Vicar's Close, London E9

This exceptional 4 bedroom house sits within a neat terrace in the heart of east London. Originally built in the 1970s, the house forms part of the modernist Christchurch Estate, and in more recent years has been the subject of a thoughtful renovation by Lynch Architects. Inside, a muted contemporary palette seamlessly combines with chalky pops of colour, while a first-floor balcony provides spectacular views of the canal below. A private garden is tucked at the rear of the house, and many of east London’s finest bars, restaurants and cafes are within easy walking distance.



The Architect



The house is part of the modernist Christchurch Estate, built in the 1960s to a design by John Spence & Partners on behalf of The Crown Estate, on the bomb-damaged ruins of a church that once stood on the site. For more information, see the History section below.



Lynch Architects are a Hackney-based RIBA Chartered practice specialising in heritage and conservation design, with over two decades of experience providing imaginative and empathetic solutions to complex technical and cultural challenges. The practice has been recipient of numerous awards, including the RIAI International Award 2025, RIBA East Conservation Award for Jankes Barn 2025 and the Best Office at The World Architecture Festival 2016.



The Tour



The house sits back from the street, part of a neat row of three-storey staggered terraces that face south onto the Regent’s Canal. Constructed from smart London stock bricks, its façade is punctuated by double-glazed metal sliding windows and topped with a zinc roof. Panelled with obscure glass, the front door sits next to a blue-painted garage door.



Part of the garage has been cleverly incorporated into the house’s ground floor, where a serene study has sliding glass doors that open onto the tree-lined garden beyond. A reclaimed telegraph pole sits in an archway between the study and a double bedroom, a tranquil spot with floor-to-ceiling storage across one wall. A versatile space, it could easily occupy an additional living area or be left as a generous bedroom. There is also a shower room washed in emerald green with tongue and groove panelling.



A pale-grey-painted staircase with hardwood handrails and newel posts ascends to the first floor, where the main living space is found. The sitting area is arranged at one end, flooded with light from a set of sliding glazed doors that unfold onto a generous balcony with views across the canal and garden below. A sash window with metal trim provides additional light, and there are oak floorboards here and throughout, adding a sense of continuity and flow between the rooms.



In the kitchen, understated white cabinets by Moldunova have been arranged in a U-shaped layout. Integrated appliances include a Miele hob and oven, and a large window placed above the sink captures leafy treetop views.



A colonnade wall has been cleverly partitioned with archways to divide the living spaces from the landing; at one end, a built-in desk sits in a bright study space beneath a metal-framed window.



The second floor is occupied by three light-filled bedrooms; two have been painted in shades of blue, while a third is finished in dusky pink. Generously proportioned and with large windows, each invites a beautiful quality of natural light.



There is a shared bathroom on this floor drenched in royal blue. It has half-panelled walls and a bathtub with overhead shower.



A loft space offers plenty of additional storage and there is a bike store behind the garage door at the front of the house.



Outdoor Space



A peaceful walled garden is tucked at the rear of the house, its borders filed with white wisteria, pink camilia, a variety of tall grasses. Paved areas provide opportunities for outdoor dining and entertaining, and the Regent’s Canal towpath sits just beyond its perimeters.



The decked first-floor balcony is the perfect spot for enjoying a morning coffee, with its spectacular views of the canal.



Residents have access to a wonderful communal garden at the centre of the Christchurch Estate, filled with mature trees as well as a pedestrianised route to the canal tow path.



The Area



Tucked between Victoria Park and the Regent’s Canal’s north bank, Vicar’s Close is within easy walking distance of some of east London’s most popular green spaces and restaurants.



Victoria Park is on the doorstep; it is home to a brilliant café, Pavilion, known for its pastries and coffee, and plays host to a weekend food market on Sundays. The park, designed by John Nash’s pupil Sir James Pennethorne, was laid out in the 1840s and is now a Grade II*-listed public space encompassing over 200 acres of green space. Attractions include the vast boating lake, plus tennis courts and several activity spaces. Beyond lies Victoria Park village, where popular haunts include The Deli Downstairs, Bruno, Pophams, The Hawke and My Neighbours the Dumplings.



The area is renowned for its vibrant dining scene; local favourites include Ombra, Forno and Miga. Max Rocha’s Café Cecilia, by the canal, is another neighbourhood favourite. Broadway Market is a short stroll away, with a lively weekend market as well as many independent shops, restaurants and pubs. London Fields, with its heated lido, is a short cycle away.



The area offers excellent state and private schooling options, including London Fields Primary School, Lauriston School, Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy and Gatehouse Prep school.



The closest stations are Cambridge Heath (9 minutes) and London Fields (12 minutes) with direct services to Liverpool Street in approximately 10 minutes. Bethnal Green Underground station is a 15-minute walk away and connects citywide via the Central Line. Hackney Central is slightly further afield and runs services to Highbury & Islington, for Victoria line connections, and to Stratford in the east. There are also excellent bus routes serving the area towards central London.



Council Tax Band: E