Berrymede Road, London W4

The demure profile of this terraced house in Bedford Park conceals three storeys, four bedrooms and a diversely and densely planted rear garden. It sits on Berrymede Road, a quiet, residential cul-de-sac in easy reach of Chiswick High Road and the Underground stations at South Acton and Chiswick Park. Inside, muted tones and natural materials provide a neutral backdrop for statement furniture and art.

Setting the Scene 

Bedford Park is a charming residential spot situated between Chiswick, Acton and Shepherds Bush. Despite its popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries as a location for summer homes of the affluent classes, the area's growth was relatively slow until the late 19th century. Around 1870, building began on a sea of handsome red-brick Edwardian housing to create England's first suburb. The development was aimed at the upper-middle class and had a reputation for being a home to artists and literary types. Today, the pocket of primarily residential streets retain a low-density, green and spacious feel.

The Grand Tour 

The house's neat front façade is identifiable from its soft taupe hue, a muted counterpoint to its turquoise-painted front door and stained-glass fanlight. A low wall sets the house back from the pavement, creating a small but impactful front garden. In spring, a crab apple tree here is heavy with blossom that falls onto the flowerbed below. 

Entry is to a long hallway with room to hang coats; there is also a convenient WC tucked beneath the stairs. Beyond, the open-plan living and dining area unfolds, the former orientated towards a bright bay window. Fitted shelving and storage units line two opposing walls, while chevron-laid reclaimed teak floorboards spread out underfoot. The dining room is at the heart of the ground floor and is softly lit by an obscured glass panel that creates playful silhouettes of objects stored on its opposing side.

A sliding door opens into the kitchen, which occupies the glazed extension. Timber units run along one wall opposite a broad concrete-topped island. A sink is integrated into the island and the space is top lit from a large skylight. There is a generous larder to one side with plenty of shelving. The rest of the room forms a casual seating area with prime views of a richly planted and mature garden.  

Upstairs, the first floor is home to two well-proportioned bedrooms and a shared bathroom. Both bedrooms have painted wooden floorboards and integrated shelving. The walls and floor of the shared bathroom have been painted a gentle pink that pairs elegantly with off-white detailing and a reclaimed solid teak dual-sink vanity unit. 

On the top floor, the primary bedroom has a large dormer window that douses its soft grey walls with light. The eaves have been carefully utilised for storage, some clad in iroko to match the flooring. Adjacent is a shower room with walls finished with varied terracotta Norfolk pamments, birch timber boarding and antiqued brass fittings; it also has a steam room shower. At the rear of the plan, a secluded single bedroom/study has bespoke shelving and rooftop views.

The Great Outdoors 

Both the front and rear gardens have been designed and planted by Jane Brockbank, an award-winning landscape and garden design studio, and winner of the Chelsea Flower Show gold medal.

The concise front garden is planted with succession of perennials including Japanese quince, euphorbia, bearded iris and geranium; it also has a crab apple tree.

Extending directly from glazed doors, the back garden begins with wooden decking; this steps down, via a lightly cobbled area, to a central stone patio. Designed to be high-impact, the planting scheme packs a punch. Its borders are a riot of texture and tone, with structure provided by an apple tree, smoke bush and guelder rose.  

Out and About 

With three parks, Turnham Green, Chiswick House and Gardens, and the Thames Path all within a half hour walk, green space is close at hand. Slightly further beyond, but still within easy reach, is the wonderfully varied Kew Gardens. 

Chiswick is nearby; its High Road and Turnham Green Terrace are lined with excellent parades of independent shops, restaurants and cafés, including Chief Coffee and High Road House (Soho House group), as well as Chiswick Cinema. The Duke of Sussex and the Swan pub are loved by locals.

Around a half-hour walk eastwards is lively Shepherd’s Bush Market, along with grassroots music venue Bush Hall and renowned Bush Theatre. Hammersmith riverside and its many cafes, bars and shops are a short walk to the east.

There are plenty of excellent state-run schools in the area, including Ark Priory Primary School and Southfield Primary School, and Ark Soane Academy and Twyford Church of England High School. Some of the city’s best private options are also within easy reach, including Orchard House School and Latymer. 

South Acton station (Mildmay line) is an eight-minute walk away, while Chiswick Park (District line) and Turnham Green station (Piccadilly and District lines) are a 10-minute walk south. The area is also well-served by buses. 

Council Tax Band: F