Eglon Mews II, London NW1

This brilliantly conceived mews house, the subject of an exhaustive contemporary redesign by Threefold Architects, is tucked away at the end of a gated cobbled mews in the heart of Primrose Hill. Spanning almost 1,500 sq ft, the home has four bedrooms, a pair of roof terraces and a private, secure car parking space. The design employs a restrained palette of materials characteristic of the industrial heritage of the building: simple, minimal detailing emphasises the original fabric and inserted structure, which have been restored and expressed throughout.



The Tour



The electronically operated gated entrance to Eglon Mews is set on Berkley Road, just off Regent’s Park Road and within Primrose Hill's conservation area. The mews originally serviced the grand Victorian houses in the surrounding streets and consists of just 10 homes.



Set on a corner plot, the house is three storeys high, with the main north-facing elevation retaining the original mews house character, including white-painted brickwork, carriage doors on the ground floor and a trio of box sash windows above. The west-facing elevation, by contrast, is rendered, with French windows and Juliet balconies punctuating the upper storeys. As part of the comprehensive restoration and redesign of the building, a steel frame was inserted into the original structure, and white, airy volumes were inserted within.



The front door is positioned adjacent to the stable doors, and brushed-steel ironmongery includes three Banham security locks. External access for meters and services is positioned on the other side of the entrance for convenience, and the entire ground floor is uniformly built from vertical slated timber, painted lead grey, with two transom lights allowing natural light into the north-facing ground floor spaces.



Opening to the entrance hall, the entire ground floor is fitted with polished concrete floors heated from below. Deep cupboards line the entrance hall and provide space for storing coats and boots, while a laundry cupboard with space for a washer and dryer is set under the staircase.



A study-cum-bedroom is positioned within the original stable, the interior of the stable doors providing a wonderful architectural feature. A window is set into the west elevation and, like the others in the home, has slim-profile folding shutters. A wood burner is positioned in one corner of the room, making this a cosy space in the winter months.



Another bedroom lies at the end of the hallway, with built-in wardrobing incorporating a concealed Murphy bed. Joinery on the ground floor, including the semi-panelled hallway, thoughtfully reflects the exterior slated woodwork. Both ground-floor bedrooms share a central shower room, with white enamel brassware by Vola, a wash basin by Agape and a spacious shower area set behind steel-framed semi-glazed screening.



The upper storeys and staircases have Dinesen Douglas fir floorboards throughout, and further central heating is supplied by discreetly positioned column radiators. Primary sleeping quarters are set on the first floor, incorporating a separate single bedroom and the principal bedroom suite. Set behind a pocket door from the landing space, the main suite is arranged with the bedroom to the front of the plan, leading onto a dressing room in the centre and to the rear, the en suite bathroom. The room is spacious and light with French windows opening to a Juliet balcony, a composite stone oval bathtub, a separate shower enclosure with rainfall shower, and two composite stone sinks, all complemented by black enamel Vola brassware.



The open-plan living, dining and kitchen space is on the uppermost storey, almost 30 ft long and flooded with light from roof lights, two sets of sliding glass doors in the living area opening to an outdoor roof terrace, and from French windows opening to a Juliet balcony. The Bulthaup kitchen comprises slate-grey cabinetry on one side with a stainless-steel worktop, and a wall of fitted matt-white floor-to-ceiling cabinetry on the other. There is space for a long dining table between the two, and appliances are integrated.



The living room is arranged nearest the outdoor terrace, which is wonderful in the summer months with the glass doors fully retracted, while in colder months, a log burner provides a warming focal point.



Outside Space



In addition to the roof terrace on the second storey, an additional roof garden crowns the house. South-west-facing, it enjoys the very best light all day long and has plenty of space for seating. Built from slated timber birch boards, the design incorporates a fitted bench and useful potting shed, with semi-opaque slated fencing affording privacy from neighbouring rooftops.



The Area



Eglon Mews has a location that is simultaneously discreet and convenient. The countless shops and restaurants of Primrose Hill village are around the corner, and the open spaces of Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park are a short walk away.



Local dining spots include Arvo, Lemonia and Greenberry Café, while favourite pubs include The Enginneer and The Lansdowne, the latter of which also serves delicious food. We've written more about the area in our residents' guide.



The house is also a short walk away from Kentish Town, where there are plenty of well-loved pubs, including The Pineapple and The Parakeet, as well as the brilliant Panadera bakery. Eglon Mews' position means that other favourite north London neighbourhoods, including St John's Wood and Belsize Park, are within walking distance, along with central London.



Some of London's best schools are nearby, in the state and private sectors, and at primary and secondary levels.



Chalk Farm Underground station (Northern line) is just across the bridge, on foot, and runs quick services to the West End and the City.



Council Tax Band: G