31 Corsica Street, Highbury Fields, Highbury, Islington, N5

A striking three-bedroom duplex apartment set within a discreet converted industrial building on a quiet no-through road, moments from Highbury Fields. Designed in 1988 by renowned architects Paxton Locher, the apartment is a masterclass in volume, light and minimalism — where exposed steelwork, soaring ceilings and expansive glazing frame a distinctly modern way of living.

INSIDE

Accessed via a set of electrically operated shutter gates, the private front door opens into a wide entrance hall, designed with calm simplicity. Whitewashed walls and coir flooring set a quietly tactile tone, while a long built-in bench runs the length of the hall, providing a practical and sculptural welcome.

At the heart of the apartment lies a dramatic, double-height open-plan living space. Full-height clerestory windows flood the room with light, which bounces across white-painted steels, walls, and aluminium-framed glazing. Engineered wood flooring runs underfoot, adding warmth and continuity.

The kitchen occupies one side of the plan, featuring minimalist white cabinetry, a Miele induction hob and oven, and a ceramic sink. A central island encourages sociable cooking and effortless hosting. Adjacent is space for a large dining table and lounge area, all under the expansive vertical volume of the central atrium.
A third bedroom is tucked away on the ground floor, also with its own en suite shower room, providing excellent flexibility for guests or family life. A smart cloakroom sits beside the main living space for added convenience.
From here, a steel and glass spiral staircase rises to a mezzanine level, perfectly suited for use as a study or reading retreat. A second staircase ascends from the entrance hall to the first floor, where two well-proportioned double bedrooms are arranged with long interior windows that overlook the living space below. Both rooms have bespoke fitted wardrobes and en suite bathrooms — one with a walk-in rain shower, the other with a bath and overhead shower — all finished in porcelain tiles and marble-topped vanities.

THE ARCHITECTS

The building was reimagined by Paxton Locher — the celebrated partnership of Richard Paxton and Heidi Locher — known for their expressive, light-filled residential architecture and landmark projects including Soho Theatre and Jerwood Space. Their residential work was deeply human-centred, prioritising flow, comfort, and an intuitive connection with volume and material. Kevin McCloud once praised Paxton’s understanding of enclosure: “He knew how to articulate the shapes in a building to make you feel relaxed, nurtured and protected.”
This apartment is a fine example of their domestic architecture — considered, uplifting and boldly modern.

NEIGHBOURHOOD & CONNECTIONS

Corsica Street is perfectly placed in the heart of Highbury, just behind the open green expanse of Highbury Fields.
Highbury Barn is a short stroll away, home to beloved independents including Godfrey’s butchers, La Fromagerie, Da Mario deli and Bourne’s Fishmongers. Foodies will discover recent new openings Saltine and Lupa, or a little further away are some of London’s best restaurants including Trullo on Highbury Corner and Drayton Park’s Westerns Laundry.
Upper Street lies to the south, with its excellent mix of dining, shopping and design destinations. A trip down this famous road lands you in Angel, a vibrant hub in Zone 1. Clissold Park and the New River Walk are also nearby, offering peaceful walking routes and leafy vistas.
Transport connections are excellent, with Highbury & Islington Station (Victoria Line, Overground and National Rail) under five minutes’ walk away, providing swift access to King’s Cross, the West End and beyond.