Southwood Park, London N6

This spacious two-bedroom apartment lies within Southwood Park, one of Highgate's most notable modernist estates. Expansive levels of glazing overlook the well-tended communal gardens, while a private south-facing balcony extends from the primary living space. Designed in 1965 by Robert Maxwell for Douglas Stephen & Partners, Southwood Park's form and shared amenities (including a heated swimming pool) reflect the architect's mid-century ethos, which has been wonderfully upheld by its residents.

The Building

Designed by Robert Maxwell for Douglas Stephen & Partners in 1965, Southwood Park is one of Highgate's landmark modernist buildings. Composed of two red-brick blocks with distinctive white recessed balconies, it is defined by an uncompromising architectural regularity that rises high above expansive communal gardens below. For more information, see the History section below.

The Tour

A private driveway leads to Southwood Park, just at the top of the peaceful Southwood Lawn Road. The typically modernist façade of the building has been impeccably maintained, with polished wooden garage doors providing a contrasting texture to the red-brick exterior. In addition to its wealth of amenities, Southwood Park has a full-time building manager. There is allocated storage space on the ground floor and a private garage is available for an annual fee.

This apartment is on the fourth floor, accessible by stairs or by lift. Entry is to a generous reception area that would make a wonderful study. The apartment's rooms fan out from here, with a kitchen and living room at the front of the plan, overlooking the communal gardens. The bedrooms are at the back, with spectacular views out towards the cityscape.

The galley kitchen has sage-green cabinetry with both top and base cupboards, allowing plenty of space for storage and food preparation. Adjacent is the expansive living room, where full-height glazed doors framed with thick hardwood span its length and open to a large balcony. The room has space for both a sitting area and a dining area.

Both bedrooms are well-proportioned. A smart en suite with a bath and an overhead shower adjoins the principal bedroom. There are fitted wardrobes in the second bedroom. A separate shower room sits opposite the second bedroom and there is further storage in the hallway by way of a deep walk-in cupboard.

Outdoor Space

The south-facing balcony looks onto expansive communal gardens, with a beautiful horse-chestnut tree in the foreground. Paved with terracotta tiles, the balcony is a sun trap throughout the day and has plenty of room for enjoying the outdoors.

The communal grounds are impeccably maintained and comprise gently undulating lawns dotted with mature trees and bordered by flowering shrubbery. At the lower end of the lawn is a seating area with several tables and chairs for residents to use, as well as a barbecue.

In warmer months, for an annual membership fee, residents can access the 20-metre-long heated swimming pool. This is a lovely area with poolside sun loungers and shady umbrellas.

There are two EV chargers on site.

The Area

Highgate Village has a wide variety of excellent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants, including popular pub The Flask, and fruit and veg shop Greens of Highgate. There is also The Grocery Post on Archway Road, which serves good coffee and groceries. The Red Lion and Sun pub, which is only a few minutes' walk away, serves award-winning food.

Southwood Park is also close to an array of large green spaces, including Hampstead Heath and Waterlow Park, as well as the ancient Highgate Wood and Queen’s Wood. Also nearby is the Parkland Walk, a disused railway line that has been transformed into a green pedestrian thoroughfare that runs all the way from Highgate to Finsbury Park.

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

The house is a short walk from Highgate Underground station (Northern Line). The 43 bus runs from a nearby stop and journeys towards Moorgate, Bank and London Bridge, the 134 bus runs to Camden Town and Tottenham Court Road, and there are also bus routes which go to Kenwood House, Hampstead, Parliament Hill as well as south towards Finsbury Park.

Tenure: Leasehold with Share of Freehold / Lease Length: Approx. 108 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £9,000 per annum (includes heating and hot water, waste management and recycling, building insurance, onsite 24/7 Building Manager and estate management costs) / Ground Rent: Approx. £50 per annum / Swimming Pool Membership (optional): Approx. £100 per annum / Allocated Garage (optional): Approx. £160 per annum / Council Tax Band: E