Albion Drive, London E8

Positioned on a quiet residential street adjacent to London Fields, this brilliant mid-century townhouse was innovatively reconfigured to a design by Zoe Smith of ZS Architects. It was completed in 2012 and makes clever use of textured, refined materials, including Douglas fir and ornate brickwork. Set across three storeys, it has four serene bedrooms set across its upper two levels. At the rear is a garden, where a stately eucalyptus tree casts dappled shade, while in the front is off-street parking for two cars.



The Tour



Approached through slatted timber gates that create a secure space around the entrance, the front door opens onto a wide lobby, lit by a skylight above, that provides a practical space for coats.



Ahead, the ground floor opens out into a wonderfully bright living space, with a reception room on one side and a kitchen/dining room on the other. Both look onto the south-facing garden through floor-to-ceiling glazing, with access through a large sliding door. In the summertime, this can be left open to create an unobstructed feel between inside and out. The rear of the room is framed by exposed engineering brick in a lattice pattern that acts as a subtly striking backdrop. Above, a deep rooflight draws brightness deep into the space.



A beautiful wall of built-in Douglas fir shelving in the living area provides space for books and ceramics. It also has a cut-out section left open to the kitchen, to the left of the living spaces. In the kitchen, sleek white cabinets are paired with wooden and stainless-steel worktops. Arranged on either side of the room, the units have a streamlined approach that maximises space and creates an open feel. Here and throughout the ground level, self-levelling resin spreads out underfoot. There is also a shower room on this storey, along with a large utility space.



A central staircase cuts laterally through the space to the first floor. There is a large bedroom at the back, where glazed doors overlook the garden and open to a view of the large eucalyptus tree. The second bedroom lies to the front and has a run of built-in shelves and high-level, wall-to-wall windows - a mid-century hallmark.



The main bedroom, with a set of sliding doors that conceal wardrobes and a separate WC, is positioned on the top floor, along with the fourth bedroom and a large shared bathroom. A warm-toned industrial parquet floor runs throughout the upper levels.



Outdoor Space



Sliding doors from the dining area provide easy passage to the garden, where mature plants and shrubs create an oasis-like feel. There is space for relaxing on a brick-laid patio, with an AstroTurf area beyond. Adjacent is a dedicated dining area, framed by a brick wall, the same as that in the dining area - a material continuity that creates a seamlessness between the garden and the interior plan.



The Area



The house is excellently located in central Hackney, just minutes from the popular London Fields and bustling Mare Street, and close to the green spaces of Victoria Park and the Regent’s Canal path.



There are many fantastic cafés and restaurants locally, including Lardo on Richmond Road, Café Cecilia and Sune of Broadway Market, Elliot’s on Mare Street, and Sesta and Violet on Wilton Way. E5 Bakehouse, on the edge of London Fields, is excellent for freshly baked artisan bread and grains. Favourite coffee spots include Climpsons and the newer opening, takeaway-only Running Late.



To to south of the apartment are the wonderful Hackney City Farm and Columbia Road, with its shops and weekly flower market. To the west is Dalston's Kingsland Road, home to a wealth of brilliant bars, including Three Sheets, restaurants like Mangal II, and a branch of bakery The Dusty Knuckle.



Kingsland Road is a short walk away with all that Dalston has to offer, including Brilliant Corners and The Dusty Knuckle. The Spurstowe Arms, with its delicious pizza, and The Prince George are among locals' favourite pubs.



There are several schools nearby, including Queensbridge Primary School, St Paul’s With St Michael’s CofE Primary School and Sebright School.



Haggerston station (Overground) is a 10-minute walk away and runs Windrush line services on a north-south axis. There are also plenty of buses nearby.



Council Tax Band: D