Shepherdess Walk III, London N1

This immaculate three-bedroom house in between Shoreditch and Islington forms part of an exemplary contemporary eco development by Swiss architects Jaccaud Zein and RIBA award-winning developers Solidspace. Its design reflects Solidspace’s innovative ‘split section’ approach, which utilises half-levels to create dynamic interiors that maximise natural light. The living spaces span over 1,500 sq ft over four principal levels, with further storage space of 200 sq ft; the house also has a roof terrace and a generous patio garden. The house is ideally located within easy reach of the shops, bars and restaurants of Islington, Shoreditch, Hoxton and Clerkenwell.



The Building



The development is made up of three houses in a terrace opposite Shepherdess Park, and five split-level apartments in an adjacent building along Wenlock Street.

The exterior of the building combines Belgian brick with solid brass detailing to create a striking façade. It has been designed with sustainability in mind, with triple-glazed windows and photovoltaic panels.



High-quality materials and fittings have been used throughout the house, including polished concrete floors, Dinesen soaped Douglas fir floorboards, Vola taps, plaster walls polished with beeswax, and solid walnut handrails. A palette of muted tones creates a refined and restful atmosphere, removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.



The Tour



Entry is to a smart hallway with a handy coat cupboard and a guest WC. A sliding pocket door pulls back to reveal a reception room with a high-level window, a tall wood-burning stove and extensive amounts of storage, tucked beneath the raised ground floor above. This dramatic double-height space provides views of the kitchen above, which is divided by a white-painted railing.



From the entrance hall, a short flight of steps ascends to the kitchen and dining area. The space is bathed in light through a full-height glazed door, which unfolds onto the garden beyond, while the tall window placed in the opposite wall provides views towards the street. Cabinets are finished in a fresh white hue, with stainless steel worktops and splashback. Appliances have been integrated into the joinery, including a hob and a double wall oven.



Steps ascend to a living room with a gallery that looks down onto the kitchen and reception room below. There is ample space for reclining here, or curling up with a favourite book.



On the next level, there are two bright bedrooms, one of which has a Juliet balcony with stepped access to the garden. The second bedroom is currently used as a study. A shared bathroom has a bathtub and is finished with smart salmon-coloured tiling and gold fittings.



The principal bedroom sits on the top floor. Fitted storage lines the wall, and a large window provides views of the private terrace beyond. From here, a short flight of steps ascends to a spacious bathroom with a bathtub, double sink and separate shower. A glazed panel extends the full width of the wall, while a door provides access to a private decked roof terrace.



Outdoor Space



On the raised ground floor, a paved patio garden provides opportunities for outdoor dining, and is planted with a cherry tree, amongst other mature varieties.



The roof terrace on the top floor is walled for privacy, while a cut-out section with a railing captures leafy views of the street and the park below.



The Area



The building is excellently located close to the Regent’s Canal footpath, which leads towards Angel in one direction and Victoria Park in the other. There are many highly regarded eateries nearby, including Popham’s Bakery, The Narrowboat, The Duke of Cambridge and local favourite Towpath café.



Shepherdess Park Walk is the closest green space to the apartment and is known for its mosaic murals. The wide open space of Shoreditch Park is eight minutes away on foot and is next to the Britannia Leisure Centre, which has indoor swimming pools.



The Barbican Centre is located to the south, with its arresting brutalist architecture, exhibition spaces and year-round programme of music and theatre. Gallery Victoria Miro is just around the corner from the house, while the Almeida is an 18-minute walk away. The latter is on Upper Street, where other popular spots include Afghan Kitchen and the boutiques along Camden Passage.



There are a number of good schooling options in the area, including St John the Baptist Primary, Shoreditch Park Primary and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Secondary School.



Old Street station is a 12-minute walk away, with Angel only slightly further away; both have access to Northern line services. There are also excellent bus connections via Old Street.



Tenure: Freehold / Council Tax Band: H