Beautifully renovated, this characterful apartment lies on Upper Bardsey Walk, a high walkway within Darbourne and Darke's Marquess Estate in Canonbury. Views from the open-plan living space extend over the New River Walk, which lies just in front of the building; there is also access to a large communal garden at the rear. The location is exceptional, with plenty of parks, transport links, shops and pubs within walking distance.



The Architect



John Darbourne (1935-91) and Geoffrey Darke (1929-2011) founded their architecture and landscape planning practice in 1961 after winning a prestigious project to build the Lillington Gardens estate in Westminster. After the success of the estate, Darke concentrated on housing work while Darbourne expanded into designing laboratories, offices, a stand for Chelsea FC and the landscaping of Heathrow Airport. Throughout the 1970s, the pair's housing in Stuttgart, Hanover and Bolzano won international accolades.



The Tour



Entry to this section of the estate is immediately opposite New River Walk, where a communal staircase ascends to the upper walkways. This apartment lies on the second and third floors, with an entrance from a paved patio area on the walkway.



The front door opens into a hall with coat hooks and storage space for shoes to the right, and a sizeable utility cupboard to the left. An open roundhead doorway leads into the open-plan living room and kitchen, which has three large sash windows overlooking the New River Walk. A resin floor made of sustainable cork and natural oils flows throughout.



On one side is a wonderful bespoke plywood kitchen, with appliances including a fridge, a freezer and a dishwasher and open plywood shelving. A terrazzo-top island with wheels lies opposite, allowing for flexible configurations. To one side is a utility cupboard with a washing machine.



Carpeted stairs ascend to the upper level, where the bedroom lies. A calm, serene space, it has soothing grey-green walls and dual-aspect windows. Full-height built-in wardrobes extend halfway along one wall, with the other half given over to a built-in desk or dressing table.



The adjacent shower room is a joyous space, with exuberant confetti-like terrazzo tiles. Practical considerations include the addition of underfloor heating and a heated mirror to prevent condensation.



Outdoor Space



The apartment has access to a large communal garden at the centre of the estate. Immediately in front of the apartment is a patio area, a convenient spot for growing plants and vegetables.



The Area



Upper Bardsey Walk is only a short walk from the shops and restaurants of Upper Street, Canonbury and Dalston. Upper Street is home to plenty of restaurants and shops, including Ottolenghi and twentytwentyone. We've written more about the area in our residents' guide.



There are excellent pubs in the area, notably The Myddleton Arms and The Canonbury Tavern. Also nearby are the modern European restaurant Primeur, Vins wine bar, Jolene bakery and restaurant and the De Beauvoir Deli.



Immediately in front of the apartment is the New River Walk, a man-made waterway with mature trees and the perfect spot for a weekend stroll. Nearby, Highbury Fields has large areas of open green space, as well as tennis courts, a playground and a swimming pool. Clissold Park is also within easy reach.



Highbury & Islington provides quick access to the West End via the Victoria Line, Essex Road station is two stops from the City at Moorgate, and Canonbury Overground offers direct services to Canada Water and Hackney.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 172 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £2,599 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £10 per annum / Council Tax Band: D