Wakeford House, London NW1

Wide windows hint at the brightness that pours into every corner of this contemporary house on St Paul’s Crescent in north London. Cleverly apportioned, the house has four bedrooms across three storeys, as well as a wonderful open-plan reception space that gives way to a rear patio garden. The house sits between King’s Cross, Kentish Town and Camden, and is a short walk away from the beautiful Regent’s Canal footpath.

The Tour

The brick used to form Wakeford House references the neighbouring Victorian buildings, allowing its resolutely contemporary profile to slot effortlessly into the surrounding streetscape.

A brick-bounded front garden sets the house back from the St Paul’s Crescent, and a burgundy door provides passage to a hallway. Stained timber floors begin here and spread throughout much of the house, all of which is underfloor heated. At the front, on the left, is a bedroom that could equally make for a bright snug with its large picture window.

Passing a playful yellow-tiled WC en route, the hallway stretches to the rear open-plan living spaces. The entire space rings with light that floods in through a Crittall-style glazed section at the rear - a clever transitional space between inside and out.

The kitchen lies at the fore, with smart grey cabinetry, quartz countertops, a Range oven and an tan backsplash by Mandarin Stone. A central island provides added storage space and is wrapped in a playful cork. Beyond lies space for a large dining table, and a sitting room is arranged beneath and in front of the garden-facing glazing.

From the hallway, stairs wind up to the first floor. At the rear is a large bedroom currently used as a peaceful sitting area. Its elevated position and large picture window makes the space exceptionally bright, a quality amplified by white-washed walls.

Outdoor Space

The house's rear garden is a smart oasis. Slatted fencing and beds of roses, magnolia, clematis and lilies run around the perimeter, creating a feel of seclusion. There are several distinct areas, cleverly carved out by low walls with additional beds integrated within. Shady respite is provided by the full canopies of David Austin roses.

The Area

St Paul’s Crescent is a quiet road between the lively hubs of Kentish Town, Camden and King’s Cross. The latter is a short walk to the south; here, Thomas Hetherwick’s Coal Drops Yard has a wide variety of places to eat, including Caravan and Dishoom, as well as a branch of Waitrose and shops like APC, Margaret Howell, Space NK and Tom Dixon.

Brecknock Road is to the north of the house and is home to neighbourhood favourites including Salvino, Bread by Bike and Thrifty Beans. Even closer to home is the brilliant wine bar and small plates restaurant, Half Cut Market.

Kentish Town is close to St Paul’s Crescent. Favourites here include The Pineapple, The Parakeet, Phoenicia Food Hall and bakery Panadera. We’ve written more about the area in our residents’ guide.

Nearby Caledonian Park has a café, woodland and meadow areas, community gardens and an orchard. Immediately to the south-east of Caledonian Park is Market Square Gardens, where brick paths wind around a circular lawn and rose pergola; the gardens were re-landscaped in 1990 but retain many of their 19th-century plane trees. The Regent’s Canal, with its winding towpath, lies to the south and offers a direct walking route towards Angel.

The house is almost equidistant from Camden Road station (Overground) and Caledonian Road station (Piccadilly line), which can be reached in 12 and 16 minutes on foot respectively. The area is also exceptionally well-served by buses.

Council Tax Band: G