Colina House, London N15

This airy three-bedroom loft apartment spans the entire first floor of Colina House, a former church organ factory near Harringay Green Lanes. The plan extends across 1,691 sq ft internally and bears many of the hallmarks of warehouse living: oak floorboards, exposed brick, cast-iron pillars, raw concrete moulding and an original full-height hoist door that opens out over the quiet street below.

The Building

Colina House was originally built in 1897 as the home of renowned church organ manufacturers Rest Cartwright & Son. The firm's motto proudly pronounced their status 'Described as Artists in Organs' and the business remained based in the factory until the 1960s.

Mr Rest Cartwright was a Harringay local and in bombastic Victorian fashion was christened 'Rest-in-the-Lord’ but shortened the name to 'Rest' for business purposes. He built up his business over many years, supplying organ ranks to parish churches and cinemas around the UK, eventually winning a number of prizes at the Japan-British International Exposition in 1910 and The Queen's Coronation Exhibition in 1911.

After Cartwright's business ceased to trade in 1965, Colina House was used variously as artists' studios in the mid-1980s, until it was formally occupied as a number of photographers' studios and eventually eventually winning a number of prizes at the Japan-British International Exposition in 1910 and The Queen's Coronation Exhibition in 1911.

The Tour

Past a private door, entry is directly to the living spaces. The apartment's open-plan configuration makes for exceptionally flexible arrangements; the two double bedrooms and bathrooms form the only enclosed areas. Exposed brick walls encase each room, lending an effortless texture and tonal warmth, while floorboards spread out underfoot in almost every room.

The expansive lateral space at the front is configured by the current owners as a living and dining room. There is a wood-burning stove and a cinema screen, with plenty of space for seating and a large dining set-up. A contemporary kitchen adjoins this space, with stainless-steel units and worktops.

Well-lit, the principal bedroom, at the far end of the apartment, has its own dressing room and en suite with shower. Beautiful sky-blue tiles line part of the latter, a smooth contrast to the surrounding red brick. A Barbican style sink hangs on the wall, set beneath two traditional pillar taps.

There two additional bedrooms, both of good proportions and configured in a similar fashion to the principal. One retains the original cherry-red loading doors used to transport church organ ranks during the building's former use.

A beautifully finished family bathroom with bathtub is accessed from the hallway. Small white squared tiles lend a clean, minimalist appeal.

There is a utility room and additional storage space, within the former lift shaft of the building, concealed along the edges of the communal areas.

The Area

Colina Mews lies in a peaceful location a short walk from Harringay Green Lanes. Numerous cafés, bars and restaurants are all within walking distance, along with the green spaces of Duckett's Common, The Railway Fields nature reserve and Chestnuts Park. The East and West Reservoirs are only slightly further south; a coffee shop at the former is a lovely spot on a Sunday afternoon.

The Harringay Ladder has become an increasingly popular area in recent years. Green Lanes teems with restaurants, bakeries, and cafés. Some local favourites include The Dusty Knuckle for inimitable sourdough and focaccia, Gökyüzü Turkish restaurant and pub The Salisbury Hotel. The neighbourhood is laden with excellent grocers and independent shops, including the Harringay Local Store.

There are excellent state-run and private, primary and secondary schooling options nearby including St John Vianney RC Primary School, Harris Primary Academy Philip Lane, and Park View School. Plenty more are available in neighbouring Hornsey and Crouch End.

The area is well-served by public transport. Nearby stations include Turnpike Lane (Piccadilly line), Hornsey (Great Northern) and Haringey Green Lanes (Overground).

Council Tax Band: D