Hopefield Avenue, London NW6

Exquisitely redesigned by architects dedraft and interior design studio nune, this beautiful three-bedroom modernist home sits on one of Queen’s Park’s most desirable streets. Its restrained utilitarian façade - typical of post-war homes in the area - is defined by steel, industrial windows re-made in the identical mid-century design as the originals. The house’s voluminous interiors have been largely executed in a palette of soft neutrals and tactile materials. Configured to harness as much light and space as possible, the open plan arrangement of the living spaces seamlessly guides towards its immaculate south-facing garden.

The Designer

nune is a small design studio with locations in both New York and London, working globally on private residences, as well as commercial spaces and staging projects. Driven by the simple belief that thoughtful design contributes to wellbeing, they work to create comfortable, approachable spaces. With consideration for both the planet and human health, they strive to build with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind.

The Tour

The house’s angular profile sits in stark contrast with the surrounding Victorian and Edwardian vernacular that largely defines the area. Set within an infill site, this unusual terrace of modern homes was built in 1958. Entry is set back from the pavement, behind neat mature bushes and a wrought iron gate for privacy.

Minimal architectural details emphasise a sensitive material palette, where cool swathes of marble wonderfully intersect with limestone and oak to create a calm, serene atmosphere. Designed with sustainability in mind, the house is replete with non-toxic wall insulation and non-toxic paint. All joinery was made with sustainable plywood carcasses, while chipboard and toxic glues have been eschewed. All fixtures are either carefully sourced mid-century pieces or handmade by small designers such as Workstead + Allied Maker. Underfloor heating has been installed in the kitchen and in all bathrooms for efficiency. The house is also wired for high-speed internet, with embedded speakers to customise music in every room, and Banham alarm system. The principal bedroom and a second one upstairs are complete with AC.

The living area lies adjacent to the front door, which is largely centered around an impressive window re-made to the original design and upgraded to provide full insulation. Vertical Japanese tiles surround the wood burner adding a dash of texture, while light fittings by x hark and Bruno Gatta back to the modernist origins of the building. A second living room lies adjacent with bespoke joinery for storage that cleverly doubles as a shelf complimented by sintered stone, used also for the kitchen’s worksurfaces.

The heart of the home lies at the rear of the plan: a short set of oak steps leads to a generous kitchen and dining room, where full height glazed doors fold open onto the south-facing garden. A dedicated working nook sits adjacent to the dining room, which has a built-in bench, also made from oak, demarcating the space into dedicated ‘zones’ within its open-plan arrangement.

Designed by nune and fabricated by Sustainable Kitchens, a large island doubles as an additional cooking space and breakfast bar while offering a beautiful vantage point of the room and the adjacent garden. The neutral palette here is punctuated by contrasting black fixtures that carefully balance the integrated appliances by Fisher & Paykel, with sconces are by Raak. A useful pantry sits adjacent with further integrated storage and worksurfaces.

The main bedroom unfolds across the entirety of the first floor, save for the dedicated utility room at the rear. Recessed shelving provides easily accessible storage and a dedicated area for books and decorative objects. Sliding doors separate a walk-in wardrobe, which effortlessly leads to the en suite bathroom by Victoria + Albert. The shower has steam room capabilities and a large oval-shaped bath by x sits under reeded glass windows, allowing light to flood in. Double sinks at the opposite end offer plenty of integrated storage.

Two further bedrooms sit on the second floor, with large picture windows framing views across the neighboring gardens in the rear or the quiet street in the front. There is also a carefully configured second bathroom on this floor with muted light-grey walls that provide an elegant contrast with the dark-grey tiles laid behind the bath.

Outdoor Space

Large stone tiles flow from the kitchen to create a patio for outdoor dining, purposefully chosen for their neutral tones that reflect the interior spaces. Designed by GRDN, the garden is enclosed by a cedar fence, and features a central lawn surrounded by sensitively planted borders, filled with leafy climbers that colour the garden with bursts of green. South-facing, the garden receives direct sunlight throughout the day and outdoor lighting illuminates the space during the evening. There is an in-built Röshults gas grill. At the far end lies a dedicated office space or gym, fitted with air-conditioning and with a separate section for outdoor garden storage. The front garden has built-in bins and bike sheds, concealed by privet hedging.

The Area

Hopefield Avenue is located only a seven-minute walk from Queen's Park. Nearby Salusbury Road is home to a branch of Gail’s bakery, Planet Organic, Provenance Butchers, Queens Park Books and both the Salusbury Wine Shop, The Salusbury Deli, as well as several gyms. A weekly farmer’s market is located at the primary school on the same road, while the popular Alice House and Salusbury Pub are recommended for food and drinks. The quiet and car-free Lonsdale Road offers further provisions and dining options from the likes of Don't Tell Dad, Carmel, coffee roasters Milk Beach, and brewery/bar Wolfpack. On Kilburn Road, Ida is another local favourite. The Kiln Theatre is also close by. The shops and weekend markets of Portobello Road are ten minutes away on foot.

Queen's Park provides a wonderful pocket of greenery nearby, with its tennis courts, playground and children’s petting zoo. Paddington Recreation Ground is also close at hand, with a running track where Roger Bannister trained (renowned for his 4-minute mile), tennis courts, a nature trail and a children’s play area.

Several renowned secondary schools, such as University College School, South Hampstead High School, St Margaret's and Arnold House, are around a 10-minute drive from the house. For younger children, the highly-rated Mulberry House School is a 25-minute walk away; also within walking distance are the excellent Malorees, Christchurch, North West London School, Emmanuel C of E Primary School and Beckford School. Notting Hill Prep, Chepstow House, and Bassett House are also well-regarded and just a short drive away.

The house is a five-minute walk from Queen's Park Station, which offers the Bakerloo Line as well as Overground services to Euston and Willesden Junction. The A5 is close by and provides easy routes to the North Circular and out of London.

Council Tax Band: F