Kidderpore Avenue, Hampstead Manor, NW3

Skeel Library

Skeel Library is an extraordinary four-bedroom residence, meticulously restored from its original purpose as the 1903 library of Westfield College. Set within the leafy Hampstead Manor enclave, this Grade II listed Edwardian Baroque gem merges timeless architectural grandeur with contemporary refinement and has won multiple awards for its exceptional design.

Originally commissioned for Westfield College—one of the earliest educational institutions for female scientists—the building now stands as one of Hampstead's most distinctive homes. The interior combines restored period features like original oak bookshelves and lead-framed windows with modern luxury living essentials.

Skeel Library is one of the signature properties within Hampstead Manor, a landmark development that thoughtfully combines history, community, and elegance.

Hampstead Manor

Located just a short stroll from Hampstead Village, Hampstead Manor occupies an iconic site rooted in academic and architectural history. At the heart of the development is Kidderpore Hall, built in 1843, and now surrounded by 156 high-quality homes, including newly built residences and converted heritage buildings like Skeel Library.

Skeel Library is the crown jewel of Hampstead Manor, the most historically significant and architecturally distinguished residence within the development. Its unique character, provenance, and meticulous restoration make it the pinnacle of the estate.

This development is designed as a landscaped retreat with ancient trees, pathways, and shared gardens. The buildings tell a story of their own—from the college chapel to converted halls and the library—creating a harmonious mix of classic and contemporary living.

Living Area

Embracing the Edwardian architecture and preserving the property’s heritage, the design team has seamlessly incorporated a blend of classic greens and rich berry tones throughout the home. The expansive main library is divided into distinct living zones, featuring a grand ten-seater dining table as a central statement piece, complemented by sumptuous velvet seating arranged in front of bespoke bookshelves. These bookshelves, thoughtfully styled with eye-catching accessories, also double as a clever space for the television. Surrounded by carefully restored floor to ceiling Crittall windows, the living area benefits from an abundance of natural light, highlighting the library’s original mezzanine floor and enhancing the space’s inviting atmosphere.

Principal Suite

The principal bedroom is a grand ground-floor suite, thoughtfully reimagined to offer both comfort and privacy. Originally a vast open space, it has been elegantly divided with a feature wall encasing a mirror, subtly separating the sleeping area from the rest of the room. This clever layout creates distinct zones for reading, relaxing, and resting, while maintaining an open and spacious feel.

The bed is positioned to face the room’s striking original window, and the bespoke panelled wall echoes the architectural character of the former library. The suite also includes a dedicated office, media lounge, and dressing room, creating a refined, presidential-style retreat. Fine beading and panel detailing tie the rooms together with elegance and cohesion.

Guest Suite

Situated on the lower ground floor, the second bedroom has been styled as an impressive guest suite, ideal for visitors seeking privacy and comfort. A refined palette of rich green, duck egg blue, and soft neutrals offers a calm contrast to the warmer tones of the principal bedroom. The room includes its own seating area and opens directly onto a private outdoor terrace, enhancing its hotel-like atmosphere and providing a secluded space for relaxation.

Accessed through an original archway, the en-suite bathroom adds to the suite’s luxurious feel, featuring dual basins, a bespoke mirror, and a floor-to-ceiling marble shower enclosure that creates a serene, spa-like ambience. Thoughtfully designed, this self-contained retreat offers guests both elegance and tranquillity.

Additional Bedrooms

The third and fourth bedrooms are beautifully appointed, each featuring elegant silk-effect carpeting. Both bedrooms are equipped with built-in wardrobes for ample storage, ensuring a clean, streamlined aesthetic. The room is further enhanced with a black silk marble border around the carpet and champagne-finished floor trim, adding a touch of refinement. The secondary bedroom also benefits from timber veneer wardrobes, featuring concealed lighting, a hanging rail, and a shoe rack, along with a hat shelf, offering both style and practicality.

Gym & Spa

• Luxury wellness facilities located in Willoughby, a neighbouring building just a one-minute stroll from the Skeel Library’s front door:

• 14m swimming pool

• Sauna & hammam

• Spa & experience shower

• Fully equipped gym (cardio, weights, punch bags, and more)

Location and Other

Nestled in one of London’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, this property enjoys the charm and character of Hampstead. Known for its village atmosphere, Hampstead is a hub of intellectual and artistic heritage, offering a blend of history, culture, and green space. The area’s rich history and picturesque streets make it one of the most desirable places to live in London.

Residents of Hampstead are fortunate to be within walking distance of Hampstead Heath, a vast 800-acre expanse of woodlands, ponds, and scenic walking trails, providing a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The area is also home to historic landmarks such as Kenwood House and the Open Air Theatre, perfect for those who appreciate culture and nature. The Burgh House & Hampstead Museum offers further insight into the area’s past, while locals and visitors can enjoy dining at popular spots like The Wet Fish Café, a 1930s-style brasserie, or The Holly Bush, a historic Grade II listed pub.

Hampstead’s vibrant community also boasts the Hampstead Theatre, as well as independent shops like The Hampstead Butcher and cafés such as Ginger & White, making it an ideal place for socialising and leisurely exploration.

For commuters, Hampstead benefits from excellent transport links, including Hampstead Underground Station, Finchley Road, and West Hampstead Thameslink, offering easy access to the West End, The City, and major airports.

Other

Tenure: Leasehold, with approximately 990 years remaining

Local Council & Council Tax Camden, H (£4,213 p/yr)

Service Charge:  ~£52,000 per annum

Parking: 2 private underground spaces

Specifications

INTERIOR FINISHES

•Refurbished Grade II listed building, with interior design specification beautifully crafted by renowned luxury design studio Bowler James Brindley

•Refurbished natural stone floor to main feature staircase

•Combination of original ceiling panelling restored with complimentary, modern profiles

•Carefully refurbished historic windows

•Dark stained engineered timber flooring with herringbone detail to main living. dining space with open-plan kitchen and hallways

•Mezzanine level with refurbished and sensitively restored timber balustrade and shelves

•Refurbished historic entrance door with feature ironmongery

•Antique Brass finish to internal ironmongery

•New internal doors painted with feature panelling

•Matt emulsion finish to walls and ceilings

KITCHEN

•Composite stonework surfaces and full height splashback

•Under mounted 1% bowl sink and mixer/zip tap with boiling water function

•Dark stained veneer cabinetry to kitchens with handle-less design

•Concealed LED fittings to underside of all wall units

•Bora hob and pop-up extractor to island unit

•Miele integrated combination microwave-oven

•Miele steam oven

•Miele warming drawer

•Miele coffee machine

•Miele integrated fridge/freezer

•Miele integrated multi-function dishwasher

•Miele wine cooler

•LED ceiling downlighters throughout kitchen area

•Pop-up sockets to island unit

PRINCIPAL EN SUITE

• Arabescato grey veined marble to feature walls. shower niche and bath top and surround

• Natural stone effect porcelain to selected floor and walls

• Double ended bath with hand-shower

• Bespoke double cantilevered vanity unit wrapped in luxurious Arabescato grey marble

• Marble wrapped undermounted wash hand basins with wall mounted taps in champagne finish

• Bespoke vanity mirror

• Dornbracht brassware in champagne finish throughout

• Heated towel rail

• Walk in shower enclosure with overhead-shower and hand-shower

BEDROOMS

• Luxurious silk effect carpet to all bedrooms

• Built in wardrobes to all bedrooms

• Walk in wardrobe to principal bedroom finished in timber veneer fitted with concealed lighting, hanging rail, shelving, draw pack and finished with leather effect detailing

• Black silk Marble border around the carpet and champagne finish floor trim

• Secondary timber veneer wardrobes fitted with concealed lighting, hanging rail and shoe rack and hat shelf

SPECIFICATIONS

EN SUITES

• Brown Emperador veined marble to feature walls and vanity detail

• Natural stone effect large format porcelain to floors and selected walls

• Bespoke mirror over vanity

• Grohe brassware throughout

• Villeroy and Boch sanitaryware throughout

• Under-mounted wash basin with chrome single level mixer tap

• Soft close wall mounted WC

• Chrome dual push WC flush plate

• Heated towel rail in chrome finish

• Glass shower enclosure with overhead-shower and hand-shower in chrome finish

• Double ended bath with hand-shower to second bedroom suite

WC

• Brown Emperador veined marble to feature walls and vanity top

• Natural stone effect large format porcelain to floors and selected walls

• Mirror over vanity

• Under-mounted sink with chrome single level mixer tap

• Soft close wall mounted WC

• Chrome dual push WC flush plate

• Chrome heated towel rail

HEATING & HOT WATER

• Heating, hot water and cooling metered of communal system

• Individually metered water and electric supply

• Independent zoned thermostatically

• Controlled heating system to principal rooms and hallways made up of a mixture of underfloor heating and radiators

• Comfort cooling to main reception room and master bedroom

SECURITY & PEACE OF MIND

• 10 year build warranty (from date of build)

• 24-hour on site concierge services

• Mains supply operated smoke/heat detectors with battery back-up

• Power and telephone point provided to for wireless intruder alarm to be fitted at a later date by purchaser

ELECTRICS

• Low energy lighting throughout

• 5 amp lighting circuit to principal reception room and master bedroom

• Automatic lighting to utility/coats cupboards

• Television (terrestrial and satellite) points to principal reception rooms and all bedrooms

• Telephone and data points to principal reception rooms and all bedrooms

• Washing machine and dryer located within utility room

• High speed hyper optic broadband-available, subject to connection

• Prewire provision for installation of pendant lighting in living/dining and master bedroom

FACILITIES & AMENITIES (Shared)

• 24-hour concierge

• 14m Swimming pool

• Sauna

• Steam room

• Experience shower

• Jacuzzi

• Gym with range of equipment

• Changing facilities

• Basement cycle storage with secure access

• Landscaped open gardens with pond designed by Fabrik

• A general right to park within the managed CCTV monitored parking area is available by separate negotiation

Balcony

Private outdoor terrace accessed from the second bedroom.

Parking - Garage