Pember House, London NW10

This five-bedroom detached former warehouse in Kensal Rise has been brilliantly enhanced by the architects Powell Tuck Associates. Its expansive plan of over 5,800 sq ft celebrates the building’s industrial past, with a wealth of original features spread over its three voluminous levels. Outside space has been carefully integrated into the redesign: the ground floor is arranged around an internal courtyard garden, in addition to the private gardens at the front and rear, along with far-reaching views from two terraces. Situated on a quiet residential street, the house is moments from the energetic bustle of Chamberlayne Road and is just north of Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill.



The Building



Award-winning Powell Tuck Associates is a practice that combines craftsmanship and creativity with practicality. They aim to "bring timeless designs into the future... creating environments that people genuinely want to inhabit".



The practice designed this converted warehouse in collaboration with the client, opting for a modern design with large windows and a minimalist façade. The project uses a refined palette of industrial and domestic materials, from a stainless-steel kitchen, raw plaster walls, and engineered oak floorboards.



The Tour



The house is set far back from the street behind an electric-gated front garden. A towering Crittall entrance, framed by wisteria, provides access through the centre of the symmetrical façade and leads into an open foyer denoted by a partition wall.



Routes right and left provide access to the expansive open-plan kitchen and dining room. The former is bespoke and arranged around a stainless-steel island. Timber cabinetry is set against a stone worktop and painted brick walls. Steel beams and pillars are left exposed and provide a fantastic freedom in plan.



Light pours into the space from Crittall windows in the lounge area and a courtyard garden beyond the kitchen area. Engineered oak with underfloor heating extends across the level, except for the bathrooms, which have polished concrete.



Two bedrooms are situated across from the courtyard: one with direct access, and both with windows that face the outside space. The bedroom with access to the courtyard has its own bathroom with a stone sink and a freestanding bath. The other has use of a bathroom across the hall. Fixtures throughout are by Vola.



The east wing of the house offers immense versatility. For current purposes, it has been labelled as a cinema room and reception; however, with its own kitchen and en suite shower room, the areas can be used as an independent apartment with living and bedroom areas, or as an office space or studio. The south-facing elevation of the wing follows the large rear garden, and both areas have windows and doorways onto the outside space.



A steel staircase with open timber treads rises along the eastern wall to reach the first-floor reception. This enormous space has staggeringly high ceilings and incredible light from a trio of floor-to-ceiling windows and a window over the void of the courtyard garden. Flooring here is also oak, and a large gas fireplace by Neville Stephens is set within the western wall of painted brick.



The rear of the level is dedicated to a brilliant principal suite with bare plaster walls, a gas fireplace (also by Neville Stephens), and a window over the courtyard. It has its own dressing room, which is lit from above by a rooflight, as well as a spacious bathroom accessed through a sliding pocket door from the dressing area.



The second floor is given entirely to a second bedroom, as impressive as the main. It also has its own bathroom, along with access to a large, decked, south-facing roof terrace.



There is an electric gated rear driveway where there is parking for two cars.



The Area



Positioned between Kensal Rise and North Kensington, the house is well-located for village-style amenities. Chamberlayne Road is within easy reach, with its fine selection of independent cafés, restaurants, delis, pubs and shops – including a butcher, greengrocer, specialist bakery and one of London’s finest florists. Local favourites include Sacro Cuore pizzeria, indie cinema The Lexi, and Retrouvius for design lovers. Charming Italian restaurant Ida is a short walk away, heading towards Maida Vale.



Ladbroke Grove and the perennially popular Notting Hill are close by. Old-school pubs, The Cow, The Oak, and the much-loved The Pelican are local favourites. The rest of Notting Hill lies only slightly further beyond; here, Orasay, Empire Empire and Kuro London are popular haunts. Also within easy reach are Sociale Café, The Cleveland Arms, The Dorian and The Ledbury. The Electric Cinema shows both blockbusters and arthouse films and is within a 30-minute walk.



The house lies a five-minute walk away from Kensal Green Cemetery, which was inspired by Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. It spans over 72 acres for peaceful reflection and greenery, as well as a beautiful art deco chapel and the final resting place of Charles Babbage.



There are several highly regarded state-run primary schools within walking distance, as well as a handful of private options. Ark Franklin and Queen’s Park Primary School, along with Brondesbury College and Kensington Aldridge Academy are all excellent choices.



The house’s nearest station is Kensal Green, which runs both Bakerloo Line and London Overground services. Further Overground services run from Kensal Rise, a 10-minute walk away, with connections to Highbury and Islington in one direction and Richmond in the other. The area is well served by a wide range of bus services into central London and elsewhere.



Council Tax Band: H