Keeling House XI, London E2

Crittall windows capture striking skyline views in this two-bedroom apartment, set on the 12th and 13th floors of Denys Lasdun's Grade II*-listed Keeling House. It has a generous balcony beyond an open-plan living space, with plenty of room for outdoor dining and growing in potted plants. Located in Bethnal Green, the building is close to some of east London's best dining spots.



The Architects



Denys Lasdun (1914-2001) was a British architect best known for some of London's most iconic brutalist buildings: the National Theatre and the Royal College of Physicians. He worked with Wells Coates and Berthold Lubetkin before becoming a partner with Jane Drew, Maxwell Fry and Lindsay Drake in the 1950s. At this time, Lasdun developed his distinctive ‘cluster blocks’ - flats grouped around a central tower - designing several developments in east London, including Keeling House.



The Building



At Keeling House, Lasdun aimed to preserve a sense of community in his pursuit of urban renewal, similar to that of a Victorian-era street. In an attempt to stand these streets on their ends, Keeling House comprises four blocks that intersect one another, positioned around a central service tower to encourage a sense of community between residents.



The building was Grade II*-listed in 1993 for its architectural significance. In 2001, Munkenbeck + Marshall was commissioned to renovate the building, as well as design new landscaping and an entrance lobby, earning the practice a RIBA Award and Civic Trust commendation.



The Tour



Keeling House is approached via a set of secure gates and across a forecourt to the glazed atrium, which is manned by a porter. The building’s communal areas have been carefully maintained. A lift rises to the 12th-floor galleried walkway. Here, the apartment's front door opens into a bright entrance hall with space for coats and shoes.



The open-plan living area is flooded with light from Crittall windows. Still in situ is the fantastic original kitchen, with a built-in wall oven, electric hob and dishwasher. Wooden floorboards run underfoot, and a Crittall door opens onto the balcony beyond. All windows in the apartment have secondary glazing for enhanced energy efficiency.



A white-painted timber staircase ascends to two double bedrooms; both have wonderful far-reaching views. The principal bedroom has handy built-in shelving, while the second room is currently used as a home office. An immaculate shower room with terrazzo tiles serves these rooms.



Outdoor Space



Opening out from the main living space, a private balcony spans the breadth of the room. Its south-westerly position faces out to the likes of the Shard and the Gherkin, and is ideal for catching the afternoon sun.



Residents of Keeling House have use of a secure bike store, conveniently positioned just outside the building’s concierge-managed lobby. There is an opportunity to rent an off-road parking space.



The Area



The apartment is well situated for the best of Bethnal Green and the likes of London Fields, Broadway Market and Hackney's Mare Street. The greenery of Haggerston Park is also in easy reach, and Victoria Park is only slightly further afield.



Columbia Road is close by; aside from its weekend flower market, it is also known as the setting for several excellent dining institutions. Campania and Brawn are evening favourites, while an outpost of Pavilion is conveniently placed for a Sunday morning coffee and pastry.



Hackney Road is home to the likes of Morito, Sager and Wild and The Marksman. Ozone Coffee and Climpson & Sons Café are also nearby. Haggerston and Hoxton are both within easy reach.



Bethnal Green (Central line) Underground station is a 12-minute walk away, while Cambridge Heath and Hoxton are both nearby for London Overground services. There are also good bus links in the local area.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: approx. 973 years remaining / Service Charge: approx. £4,494 per annum / Sinking Fund: approx. £2,315 per annum / Ground Rent: approx. £200 per annum / Council Tax Band: E