Brine House, London E3

This ingeniously conceived second-floor studio apartment is minutes from the open greenery of Victoria Park. Its current interior designer owner has worked to delineate a series of semi open spaces that are awash with natural light from dual-aspect windows. For travel across the capital, Mile End and Bow Road Underground stations are both in easy reach.

The Building

Built in the 1930s, Brine House is characterised by sleek, typically art deco elevations. Broad horizontal bands of red and buff brickwork lie behind the continuous ribbons of white balconies, while mature trees dot the surrounding area. The building is set back from nearby St Stephen’s Road and has shared staircase access to all floors.

The Tour

Entry to the apartment is on the second floor, via a communal stair and shared balcony. The rational layout of its plan is apparent on entry, as is its deft approach to materials and colour.

A small hall area guides towards the carefully delineated semi open-plan core of the home. Light floods the living spaces, entering through windows that overlook treetops and face out towards the broader horizons beyond. Golden-hued wooden flooring runs underfoot.

Places to eat and work are carved out in the recesses on either side of the chimney breast. Opposite is a cosy sitting area currently configured for watching films and/or curling up with a book.

Left open through a wide opening, the kitchen sits towards the rear and is filled with generous banks of minimal cabinetry; the lower cupboards are painted a striking anthracite grey, while those above are washed a complementary sage green. Off-white conglomerate worktops sit atop, abutting charmingly irregular white wall tiles. A window above the sink draws in a rejuvenating morning light.

A half-height wall demarcates the sleeping area, which comprises a built-in double bed and generous line of storage concealed behind a curtained screen.

A playful display of black, white and burnt ochre, the bathroom sits adjacent. Additional dashes of colour spring from the terrazzo-styled vinyl flooring.

Outdoor Space

Brine House's residents share leafy and south-facing communal gardens at the rear of the building. These have mature, broad-leafed trees, plants and shrubs, as well as green spaces for sunning, relaxing and playing.

The Area

Set back from St Stephen’s Road, Brine House sits in a quiet spot that is exceptionally placed for access to Hackney's wonderful parks, excellent independent shops and cafés and terrific food and drink scenes. Chisenhale Gallery is close to home and runs a brilliant programme of events year-round.

Victoria Park village is within easy reach; favourites here include The Ginger Pig Butcher, Breadery, Pophams, Bottle Apostle and Jonathan Norris Fishmongers.

The award-winning The Morgan Arms, Royal Inn on the Park, People’s Park Tavern, The Victoria, The Palm Tree – with live weekend jazz - Ombra, Bistrotheque and The Approach Tavern are all in close proximity. The area is also awash with enticing coffee stops, including A Falle Poete, Mae+Harvey, Bard Books and The Hub.

Roman Road Market lies on Brine House's doorstep. Running for over 150 years, it is famed for its delicious street food stalls, fashion and homeware outlets. The road is also lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Victoria Park itself is bound on two sides by canals: Regent’s Canal lies to the west, while Hertford Union Canal runs along the southern edge. The bustling Broadway Market is a 20-minute walk away along Regent’s Canal. For more green space, Mile End Park, Cemetery Park, London Fields and the Olympic Park are all easily accessible.

The closest Underground stations, Mile End (Central, Hammersmith and City and District lines) and Bow (Hammersmith and City and District lines), are both a 10/15 minute walk away. There are excellent bus links into central and east London.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 90 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £1,327 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £100 per annum / Council Tax Band: B