St John Street, London EC1V

This immaculate first-floor warehouse apartment in Clerkenwell is the result of a sensitive renovation that celebrates the building's industrial past. Sublime finishes include clay-toned walls paired with oak flooring, anthracite steel and fine Arabescato marble. Tactile materials balance out hearty original features that include sweeping proportions and a bank of wide warehouse windows that douse the principal living spaces with light. Stretching to over 1,250 sq ft, this impeccably curated apartment has a calming atmosphere that belies its central London location.

The Building

The handsome building was built in the early 1900s by Boreham, Son and Wallace as a warehouse for The United Yeast Company. In the 1930s, it became the headquarters of the Scholl Manufacturing Company.

Converted to apartments in 1997, the former warehouse is an imposing presence on St John Street, with its wide windows and red-brick frontage. Entry is through a smart and well-lit communal lobby, with stairs and a lift to all floors.

The Tour

This apartment's first-floor front door opens to a neat hallway, which feeds through to a beautiful living snug/study - an elegant and befitting precursor to the main room. Crittall-style doors with acoustic glazing lend a flexibility, creating delineation when closed or a feeling of total cohesiveness when left open.

Beyond is the open-plan living space, an arresting room flooded with light from a row of original warehouse windows. Stunning clay-toned walls and oak floorboards foster a sense of continuity across its interconnected composite parts. A sitting area is arranged at one end and a dining room towards the other, although its lateral configuration makes for flexible and versatile living.

As per the overarching ethos of the apartment, the kitchen has a brilliantly open and connected feel. Incredible folded aluminium and oak units from Danish designers Reform house appliances from Fisher and Paykel including an oven, dishwasher and fridge drawers. A fine Arabescato countertop extends seamlessly upwards to form a striking backsplash and open shelf. Opposite, an island formed of the same timeless material pairing provides added preparation space and storage.

Entered from the hallway, the tranquil bedroom is positioned towards the rear of the building; this placement, along with its acoustic glass-fitted warehouse window, makes it a particularly restful retreat. A pristine marble-lined en suite bathroom adjoins, with a rain-style shower fixture and contemporary internal frosted windows that borrow a gentle light from the bedroom. An additional shower room branches off from the central hallway, its finishes similarly impeccable.

The Area

Clerkenwell was named the London winner of The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2024. Stalwart restaurants like The Eagle, the first gastro pub in London, St John and Luca are revered local favourites. In nearby Exmouth Market the much-loved Moro and the original outpost of Caravan can be counted among the excellent local offerings alongside newcomers Morchella, Ken's and Bouchon Racine.

The Barbican Centre, with its world-class cultural programme of cinema, music, theatre, talks and exhibitions, is a short walk away. Sadler's Wells is also nearby, as is gallery Victoria Miro.

Leather Lane beckons in the other direction. It has a brilliant mid-week street food market, where great coffee options include Profrock and Attendant Coffee Roasters. Laidback Lamb’s Conduit Street, with its independent restaurants and boutiques, is under a 20-minute walk away; favourites here include the culinary institution Ciao Bella and the celebrated wine bar Noble Rot.

Despite St John Street's central setting, there are some restorative green spaces in easy reach. St Luke's Garden has well-tended grounds and is home to a striking 18th-century church, while Spa Fields and Spa Green are a short walk north. The Regent's Canal footpath with links to Victoria Park is also easily reached and the Thames Path is just a 15 minute stroll making an ideal running route.

Farringdon station is under a 10-minute walk away and runs Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith and City, and Elizabeth line services, along with National Rail.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 197 years / Service charge: Approx £3,500 per annum / Council Tax Band: G