Canal Building, London N1

This handsome two-bedroom waterfront apartment sits on the second floor of the iconic Canal Building, with interior spaces that span almost 1,500 sq ft arranged across one flowing level. Canal Building lies between Angel and Old Street on the sought-after Regent’s Canal. It has a 24-hour concierge and is set behind gates, offering a high level of security and privacy. Residents also have access to underground parking. A communal roof terrace offers far-reaching views across the capital from a sunny hideaway at the top of the building.

The Building

Built in 1930, this Art Deco building is the former C&A fabric factory, which was conveniently set on the banks of the Regent’s Canal to easily transport goods. The industrial proportions and concrete and brick material palette have been retained. The nature of the conversion into residential units has resulted in unique layouts across the whole building, with the original residents configuring their own “shells". This means relatively little in each flat is permanently fixed, leaving plenty of scope for reconfiguration.

The Tour

Set behind a gated entrance, the building is accessed on Shepherdess Walk. Entry to the apartment is on the second floor via either stairs or a lift. Positioned at the western end of the building, the apartment is one of the few in the building to have a corner window with sweeping views over the canal.

The front door opens into a large entrance hall with a built-in study/office nook. The layout unfolds into an airy reception area, which is arranged in an open plan. Abundant floor-to-ceiling glazing floods the room with natural light. Crisp white walls enhance the sense of openness, while the recently resanded solid oak floorboards add warmth and continuity across the spaces.

Positioned at the western end of the building, on the second floor, the apartment has sweeping views over the canal and is flooded by natural light. A porthole window on the side wall brings a distinctive touch. Sliding doors and areas set on different levels subtly delineate distinct living spaces. Full-height, steel-framed glazing overlooks the Regent's Canal; within, exposed concrete columns add textured materiality. New blackout blinds have been installed throughout.

A bespoke kitchen occupies the elevated portion of the space. It has flat-fronted white units and steel countertops, with plenty of open shelving and integrated appliances. The large island unit has an integrated gas hob and a feature extractor, allowing you to cook while looking over the canal. The sunken level of the open plan is occupied by spacious areas for dining and soft seating.

The main bedroom has floor-to-ceiling glazing overlooking the canal, and a dressing room concealed behind the bed with built-in oak wardrobe storage. These were specially commissioned and built bespoke for the space, and provide ample storage while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic. The en suite is fitted with a comfortable sunken bath, a separate rain shower, and built-in shelves. There are mirrors reflecting the water views of the canal. The second bedroom has a built-in wardrobe, further views over the canal, and a built-in library. There is also a bathroom with a large walk-in shower.

The Area

Canal Building lies on Shepherdess Walk, a wide, tree-lined street just a few minutes’ walk away from Regent’s Canal. The apartment is within easy reach of the shops, bars and restaurants of Upper Street, Shoreditch, Hoxton and Clerkenwell. Close by is North London favourite Caravel, an intimate restaurant situated on a barge. Just across the river you’ll find gastropub The Baring, Pophams bakery and The Duke Organic.

De Beauvoir town is only 16 minutes on foot and is home to the popular De Beauvoir Deli. Sourdough Sophia serves excellent bread and is approximately a 13-minute walk on Essex Road, while Quince Bakery is less than ten minutes away. For green space, the broad expanses of Shoreditch Park lie approximately ten minutes' walk away, with Shepherdess Walk Park even closer to home. London Fields and Broadway market (with its excellent Saturday food market) can be accessed via a delightful canal-side walk in the warmer months.

Old Street runs Northern line services and is a 16-minute walk, or five-minute cycle, from the apartment. Angel and Essex Road stations are also near. There are plenty of bus routes in the area that provide access to the City and the West End.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: approx. 972 years remaining / Service Charge: approx. £9,653 per annum / Council Tax Band: F