Balls Pond Road, London N1

A resplendent array of paint shades adorn this elegant and eclectic Georgian townhouse, situated between Dalston, De Beauvoir and Canonbury. Orientated on a north-south axis, the house rings with a day-long light across each of its four storeys. There are three bright bedrooms on its upper two floors, as well as a private fourth bedroom that lies adjacent to a lower-ground floor studio. A south facing garden unfurls at its rear, with tall silver birch trees that lend shady respite in the warmer months.

Setting the Scene

The idiosyncratically named 'Balls Pond Road' comes from John Ball, the owner of an infamous 17th-century inn on the street, The Salutation House; the 'pond' was to the west of the pub and was used for duck hunting. Balls Pond Road today has a softer reputation, known best for connecting Dalston's Kingsland Road to Highbury and Islington station by way of Canonbury and De Beauvoir, which lie to the north and south respectively.

This house rests amid a terrace of handsome Georgian homes, each with traditional six-over-six sash windows to the upper levels and an arched sash on ground level. The house's brickwork is arresting, its darker hues offset by white-framed fenestration. Entry is via a flight of stone steps that ascend to a navy blue-painted front door beneath a semicircular fanlight.

The Grand Tour

With map-lined walls, the entrance hallway runs along the left-hand side of the ground floor. On its right is a double reception room; a dining space occupies the front, while the kitchen lies beyond. Both have white-painted floorboards, sea green-washed walls and refined marble-framed cast-iron fireplaces. Double doors can be used to delineate the spaces if desired, or left open to allow light to diffuse from end to end.

Shelving frames the arched window in the dining room, providing display space for books, ceramics or other objets d'art. There is also plenty of open shelving in the kitchen, including above white units that run along one side. There is room for a second informal dining set-up here, in front of a tall, garden-facing sash window.

The house's original staircase and beautifully patinated oak? handrail coil up through the core of the building. At the front of the first floor is a traditional piano nobile reception space, complete with elegant floor-to-ceiling shuttered sash windows. Posy pink-painted walls provide a subtle contrast with white-painted joinery and fitted alcove cabinetry on either side of a cast-iron fireplace. Wall-to-wall bookcases on the opposite aspect provide space for an impressive personal library.

There is a bedroom to the rear of the first floor, with two further rooms upstairs. The principal is at the front of the second storey, with a surprisingly sculptural curved wall and twin sash windows. All three bedrooms have white-washed schemes that enhance their light-filled feel.

A colourful counterpoint, the second-floor bathroom has brilliantly contemporary reddish-orange walls. A roll-top bath has been perfectly placed beneath a deep roof light cut out above.

The main staircase cascades down to the lower-ground floor, where a studio, fourth bedroom (presently used as a study) and a second bathroom are sited. With access to the garden, the spaces combine to create a private retreat - ideal for guests or elderly family members.

The Great Outdoors

Accessed from the lower-ground floor, the house's tranquil garden delights in its south-facing aspect. Tall trees have been planted around its periphery, while beds have been carved out on either side and filled with XXX.

Terraces lie at the front and foot of the garden; one is grounded with flagstones, while the other is gravel laid. The latter sits nestled amid foliage, providing an enchantingly secluded spot for outdoor dining.

Out and About

Balls Pond Road connects some of north and north-east London's best loved neighbourhoods. Dalston is to the easterly end of the street and is home to the likes of Brilliant Corners, Mangal II and The Dusty Knuckle. The Talbot and The Spurstowe Arms are among local favourite pubs.

Canonbury and De Beauvoir Town are to the north and south of Balls Pond Road. Local favourites here include pubs The De Beauvoir Arms and The Scolt Head, coffee spot Batch Baby, De Beauvoir Deli and newly opened bar Goodbye Horses. The Regent's Canal lies just beyond and is home to the inimitable Towpath and self-proclaimed 'kid-friendly' Japanese café Toconoco.

Highbury Fields and Highbury Barn are also close at hand. Popular spots here include the wonderful butcher Godfrey’s, Bourne’s Fishmongers, Da Mario Deli and the excellent original branch of La Fromagerie. The Estorick Collection is a stroll away and runs a brilliant year-round programme of exhibitions; it also has a charming Italian café.

Newington Green is also easily reached and has become synonymous with a first-rate culinary culture in recent years. It is known as the home of some of north-east London's best-loved restaurants including Jolene, Perilla and Cadet; nearby Primeur is similarly well-regarded.

There are plenty of state-run and private schools on or near to Balls Pond Road, including Canonbury Primary School,St Paul’s Cathedral School and North Bridge House School. Some of London's best independent secondary schools are a short bus or tube ride away, including the City of London School and the City of London School for Girls.

Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland station are a short walk east and run Weaver and Mildmay line (Overground) services. The area is also exceptionally well-served by bus connections.

Council Tax Band: E