Makepeace Mansions, London N6

Every element of this two-bedroom apartment in Highgate has been carefully considered by multi-RIBA award-winning practice Surman Weston. It both subverts and references the Grade II-listed Tudor Revival-style building it resides in, with art deco-inspired curves, fluted oak cabinetry and blue timber terrazzo surfaces.



The Building



Makepeace Mansions was built in the 1920s and is set amid well-maintained private gardens. The building was originally designed as housing for single women in the late 1920s, with bed-sitting rooms with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. The block was later acquired by the London Borough of Camden, which maintained the policy of only placing women within the estate for some time after. It was designated a conservation area in 2006, with much of the estate now managed by the Holly Lodge Estate Committee.



This apartment has been marvellously redesigned by Surman Weston, a multi-award-winning London-based practice named as the Architects' Journal Architect of the Year in 2024. Their work on this apartment was featured in Dezeen.



The Tour



A communal staircase leads up to this third-floor apartment, a position that captures far-reaching leafy views across Highgate. Inside, a combination of refined material choices, joinery and unexpected considerations sets the design apart from its contemporaries in the building and wider estate.



Taking inspiration from Charles Holden’s historic tube stations, Surman Weston custom-made the fireplace, oculus window and graphic hand-decorated monochromatic bathroom tiles. The result is a sympathetic but decidedly contemporary interior that incorporates updated period details, including internal doors, double-glazed windows and picture rails. Exquisite oak finger parquet flooring runs beneath the living spaces, and underfloor heating is installed throughout.



The kitchen is handmade with handsome birch fluted fronts, and an elegant terrazzo worktop and splashback formed of British oak. Integrated appliances include a fridge, dishwasher, Bosch gas hob, oven and extractor fan. Here, a striking oculus window with opaque glass tilts open to the living room next door.



In the living room, which is designed for relaxing and dining, a bespoke terrazzo fireplace serves as a natural focal point. French doors open to a south-facing balcony with expansive views.



The apartment has two bedrooms; the principal has built-in fluted white wardrobes with a mix of drawers and hanging spaces. The bed is bespoke and made of birch in the same style as the kitchen cabinetry. The second bedroom, currently used as an office, has plywood cabinetry with space for a washing machine, and built-in shelves above a custom-made desk.



A monochromatic bathroom is a whimsical nod to the building's mock Tudor façade. Brass fixtures include an overhead shower above the bath, a shower-curtain rail, and a towel rail. Glimpses of Hamstead Heath are framed by a window here.



Outdoor Space



The south-facing balcony provides a private and sheltered space to sit. Astonishing views stretch as far as Crystal Palace, Canary Wharf and the BT tower in London’s West End on a clear day.



There is parking for one car and also bike storage within the communal gardens.



The Area



Makepeace Avenue sits just off Swain’s Lane, long-held as one of north London’s most coveted streets - in no small part for its proximity to Highgate, Hampstead Heath and Waterlow Park. It has a wonderful offering of shops, including Bourne’s Fishmongers, Fam Greengrocers, Primrose Hill Butchers and Gail’s.



There are more independents in pretty Highgate Village, including Highgate Butchers and Highgate Greens and Blooms, The Highgate Pantry and The Highgate Bookshop. There is also a good selection of pubs and places to eat.



At the road’s southernmost end, the Heath has year-round freshwater swimming in three ponds. It also has some of London’s most beautiful woodland walks, as well as open tracts for picnics. It also has a café and tennis courts.



Kenwood House, a wonderful 17th-century country house and gallery, lies on the Heath’s fringes and is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Ernö Goldfinger’s masterpiece, Willow Road, is close by, as are Keats’ House and Fenton House.



The area is home to some of London’s best independent schools, including Highgate School, Channing School and St Michael’s Primary.



The Northern line at Highgate provides direct access to King’s Cross, the West End and the City, and there are convenient road links to the A1, leading to the M1, A406 and M25.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 177 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £2,500 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £10 per annum / Council Tax Band: C