3 Mansfield Road, London NW3

A former Victorian bakery with its historic oven still in situ, this three-bedroom apartment has been brilliantly converted and reconfigured by its architect owner. Accommodation flows over three levels, arranged in a layout that makes clever use of storage space and natural light. A playful colour scheme combines muted tones with dramatic deep orange accents, adding plenty of visual interest to an otherwise streamlined approach. Gospel Oak Overground station and Hampstead Heath's Parliament Hill lido are both on the building's doorstep.



The Tour



The building's distinctive two-toned façade stands apart with its colourful ring detailing and bank of tall windows. Entry to the apartment is on the ground floor via a short set of steps.



Past the main door, the reception areas are arranged over a two-storey vertical space. Every inch of the plan has been thoughtfully considered, with great attention to materials and a rational use of space.



On the ground level, the living room is fitted with frosted floor-to-ceiling glazing that continues to the level below, providing natural light to the kitchen and dining room. The eye is immediately drawn to a deep orange double-height wall, furthering the impression of volume and continuity between the two levels of the apartment. There is a built-in library, and solid Ipe hardwood floorboards run underfoot.



There is also another reception room on this level, currently used as an office with double doors that open to an exterior cantilevered staircase ascending to the roof terrace above. The room has been designed for use as a third bedroom if required. Non-structural, the dividing wall between the two reception rooms could also be removed to create one larger open-plan space.



From the living room, a few steps descend to the intermediate level occupied by a second bedroom that has an en suite with walk-in shower, and large sliding patio doors that open into a charming courtyard at the rear.



On the lower level, the open-plan kitchen has double-height ceilings and sleek blue units topped with a single stainless-steel countertop and a white-tiled backsplash. The floors are lined with charcoal grey porcelain tiles. There is also a dining area bathed in the natural light that pours in through frosted glazing.



A spacious bedroom on this level looks into the courtyard, with a reading nook by the window and abundant built-in storage space. There is a separate shower and WC room that can be accessed from the hallway.



Outdoor Space



The south-facing roof terrace extends at the back of the plan and is set within glass balustrade panels for complete privacy. It is well kept with planters and climbing evergreens and has space for a table and chairs, as well as a large barbecue. The terrace can be accessed from an exterior staircase that connects to the room on the intermediate level.



There is a secluded courtyard at the back of the plan, accessed from the ground floor and fitted with charming red brick pavers. It is filled with a variety of potted plants and colourful climbing foliage and flowers. There is space for a small table with chairs, ideal for enjoying a coffee or reading a book in the shade on a bright summer's day.



The Area



This apartment sits at the southern edge of Hampstead Heath, close to Parliament Hill Fields Lido, with the open expanse of Hampstead Heath just minutes away. Plenty of grocery stores are available in the neighbourhood, and the nearby Parliament Hill farmers' market is open every Saturday. Located at one end of the Heath, Kenwood House is well worth the visit; its café is also a lovely mid-walk stop for a coffee and slice of cake. The Isokon Gallery, Keats House, and Kentish Town City Farm are a short walk away.



Belsize Park, Camden and Hampstead High Street are all within easy walking distance. Hampstead High Street has several boutiques, cafés and restaurants, including Jin Kichi, Oddono’s gelateria, Ginger and White, Gail’s and the famous Hampstead Crêperie. There are several charming pubs nearby, including The Horseshoe, The Flask, The Holly Bush, The Bull and Last and The Southampton Arms.



There are numerous excellent nurseries and schooling options in the area such as a Gospel Oak Primary School and Eleanor Palmer Primary School for younger pupils, while Parliament Hill School is well-regarded for secondary education.



The apartment is extremely well served by public transport. Gospel Oak Overground (Mildmay and Suffragette lines) is on its doorstep, running several services that terminate in Stratford, Richmond, Clapham Junction and Barking respectively. Kentish Town, Tufnell Park and Belsize Park Underground stations (Northern line) are all a short walk away, with convenient connections to central and south London.



Council Tax Band: D