary level. 

There are many useful links into central London. Arnos Grove (Piccadilly Line) is the closest underground and only a 15-minute walk away. New Southgate rail station is also within walking distance and has direct lines to Highbury and Islington, Old Street, Moorgate and King's Cross in less than 20 minutes.  

Council Tax Band: G