Keeling House, Claredale Street, London E2

Sympathetically renovated in recent months, this light-filled two bedroom apartment lies within Grade II*-listed Keeling House, an iconic mid-century building in Bethnal Green. It lies on the third and fourth floors, a position that captures uninterrupted views across the City of London from its private south-westerly balcony. Its interiors are characterised by the finer details, including a kitchen from Uncommon Projects and carefully dispersed pockets of colour used to dramatic effect.

The Architects

Denys Lasdun (1914-2001) is best known for his iconic brutalist buildings that include the National Theatre and the Royal College of Physicians. Having studied at the Architectural Association in London, Lasdun went on to work with Wells Coates and Berthold Lubetkin before becoming a partner with Jane Drew, Maxwell Fry and Lindsay Drake at Fry, Drew, Drake and Lasdun in the 1950s. At this time, Lasdun developed his distinctive ‘cluster blocks’ - flats grouped around a central tower - designing several developments in east London, including Keeling House. Awarded a Grade II* listing, Keeling House was described by Historic England as an "important" example of postwar housing.

The Building

A stellar example of British brutalist architecture, Keeling House was designed by Lasdun, who aimed to preserve a sense of community in his pursuit of urban renewal, similar to that of a Victorian-era street. In an attempt to stand these streets on their ends, Keeling House comprises four blocks that intersect one another, positioned around a central service tower to encourage a sense of community between residents.

The building was Grade II*-listed in 1993 for its architectural significance. In 2001, Munkenbeck + Marshall was commissioned to renovate the building, as well as design new landscaping and an entrance lobby, earning the practice a RIBA Award and Civic Trust commendation.

The Tour

Keeling House is approached via a set of secure gates and across a forecourt to the glazed atrium that is manned by a porter. The building’s communal areas are maintained with great care and, as a result, are impressively fresh and welcoming.

Residents also have use of a secure bike store, conveniently positioned just outside the building’s concierge-managed lobby.

A lift rises to the third-floor galleried walkway. The apartment's front door is sited here, opening into a bright entranceway with plenty of space for coats and shoes.

The main living area unfolds across the whole of the third floor, with the kitchen and living spaces cleverly zoned within the open plan arrangement of the room. Punctuated by Crittall windows, the room's south-west facing position draws an exceptional quality of natural light. Secondary glazing ensures further energy efficiency.

Oak floorboards flow throughout the apartment, warmed by underfloor heating. A bespoke kitchen, designed by Uncommon Projects, lies at one end and has thoughtful plywood detailing. A combination of matt white and burgundy-coloured laminate, alongside oak veneer, adds warmth against a predominantly pared-back palette. Integrated shelving maximises space.

Painted an icy shade of mint green, the staircase ascends to two double bedrooms and a shared bathroom. Both rooms have south-westerly windows that capture views across the city skyline. The current owners have also retained the integrated cupboards in the main bedroom and on the landing.

Defined by its dark green and terrazzo tiling, the bathroom reflects the precise architectural lines that appear throughout the building. There is also further joinery by Uncommon Projects beneath the sink.

Residents have the opportunity to rent an off-road car parking space.

Outdoor Space

Opening out from the living spaces, a private balcony stretches the breadth of the room. With views towards the Shard, its south-westerly position makes this a bright spot in the afternoons and evenings.

The Area

The apartment is well situated for the best of Bethnal Green and the likes of London Fields, Broadway Market and Hackney's Mare Street. The greenery of Haggerston Park is also in easy reach, and Victoria Park is only slightly further afield.

Columbia Road is close by; aside from its weekend flower market, it is also known as the setting for several excellent dining institutions. Campania and Brawn are evening favourites, while an outpost Pavilion is conveniently placed for a Sunday morning coffee and pastry.

Hackney Road is home to the likes of Morito, Sager and Wild and The Marksman. O-Zone Coffee and Common Ground are also nearby. Haggerston and Hoxtonare both within easy reach.

Bethnal Green (Central line) and Old Street (Northern line) stations are equidistant, while Hoxton and Shoreditch High Street are both nearby for London Overground services. Rail services are available from Cambridge Heath, and there are good bus links in the local area.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx 974 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £6200 per annum (includes reserve fund) / Ground Rent: Approx. £200 per annum / Council Tax Band: E