Oval Road, London NW1

Elegantly yet sensitively renovated, this two-bedroom apartment in Camden harmoniously pairs a minimalist aesthetic with Victorian bones. It unfolds across the lower-ground floor of a grand villa, with its own entrance and a private, enchanting courtyard garden designed by artist Sheila Jackson. Inside, its spacious rooms have been updated with heritage steel radiators and chevron-laid parquet flooring. Oval Road is brilliantly placed in north London, with Regent’s Park and Regent’s Canal minutes away on foot.

The Tour

This apartment unfolds behind an imposing detached stucco and London stock brick façade. From the pavement original flagstone steps with iron handrails lead down to the private front door. . Through mature greenery, planted with camellia, jasmine, ivy and mature pyracantha, its sunken position feels private and cocooned.

Its interior has been meticulously renovated by its current owner. Beautiful oak parquet flooring has been laid underfoot throughout almost the entire plan. Its pared-back scheme is complemented by subtle design flourishes that include steel column radiators and BTC wall lights. The original sash windows and shutters have been retained and updated with Banham security grills.

The front door opens to a generous light-filled living space with heavy linen curtains draped at the windows. The kitchen sits adjacent, finished in cohesive, soft grey tones and a quartz worktop. A mirrored splashback allows light from a skylight and a window to dance around the room. Integrated appliances include a Siemens fridge/freezer.

The two bedrooms at the rear of the plan are reached via a short hallway. Before the principal bedroom is a dressing room, where a wall of built-in wardrobes offers plenty of storage. A set of narrow double doors lead into the bedroom, where a window looks to the garden and sisal carpeting runs underfoot. Wall lights have been thoughtfully positioned for bedtime reading.

The generous second bedroom is currently used as a yoga studio. It has a set of double doors that open to the garden, wall lights and a high shelf that runs along the length of one wall.

The bathroom is off the hallway. Finished with grey tiles and a tactile terrazzo floor it has Hansgrohe fittings, a walk-in shower, Deca basin, Duravit WC and a heated towel rail.

Outside Space

French doors from the second bedroom lead out to a private garden. The garden was designed by its former artist owner, Sheila Jackson, who wrote of its amazing transformation in a book, ‘Blooming Small: A city-dweller’s garden’. Brick walls form raised beds around a terrace of Welsh blue slate which houses a variety of sculptural plants, including bamboo, roses and seasonal perennials that produce year-round colour. There is room here for outside entertaining and relaxation.

Area Guide

Moments from Regent’s Park and Regent’s Park Canal, the apartment is perfectly located between Primrose Hill, Camden, and Kentish Town. One of north London’s most well-known locales, the area has everything from folk entertainment at Cecil Sharp House, to the infamous nightlife of Camden Town, expansive views from Primrose Hill and some of London’s best live music venues.

The central location puts the West End, Fitzrovia and Marylebone within walking distance via a stroll through bucolic Regent’s Park.

The Primrose Hill promenade has a village-style community with tempting independent shops like Melrose & Morgan café, the Bottle Apostle wine shop, and a wonderful Italian deli.

Nearby Kentish Town is a hotspot for culinary delights. Just up the road are The Fields Beneath, The Grafton and Camden Beer Hall. The high street and surrounding area have a fantastic selection of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, notably Anima e Cuore, Panadera, Kentish Town Stores, Saint Espresso and Kossoffs. There are also excellent pubs nearby, including The Parakeet, The Lion and the Unicorn and Lady Hamilton.

Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill are also within easy distance. The latter has tennis courts, a lido and a weekly farmers’ market. ‘The Heath’ is one of London’s most popular public parks, with the men’s and women’s swimming ponds offering year-round freshwater swimming.

Camden Town is a five-minute walk away and has access to the Northern Line. Camden Road and Kentish Town West Overground stations are both close by.

Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: Approx. 940 years remaining
Service Charge: Approx. £2,160 per annum
Council Tax Band: E