Clay House, Monnery Road, London N19

Creatively reimagined by architect Simon Astridge, this two-bedroom apartment occupies the upper floors of a handsome Victorian house in Tufnell Park. The name 'Clay House' comes from the natural clay plaster applied to its internal walls using the Japanese technique of arakabe, resulting in beautifully textured surfaces. Clay House also has a private south-facing terrace with views out towards the City in the distance.

The Tour

Arranged in reverse, the two bedrooms occupy the first floor. Each room is laid with jute, with reddened plywood used for the skirting boards and doorways. The main bedroom has built-in wardrobes and a flush plywood panel above the door that emphasises the tall ceiling height.

A striking steel floating staircase ascends to the upper level, which houses a generous open-plan living space punctuated by exposed brick walls. The dining area is in front of the rear dormer window with south-facing views over the City skyline. The top leaf of the tripartite sash windows can be opened, inviting a cool breeze during the warmer months. A sleek stainless-steel cooking island by Bulthaup has been placed beneath the highest point of the eaves, with a sitting area in front. Plywood floorboards ground the space.

Inspired by Japanese ritual bathing, the bathroom is demarcated by tatami mat flooring and divided into two spaces by a tempered glass screen. Lined with smoked oak panels, the steel washbasin is intended to patina over time and the brass taps are reclaimed from a plumber’s merchants in Lisbon. Behind the glass doors is the wet room for showering and bathing. Plants trail from the ceiling joists and receive their water through the steam evaporated following showering or bathing.

The apartment has an excellent provision of storage, including wardrobes in both bedrooms, a laundry cupboard positioned in the hallway, and eaves storage in the main living room. The clay used in the apartment was dug by hand in north Cornwall. Aside from the aesthetic benefits, it controls the humidity below 70% and promotes a healthy living environment.

Outdoor Space

A spacious roof terrace unfolds from the landing, decked and bordered with wrought iron railings. South-facing, this area is awash with direct sunlight throughout the day and has beautiful views across the rooftops with plenty of space for a table and chairs.

The Area

Monnery Road is wonderfully positioned close to Dartmouth Park and only a short walk from the green expanses of Waterlow Park, Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill. The latter has tennis courts, a lido and a weekly farmers' market. The Heath is one of London's most popular public parks; the men’s and women’s swimming ponds, which offer year-round freshwater swimming, are also within walking distance.

The area has several excellent gastropubs, including St John’s Tavern, The Bull and Last, The Flask, The Lord Palmerston and The Southampton Arms. The much-loved Norman’s Cafe is a short walk away, as is the wine shop Theatre of Wine.

Tufnell Park's parade of shops presents a butcher, fishmonger, café, and charming French bistro, Authentique, which also has a deli. Its sister boulangerie, Tufnell Park Bakery, is a few doors down, while Little Bear Bakery serves delicious coffee.

Kentish Town is a short distance away and is known for its stellar pubs, including The Pineapple and gastro pub The Parakeet. Phoenicia is a brilliant Mediterranean food hall and Earth is known for its organic produce. Half Cut Market and Bread by Bike are popular local spots.

Archway and Tufnell Park Underground stations (both on the Northern Line) are only a five and 10-minute walk away respectively. Upper Holloway Overground is also nine minutes on foot and runs direct lines to Barking and Gospel Oak.

Tenure: Leasehold with Share of Freehold
Lease: Approx. 964 years remaining
Service charge: approx. £300 per annum
Ground rent: approx. £100 per annum
Council Tax Band: D