Bowling Green Lane, London EC1R

Concrete, walnut and polished plaster have been used to exceptional effect in this live/work warehouse apartment in Clerkenwell. Set across two stories, its expansive plan of over 3,600 sq ft has been designed by architect Spencer Fung, creating an immaculately realised set of versatile living spaces. In addition to the outdoor spaces that wrap around the apartment's upper level, a private roof terrace crowns the top of the building.



The Tour



The apartment can be approached from two entrances: at the front lies a communal entranceway, with stairs leading to the front door, while side access to each floor creates added privacy.



The first floor is configured across a vast open plan, thoroughly illuminated by original Crittall windows that stretch across three aspects. Raw plaster walls, with their tactile finish, have a soothing pinkish hue and continue throughout, while polished concrete grounds the space. Warehouse doors can be opened onto a Juliet balcony that looks across a quiet, pedestrianised street below.



Designed to act as a studio space or self-contained apartment, full-height walnut doors slide to cleverly configure this floor into smaller rooms if required, while simultaneously concealing a generous provision of storage and bespoke shelving. A thick concrete countertop lines one side, concealing the heating system, with the kitchen positioned in the centre. Gas hobs lie on the right-hand side.



A fold-down bed is fitted at the rear, where the plan continues in an L-shape. There is also a shower room on this floor, next to what could be used as a dressing room; the former is finished in grey polished concrete with chrome Vola fixtures.



The top floor is approached via an outdoor staircase that leads to a wraparound terrace that encircles almost the entirety of this level, with a built-in irrigation system. A striking staircase in the kitchen can also easily return to its original design to reconnect the spaces internally. Sliding glazed doors open onto a voluminous room; patios on either side create a seamless continuity indoors and out. Tall recessed bookshelves emphasise soaring 3.5-metre-high ceilings. The kitchen is delineated by its central island and has additional walnut joinery with cool Corian counters. All appliances are integrated and there is an oven and hob by Smeg.



There are three double bedrooms on this floor. The principal suite lies on one side with an en suite shower room and walk-in wardrobe. An internal garden ensures this remains a bright space, while its glazed doors can slide open to allow for cool breezes in the warmer months. There are two additional bedrooms on the opposite side, one with sliding doors onto the terrace and built-in wardrobes. A bathroom sits between them, finished with slate tiles, matching the aesthetic of the en suite.



Outdoor Space



The apartment has three outdoor spaces, with two terraces extending from the top floor on its east and west aspects that capture beautiful mornings and sunsets, respectively.



A metal staircase leads to a generous decked roof terrace, enclosed with neat planters filled with a considered planting scheme that includes colourful gladiolus, foxgloves alongside a variety of tall Miscanthus. Elevated above the rooftops, its views are panoramic, and its atmosphere is tranquil.



The Area



Bowling Green Lane is a peaceful, no-through road in the heart of Clerkenwell, which was named the London winner of The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2024. We've written about our recommendations in Clerkenwell.



Exmouth Market is a five-minute walk away with a host of excellent restaurants to explore, including the much-loved Moro and the original outpost of Caravan. Heading towards King's Cross, there’s The Quality Chop House and The Eagle, which was the first gastro pub in London.



Leather Lane beckons in the other direction. It has an excellent mid-week street food market, where great coffee options include Profrock and Attendant Coffee Roasters. Laidback Lamb’s Conduit Street, with its independent restaurants and boutiques, is less than a 10-minute walk away; favourites here include the culinary institution Ciao Bella and the celebrated wine bar Noble Rot.



The world-famous theatres of Soho and Covent Garden are also within walking distance, as are Sadler's Wells Theatre and the Barbican. There is also a Waitrose a five-minute walk away on St John Street.



There are plenty of green spaces in the area, including Clerkenwell Close, a peaceful church square adjacent to the building; Spa Fields, a five-minute walk away; and Coram’s Field Pitches, only slightly further afield.



Owing to the building's central location, transport links are excellent. The nearest Underground and rail station is Farringdon, which is an eight-minute walk away and is served by the Elizabeth, Circle, Hammersmith and City, and Metropolitan lines. The Elizabeth line has direct services to Heathrow in around 37 minutes. The station also runs services to Luton Airport, Gatwick Airport and Brighton.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 968 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx £5,813 per annum / Ground rent: £100 per annum / Council Tax Band: E