Steele's Road IV, London, NW3

Built around 1873, this ground-floor maisonette forms part of a Grade II-listed Victorian house in Belsize Park, north-west London. One of five artists' houses built at the same time along the street, it was once home to Frederick Barnard, an illustrator of Charles Dickens’ novels. More recently, the apartment has been the subject of an immaculate renovation by Sevil Peach architects, whose aim was to create a calm, retreat-like atmosphere alongside an artist's studio for their creative clients. An expansive private garden lies beyond, and the shops, restaurants and bars of Primrose Hill and Belsize Park are all close by.



The Tour



A sculptural cantilevered steel staircase leads to the apartment’s private entrance on the raised ground floor. The home has been transformed comprehensively, with high-quality fittings and fixtures, a Sonos multi-room sound system, and a Lutron lighting system.



At the front of the plan, a tall box bay with leaded windows fills the reception room with light. A stone fireplace has an ornate floral motif and could be fitted with a gas fire. Lined with fitted cupboards, this room could easily double as a second bedroom.



The Bulthaup kitchen comprises smart white cabinetry and Corian worktops; integrated appliances include a Gaggenau wall oven and separate steam oven, and a Miele fridge and freezer. Neat cornicing traces soaring ceilings, while glazed French doors open onto a brick terrace with wide steps down to the garden.



To the rear of the plan is a spectacular double-height space, originally an artist’s studio, flooded with a painterly northern light. Original oak beams draw the eye up toward a pitched ceiling, while built-in shelving and cabinetry line one wall. Full-height glazing to the rear frames captivating views of the garden, accessed via wide French doors, with the idea that this makes it even easier to take an easel outside and paint in the luscious natural surroundings. To the other side, a tall sash is crowned by a large skylight.



A beautiful timber staircase with a carved handrail winds down to the lower ground floor, home to a tranquil bedroom suite. The bedroom wall is punctuated by two large arched French doors that open onto a front patio. A raised gas fire warms the room, and large-format stone tiles line the floor.



A dressing area with fitted storage, a sink and cabinetry with concealed plugs leads to a large bathroom at the rear. This is a remarkably tranquil space, with a cedarwood Japanese bathtub sunken into the floor and more doors to the garden. There is a separate shower, and a large shower curtain which helps to delineate the different areas. A separate shower room is also located on this floor.



Outdoor Space



An extraordinary private garden extends at the rear of the house, with a variety of mature trees, including London planes. Steps lead up to a terrace next to the kitchen with ample space for outdoor dining. The rear part of the garden, which feels slightly separated from the rest, could be a good place for a further studio/annexe, subject to the relevant permissions.



The Area



Steele's Road is a quiet residential street close to beloved England’s Lane, with its plethora of independent shops and restaurants. As well as the restaurants and shops that make up Belsize Park's high street, the house is brilliantly close to Primrose Hill, Camden and Kentish Town. Favourites close to home include The Washington pub, famed locally for its Sunday roasts, Terra Moderna, a delicious Antipodean-inspired Italian restaurant, and boulangerie and patisserie Sable d’Or.



Nearby Camden is well known for its world-famous market and wealth of independent restaurants, cafés and venues, including an outpost of plant-based restaurant Mildreds, The Jazz Café, The Roundhouse and Koko.



As well as its open green spaces, Primrose Hill is known for the restaurants, boutiques, pubs and delis that populate Erskine Road and Regent’s Park Road, including Lemonia and Greenberry Café. Likewise, Hampstead Heath, with its year-round swimming ponds, Kenwood House and acre upon acre of green, open space to the north, is a short distance on foot. Hampstead Village has a brilliant offering of eateries and shops too.



Chalk Farm Underground station is a seven-minute walk away, with Northern line services to central London and the West End.



Council Tax Band: H