Antony House, London E5

Set in a sought-after corner position, this wonderfully conceived apartment lies on the top floor of Antony House in Clapton, a contemporary block designed by Fraser Brown Mackenna. Its interiors have been cleverly updated and now include a striking concrete ceiling and bespoke plywood kitchen. A generous west-facing balcony stretches the breadth of the plan and ushers in a beautiful quality of natural light.

The Building

Sensitively redeveloped in 2007 by Fraser Brown Mackenna, the building sits on the site of a former construction compound owned by the Peabody Trust. Its inclined façade comprises a rich layering of outer mesh panels that follow a ‘zig-zag’ pattern of glazing behind, draped with luscious greenery during the warmer months. An inner layer of red render sympathetically responds to the local vernacular and colour of the surrounding brick blocks. Open walkways on the outside generate a sense of connectivity, both to the surroundings and between the buildings' residents.

The Tour

The apartment is accessed via secure gates; located on the top floor, it can be reached by either staircase or lift. The front door opens onto a generous corridor with plenty of space for hanging coats and storing shoes.

Each room fans out from the hallway, with the open-plan living spaces on its left. Dual-aspect, the room receives light from the east and west, ensuring brightness throughout the day. Its versatility would suit multiple arrangements; during the summer months, double doors to the balcony can be left open to create an extended feel.

At the front is a bespoke kitchen characterised by subtle plywood accents and a vibrant orange backsplash that adds a bold stroke of colour. Grey lino runs underfoot across the space, subtly echoing the concrete ceiling that spans overhead.

Next door is a double bedroom, also with doors to the balcony. It has a large wardrobe with generous storage space. White and simply finished, the shower room has a clean, bright feel.

This particular apartment has a reserved parking space in the secure car park at the foot of the building.

Outdoor Space

The west-facing balcony has red-rendered walls that add a tonal warmth against the cooler toned interiors. Its generous proportions have space for a table and chairs and, for the budding gardener, potted plants.

The Area

The building occupies a quiet spot between Hackney Central and Clapton. Hackney Downs is minutes away and is loved by dog walkers, amblers and runners alike; it also has tennis courts, basketball courts and a children’s play area. Hackney Downs Studios sits adjacent and is home to Tom’s Pasta and Deli as well as bakery Brunswick East and yoga studio Om Being. The Star at Hackney Downs is a lovely pub and well-placed after a walk around the park. Further afield is Millfields Park, the iconic Hackney Marshes and gloriously rugged Walthamstow Marshes, which run alongside the River Lea and its footpath.

There are many popular restaurants close by in Clapton, including Mambow, Uchi, My Neighbours The Dumplings, and Lucky & Joy. 107 Wine Shop and Bar and The Elderfield pub are around the corner and are favourites amongst residents, as are The Chesham Arms, The Adam & Eve and The Spread Eagle, London’s first vegan pub. Well Street is just beyond and is home to Shankeys, an Indian-Irish restaurant serving delicious cocktails and food, and Well Street Pizza.

Chatsworth Road is a short walk away and has a lively gauntlet of independent shops, cafés and restaurants including The Castle Cinema, Leo’s, specialist suppliers L’Epicerie 56, London Borough of Jam and Hackney Draper. To the south are Hackney Picturehouse, London Fields and Broadway Market.

Hackney Downs and Hackney Central stations are both a short walk away and run the Weaver and Mildmay lines respectively. There are also plenty of bus routes in the local area.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 107 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £1,865 per annum / Council Tax Band: C