Wilton Way, London E8

This beautifully conceived detached house on Wilton Way - one of Hackney's most sought-after streets - is an outstanding example of expressive contemporary architecture. It was designed by RIBA award-winning architect Lisa Shell in 2010 and makes masterful use of clean, architectural lines and a crisp decorative palette. Light floods in through a wealth of glazing, including skylights and picture windows. Something of a sun trap, a private, elevated terrace extends seamlessly from the bedroom and faces south.



The Tour



Set into a stock-brick wall, an unassuming black door provides entry to a neat courtyard laid with grey mosaic tiling and room to store bikes. From here, the house's front door opens onto a spacious lobby area and hallway, with plenty of concealed storage set under the stairs and in the form of full-height cabinetry.



The living spaces occupy the entirety of the ground floor. A restrained, monochromatic scheme throughout instills a calm, tranquil atmosphere. Skylights set into a pitch draw in a beautiful quality of natural light, in turn amplified by the white-washed walls. The room's open-plan layout suits multiple configurations, with plenty of room for dining and sitting areas.



An understated kitchen with neat white cabinetry and complementary chrome fixtures stretches the breadth of the room. A timber-work surface doubles as a splashback, integrating a narrow shelf for plants and pantry goods.



There is also a bathroom on this level, with a bath and step-in shower, articulated with minimal white tiles and a large mirrored wall.



Painted an arresting dark grey, the staircase has shelving for books or decorative objects and ascends to a well-proportioned double bedroom. Two sash windows work in tandem with a glazed door to usher in further light.



Outdoor Space



From the bedroom, a glazed door opens onto south-facing terrace. Partly enclosed, it has a wonderfully private, peaceful feel. There is also plenty of space for a table and chairs - for sunbathing and/or outdoor dining - and a cluster of potted plants.



The Area



Wilton Way is one of the area's most coveted streets, in part for its stellar offering of independent pubs, places to eat and shops. Favourites include Violet Cakes, the Spurstowe Arms, Retrouvé and Wilton Way Deli.



It has also become popular by virtue of its proximity to London Fields, its heated lido, and the adjacent Broadway and Netil markets. The latter has a handful of excellent bookshops along with popular pubs, coffee shops and dining destinations. Close by are Pophams, which serves delicious baked goods during the day and a wonderful pasta menu in the evenings, along with Brat x Climpsons Arch, Cafe Cecilia, E5 Bakehouse and Pockets. Mare Street is also near, and Columbia Road - with its namesake flower market - is only slightly further afield.



Dalston is also easily reached and is home to the likes of Brilliant Corners, Three Sheets, Little Duck | The Picklery, mu, Mangal II and a branch of the Dusty Knuckle. Victoria Park and Hackney Downs are both also within walking distance.



Dalston Junction, Dalston Kingsland and London Fields stations are nearby and serve the Windrush, Mildmay and Weaver Overground lines respectively.



Council Tax Band: C