Harrow Road IV, London W9

A rare offering close to Portobello Road, this bright, richly textured warehouse apartment was reimagined by Barnaby Gunning Studio, with interiors by Sarah Delaney Design. It was formerly two homes and spans some 2,745 sq ft, with a separate snug and study rooms, along with four bedrooms, a rooftop terrace and off-street parking for two cars.



The Tour



Constructed as a factory in 1928, the building was taken over in the 1970s/80s by a well-known PR agency, Lynn Franks, and later by the Science Photo Library. The upper office spaces were converted into apartments in 2000. It is set far back from the street in front. There are two points of entrance to the apartment: via Harrow Road, which opens to the front of the home, or at the rear from Woodfield Road. Two allocated parking spaces can be found in front.



Steps in the front glass-bricked foyer lead up to the first floor, where this apartment lies. There is also a lift at the rear entrance.



From the front, entry is to the hallway, which is well-lit by a skylight and has built-in plywood bench seating. The first of the home's four bedrooms extends from the entrance hallway, along with a large utility and guest WC.



Much of the upper level is occupied by open-plan living spaces, with defined spaces around the periphery. The main living space occupies the first floor and is bathed in an extraordinary amount of natural light from soaring Crittall windows that span almost the length of the room and six centrally placed rooflights. Perforated plywood cabinetry and a perforated powder-coated steel staircase cast shifting shadows across high walls and original exposed brickwork. Colour is used sparingly but to great effect, and a smooth microcement floor grounds. Air-conditioning provides optimal temperatures year-round; other modern additions include an air-source heat pump.



An elegant galley kitchen with Fisher & Paykel appliances is to the rear of the open-plan area. Behind, flush floor-to-ceiling cabinetry hides a deep walk-in pantry.



There is space for a large dining table in front of the kitchen, with a significant area designated to the right for lounging and relaxing.



A rich-red cinema room is positioned behind the living space, with splashes of the same shade repeated on the exposed RSJ ceiling.



To the right, a corridor lined with floor-to-ceiling cupboards creates more storage space. This leads through to a study area and then continues into the second bedroom on this level. This bedroom is currently used as a consulting room. It is soundproofed, has a separate WC and is the secondary point of entrance to the home.



Stairs from the living space lead to the upper mezzanine, where there are two bedrooms on either side of the plan. Rooflights flood the space with natural daylight. From within the rooms, deep rectangular window boxes protrude externally over the mezzanine, creating a deeper sense of separation from the floor below. Sliding shutters fitted within the window boxes are cocooning when closed.



The principal bedroom has an en suite with a freestanding cast-iron bath and a marble-topped vanity. A door inside the bedroom opens to a spacious dressing room, currently used as a wellness suite. From here, a door opens to the roof terrace.



A second dressing room with an en suite shower room divides the two bedrooms. The other bedroom on this level also has an en suite shower room, as well as a door to the rooftop terrace beyond.



Outdoor Space



The rooftop terrace is contained by the building, and its perimeter wall provides shelter from wind while allowing light from the south and west. Magnificent sunsets, with striking views of Ern Goldfinger’s Trellick Tower, can be seen from here, and there is plenty of space for outside entertaining.



The Area



Harrow Road is brilliantly positioned for making the most of the shops, restaurants, and bars of Westbourne Grove, Portobello, and Notting Hill.



Nearby Golborne Road is home to a host of amenities, including yoga/wellness studio Love Supreme, the well-regarded Straker’s, and the famous Lisboa patisserie. A little further south is Portobello Market, with local favourites Layla Bakery and Flying Horse Coffee. Sister to The Pelican, Fat Badger serves up delicious food and drinks. The Tin Shed on All Saints Road is also popular as the Golborne Deli and Wine Shop, a one-stop shop for an evening’s hosting.



The Grand Union Canal is nearby and is lovely for walks. Mason and Fifth hotel, located in the old London Taxi Driver headquarters, is a new addition to the scene with a wellness spa and restaurant.



A short walk away, Jaego’s House is an innovative family members club and nursery complete with a jungle gym, a children's cinema, and classes for both the children and their parents. The new arts and social club, Ladbroke Hall, lies at the end of St Mark’s Road on Barlby Road, where there are jazz nights, poetry readings, theatre shows, and live music, as well as an Italian Restaurant, Pollini.



The surrounding area teems with brilliant schooling options, both state and private. St Thomas’ CofE Primary School, Queen’s Park Primary School, and St Peter’s CofE School are within easy reach. For older pupils, the nearby Paddington Academy, All Saints Catholic College, and Westminster Academy are well-regarded by local families.



The house is well served by public transport. Westbourne Park station is around a five-minute walk away, with the Circle line connecting to King’s Cross in around 14 minutes. Queen’s Park station is a 17-minute walk away and is served by the Bakerloo and Lioness lines.



Tenure: Leasehold | Length of Lease: Approx. 990 years remaining | Service Charge: Approx. £13,000 per annum | Ground Rent: Approx. £200 per annum | Council Tax Band: G