Prebend Gardens, London, W4

Latter House leans into its industrial past. Steel beams, Crittall-style windows and generous proportions reference its origins as a 1920s builder’s merchants turned auction house, forming the basis for a sensitive transformation by Studio McNab. Much of the original Art Deco structure has been retained, while carefully judged additions – made in collaboration with WGP Architects and Loud Architects – balance openness with a grounded, liveable feel, shaping a home that feels both expressive and easy to inhabit.

Set behind gates at the end of a gravel road, the house opens onto a courtyard garden with an unexpected sense of seclusion. The living space, principal bedroom and a study all connect directly to this outdoor area, allowing light and greenery to move throughout.

Inside, the scale is striking yet balanced. Ceilings rise to over four metres, supported by exposed steel beams, while a zig-zag roofline with north-facing windows draws in soft, diffused light. A sculptural timber staircase forms the centrepiece, incorporating a full-height bookcase that soars towards a glazed roof. Beneath it, a bespoke bar is discreetly tucked away – one of several moments of surprise woven throughout.

At the other end of the space, the kitchen is functional and expressive. Cabinetry sourced through Rehome and hand-painted in a deep, inky tone recedes as the light shifts, set against Calacatta Viola Estremoz marble and an antiqued mirrored splashback that enhance depth. Designed for sociable cooking, the Bora Puru induction hob sits within the island, while concealed pop-up sockets keep surfaces clean and uncluttered.

Just beyond, a concealed door opens to reveal a fully equipped pantry and plant room. Here, a large utility sink, open shelving and dedicated laundry space provide a practical counterpoint to the main living area, all of which can be hidden from view.
This same sense of thoughtful planning extends to the wider layout. Designed with flexibility in mind, the principal bedroom sits on the ground floor with direct access to the garden, while a second bedroom occupies the upper level, opening onto a roof terrace. A separate study, complete with its own bathroom, forms a self-contained wing and could serve as a third bedroom, workspace or studio.

Each room carries its own atmosphere. Through a reclaimed Retrouvius door, the principal suite feels restorative. A walk-through wardrobe leads to a bathroom lit by clerestory windows and wrapped in Calacatta Viola porcelain tiles. A large walk-in shower sits alongside a deep freestanding bath and a fluted double vanity, all finished with Bauhaus-inspired fittings and softened by gently curved forms.

The study is more cocooning in tone, colour-drenched in a deep aubergine, while the guest bedroom is lighter and more pared back, with a bright en suite set beneath a skylight.

Original character is balanced with considered modern interventions throughout. Engineered oak flooring, microcement and Corston brass hardware add warmth and texture, while practical elements – including underfloor heating, an air source heat pump and solar-powered roof windows – are seamlessly integrated.

Chiswick offers a rare village-within-a-city feel, centred around a lively high street of independents and a popular weekly farmers’ market. The Thames is central to life here, with riverside walks and a towpath stretching towards Kew and Richmond, while green space is abundant – from Ravenscourt Park to the 65 acres of Palladian parkland at Chiswick House and Gardens. The dining scene is another highlight, with neighbourhood favourites Napoli on the Road and La Trompette lending Devonshire Road its distinctly continental feel. Weekends are well spent at Patisserie Sainte-Anne, The Chiswick Cinema or with a drink at The Carpenter’s Arms.

Despite its tranquil character, Chiswick is exceptionally well connected, with Heathrow reachable in under 20 minutes by car or around 50 minutes by direct Tube. The area is also highly regarded for its schools, with access to sought-after local and independent options.

Stamford Brook – 3 mins (Circle, District)