Brooke Road, Hackney, London, E5

Commanding a striking presence on its street, this unusually wide Victorian townhouse pairs bold historic charm with a confident, design-led aesthetic. Thoughtfully renovated over time, the house delicately unfolds across four, wonderfully crafted floors.

Entry is via the raised ground floor, where a welcoming hallway sets a considered tone. The double reception room establishes a sense of grandeur - in the front living space, your eyes are drawn to an open marble fireplace with its detailed surround that brings a sense of warmth and intimacy, softening the generous proportions of the room. Ornate cornicing traces the perimeter of the room, while a deep bay window draws in calming, natural light.

The garden-facing reception room has been designed around the current owner's love for music. Panelled walls frame carefully selected pieces of art while a second marble fireplace anchors the space and sits between the speakers that intentionally create a space to unwind and enjoy the surroundings. From here large double glazed windows overlook the peaceful south-facing rear garden. Underfoot in both rooms, recently installed chevron flooring in a dark shade grounds the space with quiet sophistication. For added practicality, soundproofing has also been thoughtfully integrated beneath the floors. A useful W.C and cloakroom completes the tour of this impressive floor.

Descending downstairs, you're met with an inviting open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that for this family is the social heart of the home. At the front, a classic deep-navy Shaker-style kitchen features an island, creating a natural gathering point. To the rear, the living area is bathed in light, with double French doors opening out to the South-facing garden. Discreetly tucked away, a separate utility room provides valuable storage, ensuring the main living areas remain calm and clutter-free. Beyond, a generously sized, landscaped south-facing garden unfolds - decking at both the front and rear has been thoughtfully designed to maximise sunlight throughout the day while mature planting with structured borders and a well-kept open lawn complete the design.

The first floor is home to the principal bedroom, a calm and elevated retreat. Finished in Bauwerk "Mykonos" limewash paint, the space is rich in texture, offering a soft, natural backdrop. The en-suite bathroom pairs vintage elegance with raw materiality. A striking malachite-effect wall sets the tone, complemented by a black antique vanity with twin vessel sinks and arched mirrors. Dark stone tiles frame the walk-in shower, while soft lighting adds a warm, atmospheric finish. Next door, a generously sized bedroom features floor-to-ceiling built-in wardrobes flanking the original fireplace (currently concealed), offering both symmetry and ample storage.

The top floor echoes the proportions and flow of the level below, comprising two well-sized bedrooms and a well positioned bathroom that serves this floor, all with excellent ceiling height. The rear bedroom continues the considered palette, finished in Bauwerk's "Cleanse" limewash, a subtle, earthy texture that brings a calm, modern mood to the space.

A fully boarded loft space allows for additional storage. There's also the potential to convert it into a second principal bedroom with en suite, subject to the necessary permissions.

Brooke Road is just a short walk from Church Street, where independent cafés and boutiques create a vibrant, village-like atmosphere. Local favourites such as The Good Egg, Esters, and Cinnamon Village draw a loyal crowd with their specialty coffee and seasonal menus, while Bake Street and Spence Bakery serve some of the best pastries in North London. The area's dining scene continues to evolve with the arrival of standout spots like Sonora Taqueria - named one of London's top ten restaurants by The Infatuation - bringing Mexico City-style tacos to a devoted following. For something sweet, Oddono's Gelateria serves exceptional Italian ice cream, made daily with uncompromising attention to quality. And for a quiet drink, The Axe - recently listed among The Daily Telegraph's 500 best pubs in the UK - offers an impressive selection of craft beers and natural wines in a warm, stripped-back space that captures the neighbourhood's relaxed, independent spirit.

Families are well served too, with two Ofsted Outstanding primary schools - Southwold and Northwold - both nearby, as well as the highly regarded Rosemary Works nursery, just a five-minute walk away. For older children, the award-winning Mossbourne Community Academy, one of London's top-performing secondary schools, is a short stroll across Hackney Downs.

Meanwhile, at its eastern terminus Brooke Road is located in the rapidly emerging neighbourhood of Clapton. This vibrant area's independent dining scene is anchored by a trio of distinctive neighbourhood favourites. Mambow, recently named London's Best Local Restaurant by the Good Food Guide, serves bold Malaysian small plates in an intimate, ever-evolving space defined by confident flavour and understated style. A few doors down, Lucky & Joy offers a playful take on regional Chinese cuisine - vibrant, expressive dishes paired with natural wines in a setting that leans joyfully into colour and character. Meanwhile, Leo's, on Chatsworth Road, brings a touch of Sardinian warmth to the neighbourhood, with a refined yet relaxed menu set against terracotta floors, retro furniture and sun-drenched interiors. Each reflects the creative, independent spirit that defines the area - rooted in craft, but always evolving. While Chatsworth Road is home to the much-loved 46b Espresso Hut, known for their expertly roasted coffee and community atmosphere.

Well connected yet quietly tucked away, Brooke Road is just a three-minute walk from Rectory Road Overground, offering swift access into the City via Liverpool Street. For journeys into the West End, the 73 bus runs directly to Oxford Circus, passing through some of London's most vibrant central neighbourhoods.

Green space is plentiful. Hackney Downs, Clissold Park, London Fields, Hackney Marshes and the River Lea offer expansive settings for walking, cycling or simply unwinding by the water, while BLOK's award-winning fitness studio caters to all levels.

Creativity flourishes throughout the area, visible in its galleries, maker studios and the diverse mix of independent traders at the Sunday market on Chatsworth Road.