Hawley Mews, London NW1

Completed in 2018 to an award-winning design by Goldcrest architects, this smart two-bedroom mews house forms part of a secure gated development in Camden Town. One of three two-storey houses, it was built on the site of a surplus car park and conceived to make the most of limited space with consideration for the surrounding architecture. With glazing facing south, east and west, the house is filled with abundant natural light; the pared-back interiors are finished with a fresh palette and considered detailing, and a private courtyard extends at the rear. Camden Market and the Regent’s Canal tow path are a short stroll away; Camden Road and Camden Town stations are within easy walking distance, providing excellent links across the city.



The Building



Hawley Mews is celebrated for its pioneering design; in 2019, it won the Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology at the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technicians Awards. In the same year, the development was a finalist for the British Home Awards Small House of the Year Award.



The house has a biodiverse, living green roof to provide a home for a variety of plant communities, increase energy efficiency, minimise rainwater runoff volumes and enhance the building’s appearance. An air-to-water heat pump provides underfloor heating across both floors, and an MVHR system provides controlled ventilation throughout the seasons. The ground floor has integrated ceiling speakers by KEF and air conditioning by Panasonic, and there is Lutron lighting throughout.



The Tour



The house lies on a quiet residential street and forms part of a group of three mews houses arranged in a row, one behind the other, with a folded roofscape that respects the neighbours’ outlook. The approach is through a gated, artist-designed Corten screen that offers both privacy and a distinctive visual feature. Its folds are inspired by the texture of shipping containers, in reference to Camden’s long history as a transport hub, while its patterned design is inspired by the historical use of hawthorn trees to enclose land.



A short flight of steps leads down to the main entrance. Here, a glazed front door opens onto a sociable open-plan reception room, with a direct line of sight toward the private courtyard at the back. Owing to its expansive glazing on three aspects, the space is filled with natural light from sunrise to sunset. A fresh colour and material palette enhances the impression of volume and light, and engineered oak floorboards extend underfoot.



At the front is a generous kitchen and dining area, where modern units are arranged in a L-shaped configuration and topped with Carrara quartz work surfaces and splashback. Wall-mounted cupboards provide additional space for storage. Integrated appliances are by Siemens and include induction hob and oven, fridge-freezer and dishwasher. There is also a practical 3N1 tap.



The sitting area is positioned to the rear and opens to a spacious decked terrace, extending the living spaces outside in the warmer season. Also on this floor is a separate WC and laundry room.



A steel-clad, polished American oak staircase ascends to the first floor; fitted with full-height open shelving, it serves both as a connection between different areas of the house and as gallery space, cleverly designed to display books, plants and artworks. Above, a large skylight invites natural light to pour in and can be opened for enhanced ventilation.



There are two tranquil and private double bedrooms on the first floor, both set beneath high, vaulted ceilings and with built-in mirrored wardrobes. The bedroom at the front of the plan is illuminated by a skylight, with additional light pouring in through a bespoke window to one side, fitted with remote-controlled blackout blinds. Concealed lighting has been inset into the wall, creating a warm ambience.



The second bedroom is to the rear. Here, full-height glazing fills the space with light, and there is an en suite bathroom with a large walk-in shower. The plan is completed by a shared bathroom with a bathtub and white tiling by Topps Tiles.



Outdoor Space



The reception area opens to a south-facing, decked courtyard, thoughtfully designed to provide a quite retreat at the heart of the city. Siberian larch screens wrap around the space to create a wonderful sense of seclusion and privacy, while integrated benches are perfect for keeping potted plants and a herb garden.



The Area



Hawley Mews is a quiet residential pocket of Camden Town, brilliantly served by shops, restaurants, and public transport. The area is renowned for its thriving music scene and nightlife. The Hawley Arms, a beloved live music venue and pub, is just around the corner. A local branch of Blank Street Coffee is also nearby. The fantastic street food vendors and independent shops of Camden Market are on the doorstep, offering a wide selection of dining options and artisanal goods. The iconic, recently restored Grade II-listed music venue KOKO is 15-minute walk away and includes two stages, a late-night pizzeria and House of Koko, a new four-storey members club with a roof-top bar.



A two-minute walk away, Castlehaven Community Park is the largest green space in Camden Town. It is home to football, volleyball, rugby and hockey pitches alongside a horticulture hub. It also runs a busy roster of community events, ranging from yoga and Pilates classes to cinema nights and kayaking adventures.



Access to the Regent’s Canal’s tow path is near the house, leading to nearby King’s Cross, with outposts of Caravan, Waitrose, Dishoom, and audiophile bar Spiritland. The Thomas Heatherwick-designed Coal Drops Yard brings Margaret Howell, Tom Dixon and Aesop stores to the canal, along with a fine selection of bars, restaurants and cafes. An Everyman Cinema caters for cinephiles.



The green expanse of Regent’s Park is a leisurely stroll from the house. Originally designed by John Nash and James and Decimus Burton, the park has an ornamental lakes and various ornamental structures plus newer additions like The Hub, a venue to support sporting activities, and an outdoor theatre.



There are a range of excellent schools nearby, including the well-regarded Rhyl Community Primary School, Our Lady Roman Catholic Primary School and the all-through Collège Français Bilingue de Londres. For secondary education there are numerous state and private options within easy walking distance.



The house has access to brilliant public transport. Camden Town Underground station is a seven-minute walk from the house, providing quick links to central and south London via the Northern line. Kentish Town West and Camden Road Overground stations are also less than 10 minutes away, with the Mildmay line connecting to Stratford to the east and Richmond and Clapham Junction to the south. Regular buses serve the area round the clock.