Clovelly Road, London N8

Architect-designed, this brilliant house in Hornsey makes masterful use of space and light. Skylights allow light to cascade in, and a mezzanine sitting room creates a dynamic sense of volume. While the house has its own slice of greenery in the form of a ground-floor patio garden, the open expanses and far-reaching views of Alexandra Park are less than a five-minute walk away.



The Tour



This home is a brilliant departure from the Victorian houses it sits amid. Covered with zinc externally, it cuts a confident contemporary silhouette that hints at the shrewd modern design that unfolds within.



A cupboard in front of the entrance provides space for shoes and coats. On the left is the dining room, a brilliant space open to the soaring roofline above. Glazed doors slide open to a terrace, and a short flight of steps descends to the kitchen. Elegantly finished, it has soft-grey units, Caesarstone counters and a splashback, and integrated appliances by Nef. The space extends to the right, revealing a brilliant navy-blue bar area, with built in wine fridge and mirror backing.



Stairs ascend past an open bookcase to the mezzanine level, a private spot currently configured as a living room and a sequestered study. The openness of this area to the dining room below creates a sense of cohesion while allowing for subtle delineation. Above, two large windows extend from the roofline, flooding the space with a brightness enhanced by the white-painted walls throughout. An air-conditioning unit ensures an ideal temperature here year-round.



In a private position on the lower-ground floor, the bedroom is a serene space, with enough bookshelves for the most avid of readers. It is grounded with carpet and has a window out to a lightwell. The adjoining en suite is sublime, with twin sinks, a refined selection of tiles, and a luxurious freestanding bath, along with a separate walk-in shower. A separate WC on the ground floor is well-placed for guests.



Outdoor Space



A private patio lies on the ground floor, its white walls topped with a privacy-enhancing hedge. It has plenty of space for a potted city garden and/or for relaxing or dining outside.



The Area



Clovelly Road is wonderfully close to Alexandra Park, which has an excellent weekend farmers’ market. Priory Park, a more intimate but lovely space, lies to the south, and has a playground, tennis courts and a café.



On the edge of Priory Park is Through the Woods, a cosy neighbourhood restaurant with one sitting per day. Also close by is the brilliant Middle Lane Market, a well-stocked deli. On Hornsey High Street, Mum Likes Thai Food and The Great Northern Railway Tavern are popular spots.



The centre of Crouch End is also a short walk away. It has some excellent restaurants, including Bar Esteban and Paesan, friendly pubs like Queens, bakeries including Sourdough Sophia, and two brilliant cinemas, including the independent ArtHouse. Green Lanes is slightly further afield but is worth the walk or short bus, with its excellent restaurants and outpost of The Dusty Knuckle.



There are great bus links in the local area, with frequent routes towards Finsbury Park for connections to the Victoria line. The nearest Underground station is Turnpike Lane (Piccadilly line), while Harringay and Hornsey stations are also within easy reach.



Council Tax Band: D