Harley Grove, London E3

Despite its post-millennial inception, this spacious home in Bow, east London, has a subtle mid-century feel to it, with its banks of glazing and handsome dark wood accents. Its internal plan spans some 2,040 sq ft in total, with six bedrooms and a bright, open-plan living space on the ground floor. At the rear is a leafy garden, where ferns and cherry trees have been planted around the periphery to enhance its secluded, private feel.



The Tour



Harley Grove is a quiet residential street minutes from Bow Road station. Older Victorian buildings sit harmoniously alongside newer 21st-century developments, including this house, roughly halfway down the street.



It is set back behind a generous brick-laid driveway with access to a garage as well as off-road parking with space for three cars. The sandy-coloured brick used was selected to meld with the adjoining Victorian terrace, allowing this home’s façade to simultaneously blend in and stand out. Postmodern influences are restrained but clear in the playful arrangement of windows and moments of architectural detailing.



Entry is to a spacious circulation area, with access to a utility area and to the rear open-plan living space and kitchen, which is uniformly grounded by polished concrete flooring. To the right of the room is a sitting area, arranged in front of sliding doors to the garden. An open high-level shelf on one side provides plenty of display space for books or ceramics.



On the other side of the room is a generous dining area in front of a second glazed door. Behind is the kitchen, which has a mix of black and white-fronted units in an almost complete U-shape, interrupted only by a door back to the entrance hall. Appliances are integrated and include a Neff oven, induction hob and dishwasher and a richly toned walnut wood worksurface provides plenty of preparation space. A window on one side draws in additional natural light.



Stairs ascend to the first floor, where four peaceful bedrooms are located. The principal is at the rear, with a window that overlooks the garden, built-in wardrobes, and a smart adjacent en suite. All four rooms have horizontal windows - a nod to the prevailing mid-century style - along with grey carpets, white-painted walls, and Walnut, Cherry or Oak wooden accents. Light pours into the shared bathroom on this level from a large rooflight.



Upstairs are a further two bedrooms, both with access to private terraces. Both are large spaces that could serve as an alternative primary bedroom. One has a wall of built-in shelves, while the other has built-in cupboards; both are grounded by fumed oak floorboards.



Outdoor Space



The garden at the rear of the house is a verdant space planted with mature tree ferns and cherry trees. A terrace adjoins the house, with plenty of space for a large dining table and chairs. A mix of fences and brick walls runs around the perimeter, creating a private feel.



The Area



Harley Grove lies close to Mile End Park, a 32-hectare linear park planted on land that had been affected during second world war bombing. Today, it presents an abundance of wildlife and greenery, with a reported 400 types of beetle and a patchwork of mature, stately trees. It runs on a north-south axis, connecting the stretch of the Regent's Canal that runs adjacent to Victoria Park in the north with Limehouse Basin in the south.



Victoria Park itself is an 10-15 minutes walk away. It has a brilliant café, Pavilion, known for its pastries and coffee, and plays host to a weekend food market on Sundays. Beyond lies Victoria Park village, where popular haunts include The Deli Downstairs, Bruno, Pophams, The Hawke and My Neighbours the Dumplings.



There are several small galleries within walking distance, including Chisenhale Gallery on Old Ford Road, Auto Italia and The Approach Gallery, above a brilliant local pub, The Approach. The Young V&A is also a short walk away and runs a first-rate programme of events and exhibitions for younger and older audiences alike. The East Bank in the Olympic Park also lies in walking distance and includes outposts of Sadlers Wells, London College of Fashion and the popular V&A East Museum and Storehouse.



There are excellent schooling options in the area, including. Old Ford Primary, Chisenhale Primary School, Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy and Mulberry UTC.



Bow Road station is a five-minute walk away and runs the Hammersmith and City and District lines. Bow Church station (DLR) and Mile End station (Central line) can be reached in just under and over 10 minutes' walk respectively. There are also plenty of bus routes in the local area.



Council Tax Band: D