Camden Mews V, London NW1

Designed for and by the late artist Alfred Harris and his wife, this singular home occupies a former silversmith factory. The plan was designed around a superbly well-lit triple-height room at its centre, used by Alfred as his studio. Situated on Camden Mews, the house lies in a quiet, coveted north-west London nook known for its long-standing creative connections and absorbing architectural variety.



The Mews



One of London's most architecturally intriguing streets, Camden Mews demonstrates a variety of building styles. Much of it was constructed in the 1840s, when it was used as a coach house and stables for the larger houses surrounding Camden Square and Cliff Road.



In the 20th century, it became a popular spot for artists and architects, who set up studios on the street. Several architects built homes on the street, including Edward 'Ted' Cullingham and Tom Kay. Today, it lies within the Camden Square conservation area.



Alfred Harris was an experimental British artist. He trained at Willesden School of Art and the Royal College of Art alongside artists such as Frank Auerbach and Peter Blake, during the rise of the ‘School of London’. His early work focused on landscapes inspired by Constable and was exhibited in major London galleries. Alfred and his wife converted this home from its former use in the 1990s, prioritising light and timeless, pared-back design.



The Tour



A discrete presence on the cobbled mews, the house lies behind a high brick wall; only its zinc-covered first storey and large Crittall window are visible from street level. A gate opens to a courtyard garden, which in turn opens to a hallway, the delineating nexus of the home.



On the right is the spectacular studio space. Open to the roofline, and with plenty of glazing, it is bright, capacious and versatile, and would suit a variety of artistic endeavours. White-washed walls create a gallery-like feel, while exposed steel trusses and a reclaimed butler’s sink lend an industrial appeal. A door from here leads to a garage space.



The kitchen and dining space lies to the left of the entrance hall. There is further storage space to the rear. Sliding doors open back to the front courtyard garden, and there is a neat WC in the hallway.



From the hall, a set of stairs ascends to the upper level, passing tall glazing on the ascent; there is also separate lift access. Here is a generous space currently used as a sitting room, with a large Crittall window on one side. An adjoining recess lies beneath a bank of skylights, creating an idyllic indoor-outdoor greenhouse-like space which the current owners have arranged with plants and seating. A Juliet balcony overlooks the studio below.



There are two en suite bedrooms at opposite ends of the first floor. The first lies above the garage space with a set of stairs leading into the ground-floor studio. Both are bright spaces, with gently sloping ceilings.



Outdoor Space



There is a small courtyard garden at the front, with raised brick planters for greenery. A garage adjoins the home's right side, with space to park one car.



The Area



Neighbouring Brecknock Road is home to many independent food stores, including Bumblebee Natural Foods, Salvino, an Italian deli, and Bread by Bike. There are some brilliant pubs nearby, including The Lord Stanley and The Rose and Crown, as well as the wonderful small plates and wine spot, Half Cut Market.



Kentish Town is nearby and is home to the likes of Kentish Town Stores, The Parakeet and The Pineapple; we've written more about our recommendations in the area in our Journal. King's Cross is also within easy reach. Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square are favourites here, with outposts of Caravan Coffee Roasters, Waitrose, Dishoom and audiophile bar Spiritland.



The Regent's Canal runs adjacent and provides a delightful walk towards Angel and on to Broadway Market and Victoria Park. Hampstead Heath and Regent's Park are both around a 30-minute walk away. Caledonian Park is even closer to Camden Mews and is home to an impressive Grade II*-listed clock tower that stands as the major remaining element of the Metropolitan Cattle Market, built to replace Smithfield in 1855.



Camden Mews is close to a number of schools, including the renowned state-run Camden School for Girls. The house is near equidistant from stations at Camden Town (Northern line), Kentish Town (Northern line) and Caledonian Road (Piccadilly line). Camden Road station is a 13-minute walk away, and there are additional Overground services from Kentish Town West and Caledonian Road and Barnsbury stations. The area is also exceptionally well-served by bus connections.



Council Tax Band: G