Lexington Building, Fairfield Road, London E3

This bright apartment is situated in a Grade II-listed warehouse conversion in the heart of Bow, east London. Characterised by a double-height living space, it retains its original proportions soaring and hardy materials. Once an old match factory, the Lexington Building now makes up part of a residential complex with voluminous buildings oriented around fountains and communal grounds. Victoria Park and the Olympic Park are both close at hand, as are the bars and restaurants of east London.

The Building

The Lexington Building is part of the recently redeveloped Bow Quarter, a complex of buildings that was once the Bryant and May match factory. Grade II-listed, it bears a blue plaque in recognition of the fact that it was site of the 1888 Match Girls' strike.

The building sits among communal grounds - some of east London's largest - and has a 24-hour concierge, a gym and a swimming pool for residents to use; there is also a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Within the grounds is a well-stocked supermarket and a cafés too, as well as laundry services.

There is a wonderful sense of community, with running clubs, dog-walking groups, cat-sitting help, and film nights organised in a residents-only space in the basement of the Manhattan building. That space is also borrowed out to residents should they want to organise kids' birthday parties or other functions. There's also a co-working space being designed here, which will include a cafe.

The Tour

This apartment is situated on the second floor of the Lexington Building, to which there is both lift and stair access.

At the core of the home is a double-height living space, flooded with light from an original warehouse window - since updated with secondary glazing. The original brick wall has been painted white, creating a simple canvas to hang art, with the texture of the brick adding a sense of movement.

At the rear is the kitchen, executed in a simple combination of black floor tiles, grey worktops and white cabinetry. Built-in appliances include an induction hob and dishwasher. The adjacent bathroom also utilises a monochromatic palette, and is home to a generous walk-in shower with a smart, black-framed door, as well as a washing machine.

Suspended above the living space is a mezzanine sleeping area, which also enjoys views out of the impressive warehouse window. Cleverly concealed behind the sleeping area is generous storage, with space for hanging clothes in addition to separate built-in wardrobes.

Outdoor Space

The building is set amid large and peaceful communal gardens, complete with water features and a beautiful planting scheme.

The Area

The building is positioned in between the green expanses of Victoria Park and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Chisenhale Gallery is nearby and has a year-round programme of exhibitions and events, while Mae + Harvey is a friendly neighbourhood spot that serves coffee as well as delicious breakfasts and lunches.

Victoria Park village is close at hand, with its wonderful food and drink scene. Neighbourhood favourites include The Ginger Pig Butcher, Gail’s and Pophams bakeries, Bottle Apostle and Jonathan Norris Fishmongers. Ombra, Bistrotheque and The Approach Tavern are also in close proximity.

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. Broadway Market is a 20-minute walk away along Regent’s Canal. The beautiful Tower Hamlets Cemetery - one of London's 'magnificent seven' cemeteries dating to 1841 - is also a short stroll away.

Bow Road station (Hammersmith and City and District lines) is a short distance from the apartment, with Mile End (Central line) slightly further afield. A variety of useful bus routes serve the area.

Tenure: Share of Freehold / Lease Length: Approx. 89 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £3,492 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £85 per annum / Council Tax: C