Royle Building, Wenlock Road, London N1

This bright apartment occupies the top floor of the sought-after Royle Building on Angel’s Wenlock Basin. Soaring glass panes stretch from floor to ceiling, flooding the main level and the mezzanine in natural light, and open to the east-facing terrace with views over Islington’s period architecture. The apartment also has a secure parking space. Wenlock Basin forms part of the meandering Regent's Canal, which stretches from King's Cross out towards London Fields, Victoria Park and Mile End. Angel Station is a short walk away, as are the boutiques and cafés of Upper Street, De Beauvoir and Canonbury.

The Building

The Royle Building, formerly Royle Print Works, was one of the earliest development schemes on the Wenlock Basin. This impressive five-storey, brick-built building was converted in 1997, and the communal areas maintain the original terrazzo flooring, large terrazzo stairs and a passenger lift to all floors. There is also a porter, and the residents have use of secure underground bike storage.

The Tour

The apartment sits on the top floor and can be accessed via a lift or stairs. The entrance door opens to a spacious hallway, which continues straight ahead to the open plan reception area, with kitchen, dining, and sitting room. Here, natural light pours from the wide, floor-to-ceiling glazing, amplifying the impression of space. Clean lines and exceptionally tall, white-washed walls are anchored by honey-hued hardwood floors extending across the plan.

Although the space is versatile, the area at the rear lends itself well to a relaxed sitting area. In the warmer months, the door to the balcony can be left open to extend entertaining space onto the balcony. The middle of the room is currently occupied by a dining area, well-placed for reaching the kitchen beyond. Runs of sleek white cabinetry have been placed opposite one another to form the kitchen. Appliances have been thoughtfully integrated, and there is plenty of storage both inside cupboards and in wall-mounted shelving.

Stairs to the mezzanine level lie at the entrance of the apartment. The sleeping space is upstairs, borrowing an ambient brightness from the floor below. It has plenty of storage in the form of a walk-in wardrobe at the rear, with cupboards lining the hallway. The rear room could be either used as a dressing area, office or home gym. A smart bathroom with a bathtub and a separate WC lies just behind.

The Area

The building is excellently located next to the Regent’s Canal towpath, leading to Angel in one direction and Victoria Park in the other and close to the greenery of Shepherdess Walk Park and local favourite, The Wenlock Arms.

Towpath and The Baring in De Beauvoir Town can be reached in 20 minutes along the canal. The Victoria Miro is just around the corner and the Almeida Theatre is a 20-minute walk away. The shops, bars and restaurants of Upper Street and Islington are just 15 minutes north, where local favourites include The Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Essex and Afghan Kitchen, as well as Pophams and Jolene bakeries and ice cream parlour/wine bar The Dreamery. The cultural hubs of Hoxton and Shoreditch are both within a 20-minute walk to the east.

There are plenty of excellent state and private schools in the area. Hanover Primary School and Thomas Fairchild Community School are both a short walk from the house. For secondary education, St Mary Magdalene Academy in Highbury and City of London Academy in Islington are both well-regarded.

Wenlock Road borders Shepherdess Walk Park and is conveniently positioned for easy access to the city. Old Street Station is a 12-minute walk providing access to Northern Line services.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: approx. 98 years remaining / Service Charge: approx. £5,000 per annum / Ground Rent: approx. £500 per annum / Parking Space: approx. £930 per annum / Council Tax Band: D