St James Lane, London N10

This two-bedroom, purpose-built Edwardian apartment has been meticulously renovated with carefully chosen materials and a subtle yet effective use of colour. Stairs descend from its light-filled living spaces to a private garden planted with tropical trees and ferns. More greenery can be sought in Highgate Woods and Alexandra Palace Park, both a short walk from St James Lane.

The Tour

St James Lane is a quiet residential street a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Muswell Hill. This apartment is on the upper floor of a Edwardian red-brick, end-of-terrace house; steps ascend to its private front door, which is conveniently set beneath a storm porch.

In the hallway beyond, a glossy slab of herringbone patterned granite has been laid up to a polished wooden staircase that connects to the primary part of the plan.

The apartment’s finish is exceptional with brass electrical switches, column radiators and wide oak floorboards throughout. Oversized internal doors, fitted with brass hinges, emphasise the generous ceiling heights.

The spacious open-plan living space and kitchen is at the rear of the plan. Its elevated position and dual-aspect windows bathe the room in light. In the kitchen, a magnificent dark-veined granite countertop and backsplash contrast with simple white cabinetry. There is a central island, along with a brass tap and sink. Integrated appliances include a fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and AEG oven and induction hob.

A period fireplace in the sitting area stands as a reminder of the apartment’s Victorian origins. The current owners have positioned a dining table next to a window that overlooks the garden, which is accessed from an adjacent door and spiral staircase beyond.

Four original Victorian variant sash windows flood the principal room with light; the views are exceptional, extending as far as Canary Wharf on a clear day. Built-in floor-to-ceiling wardrobes run along one side, finished with fluted fronts and brass handles. The walls have a raw plaster-style finish and there is a second vibrant pink period fireplace. A pendant light and wall-mounted reading fittings emit an ambient glow.

The second bedroom also has bespoke fitted wardrobes, as well as excellent levels of light from its rear-facing window. A Velux skylight floods the corridor between the rooms with light and grants access to a loft hatch.

A marble-clad shower room has been beautifully appointed with white sanitaryware, a Vitra basin, a Duravit Japanese WC and sleek brass fittings. Underfloor heating here is added to by a heated brass towel rail.

Outdoor Space

The garden is accessed via a black-painted steel spiral staircase from the living space. Lush tropical plants are arranged around granite paving; sculptural varieties in raised planters include palms, fatsia, ferns and magnificent banana trees for year-round greenery. There is plenty of space for entertaining and/or for relaxing with a morning coffee.

The Area

Muswell Hill has a sedate, village-like feel to it, with a range of cafés, restaurants and shops including Waitrose, M&S Food Hall, Walter Purkis Fishmongers, The Hampstead Butchers and the famous Toff’s Fish and Chips. There is also a Planet Organic and Everyman Cinema.

The area is wonderfully positioned for green spaces. The famed Parkland Walk - a trail that traces the route of a now disused railway line - can be joined from the end of the street. It connects Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace, through Stroud Green, Crouch End, Highgate and Muswell Hill. Common Ground is conveniently close to the end of the walk for a post-stroll brunch, or The Plimsoll for a drink and/or dinner.

The top of Parkland Walk finishes on the fringes of Highgate Woods, an ancient woodland of mainly oaks, hornbeams and beech trees spanning over 28 hectares. Alexandra Palace Park - another expansive open space with a spectacular Grade II-listed entertainment venue - lies to the east and is famed for its panoramic views of the London skyline.

The apartment is close to several well-regarded local schools, including Muswell Hill Primary and Fortismere.

St James Lane is on the Highgate (Northern line) side of Muswell Hill, which can be accessed by foot in approximately 20 minutes. There are plenty of buses in the local area, including those that run to Finsbury Park, where the Victoria line and Thameslink can be joined. Other routes connect to central London and to other parts of north London.

Council Tax Band: D