Schoolbell Mews, London E3

This serene two-bedroom apartment lies on the top floor of Schoolbell Mews in Bow. Many of its original features remain, from soaring mullioned windows to exposed brick walls that have been painted white to amplify the brightness that rings throughout. A shared balcony lies on the apartment's westerly aspect, drawing the best of the evening sun. The building lies in short walking distance of Roman Road, Victoria Park and Mile End station.

The Tour

Schoolbell Mews lies behind a stock-brick wall and immaculately tended communal areas. The apartment has a dedicated parking space at the front of the building.

The apartment unfolds on the third and fourth floors, accessed via communal walkways with neat sisal carpet and white-washed exposed brick walls, which seamlessly extend into the home.

The front door leads to a lobby with an additional staircase. Voluminous ceilings extend overhead, allowing for tall bookshelves or space to hang art. A central corridor hinges each wing of the apartment together with the bedrooms on the left and the living spaces to the right. Neutral carpet runs throughout this area and into the bedrooms.

Configured in a split-level L-shape, the open-plan kitchen, dining and living space is a peaceful area with original floorboards underfoot. The kitchen occupies an elevated position with shaker-style cabinets and a tactile subway tile splashback. Floors have been painted white here to create a distinct area for preparing and dining. Large windows draw in plenty of natural light into the living space below from two aspects, with a staircase that leads directly onto the balcony.

There are two generously proportioned double bedrooms, each with plenty of storage in the form of full-height cupboards. The main bedroom has uinterrupted views of Canary Wharf with clear lines of sight across the rooftops towards the London skyline.

Sensitively updated by the current owners, dark green subway tiles line the walls of the bathroom - a subtle nod to the building's Victorian origins. There is a large walk-in shower with brass fixtures and traditional-style black and white floor tiles.

Additional eaves storage can be accessed via the kitchen and there is loft access from the hallway.

Outdoor space

A short set of steps in the living space leads to a shared balcony with plenty of space for a table and chairs. Its position feels especially private, with views across trees and surrounding rooftops.

The Area

There is plenty going on in this pocket of east London, from stalwart local establishments to green spaces and newer openings.

Favourites include The Lord Tredegar, Mae + Harvey, Breadery and People’s Wine Roman Road. Slightly further afield to the east are Polentina and Inis. The Chisenhale Gallery, The Whitechapel Gallery and The Young V&A Museum are all nearby or easily reached, as are York Hall leisure centre and the independent Genesis Cinema.

Mile End Park, Victoria Park and Bethnal Green Gardens are all close. Victoria Park’s 200 acres of green space encompasses a vast boating lake, several activity spaces, tennis courts and the ever-popular Pavilion café at the heart of the park. There is also a delicious food market in the park on Saturdays and Sundays.

Victoria Park Village lies on the opposite side of the park, with a wonderful selection of organic cafés, shops and delis. Local favourites Ginger Pig butchers, The Deli Downstairs, Jonathan Norris fishmongers and Pophams café.

Mile End station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the house and runs Central, District and Hammersmith and City lines. It provides a quick connection to Whitechapel station, where the Elizabeth line runs services to Heathrow Airport in 30 minutes.

Tenure: Leasehold / Length of Lease: Approx. 86 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £3,000 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £150 per annum / Council Tax Band: D