Park Avenue South, London N8

This remarkable four-bedroom Edwardian house was built on Park Avenue South in 1905 and has been thoughtfully renovated over the years to create a masterful juxtaposition between modern and period features. Internal accommodation measures in excess of 2,630 sq ft, and includes a wonderfully bright artist's studio on the second floor. A generous garden is tucked behind the house, which is brilliantly located close to both Crouch End and Highgate villages.



The Tour



Nestled on a quiet residential street of formed principally of Edwardian villas, a white-painted gable, balustrades and a large bay window form the façade of this spectacular house. Exterior walls are washed in pretty pastel blue, and a set of stone steps ascends to a porch with glass-panelled door.



Entry is to a bright entrance hall with original Edwardian flooring underfoot. At the front of the plan an expansive reception room is bathed in light from large bay windows, while a grand fireplace with marble surround is a focal point. Soaring ceilings with original cornicing creates a sense of volume here, and low-level cast-iron radiators provide additional warmth.



Modern styling sees the introduction of two smoked mirror panels either side of the hearth and beautiful white floorboards underfoot. The result is a room that embodies the aesthetic of the entire house, effortlessly combining Edwardian and contemporary styles.



A short flight of stairs descends from the entrance hall to a voluminous open-plan kitchen, living and dining space. Here, walnut floorboards run underfoot, while a series of glazed panels directly above the dining area maximise natural light. A large island in the kitchen provides ample space for kitchen preparations, and sleek white cabinetry is arranged along the wall. Integrated appliances include an Everhot range cooker, Quooker tap, wine fridge and a separate wall oven. A notional partition with cut-out alcove occupies the position of a former fireplace, cleverly delineating the kitchen and living spaces. In the living area, discreet built-in storage occupies one wall, and full-height French doors unfold onto the garden beyond.



A series of generous bedrooms is arranged on the first floor. The principal bedroom has built-in storage, and a glazed door provides access to the balcony at the front of the house. Two sash windows illuminate the space with light, and provide leafy treetop views towards the street. An en suite shower room with tiled walls and wooden shelving is attached. There are two additional bright bedrooms on this floor, and a shared bathroom with bathtub is accessed via a beautifully curved sliding door.



A magnificent artist's studio with exposed oak floorboards occupies the second floor. A series of Velux skylights floods the working quarters in natural light. The space doubles as an office and is split level. Built-in shelves line the walls and have been integrated into the line of the roof's pitch, while storage has been maximised in the eaves. Views from this part of the house are unparalleled. Alexandra Palace can be seen in the distance on a clear day, as well the city beyond. There is an additional light-filled office on this floor, currently used as an editing suite, as well as a wet room.



From this ground floor a basement can be accessed, currently used as a music room, which has its own WC, plenty of storage space and a private entrance at the front of the house.



Outdoor Space



To the rear of the plan is a large, south-facing garden, with decked area for outdoor dining. This space is wonderfully verdant, and is home to an array of mature trees and shrubs, including mature olive and eucalyptus trees. At the foot of the garden a paved area is home to a neat garden shed.



The Area



The house is brilliantly positioned along a tranquil stretch between Priory Park at one end and Crouch End Cricket Club at the other. The famed Parkland Walk is to the south for beautiful woodland walks and a nature reserve; the route traces a former railway line, linking Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace, through to Stroud Green, Crouch End, Highgate and Muswell Hill. Highgate Wood and Queen’s Wood are to the west and between them offer around 120 acres of woodland walks and amenities.



To the east, a short walk leads to the heart of Crouch End village, an area often ranked as one of London’s best places to live. There are plenty of excellent cafés, bakeries, and eateries along the pretty high street. Beam is a wonderful breakfast option and Sourdough Sophia is known for its wonderful cinnamon buns. Along with a few fantastic local pubs, Small Beer provides craft brews and artisan pizzas. Paesan is a celebrated neighbourhood Italian.



Hornsey Town Hall is a Grade II*-listed Modernist former government building whose recent redevelopment has brought an exciting hub of living spaces, a boutique hotel and a variety of eateries to the centre. The former council chamber, basements and vast assembly rooms will now host film, music, dance, talks, comedy and performances alongside a rooftop bar and cinema.



There are excellent schools in the area, including Coleridge Primary School, Weston Park Primary School, Highgate and Channing.



Hornsey rail station is a 20-minute walk away, and provides services to Finsbury Park in four minutes and Moorgate in approximately 20 minutes. Highgate station is only slightly further afield, and provides Northern line services to King’s Cross, the West end and the City. There are convenient road links to the A1, leading to the M1, A406 and M25.



Council Tax Band: G