Eden Way, London E3

Set just south of Victoria Park and the Regent's Canal, this two-bedroom apartment forms part of the Donnybrook Quarter estate in Bow, designed by Peter Barber Architects. Its recently renovated, largely open-plan interior is generous and bright, with bespoke plywood storage fitted throughout. A private garden lies at the rear, where beds have been filled with a lively combination of mature fatsia japonicas, acers and hostas.



The Architect



Peter Barber Architects was established in 1989 in London’s East End. The practice’s diverse portfolio spans a wide array of unusual and innovative projects, including Holmes Road Studios in Kentish Town, which was included in The Guardian’s 'Top 10 Buildings Worldwide' in 2017.



Previous clients have included St Mungo's Community Housing Association, Circle 33 Housing Group, East Thames Housing Group, and The London Boroughs of Newham, Enfield, Greenwich, Camden and Barking.



The Estate



Taking inspiration from white-washed Mediterranean architecture, Donnybrook Quarter is a low-rise, high-density development consisting of three rows of gently curved buildings. The scheme is articulated around two intersecting streets that broaden out into a tree-lined square. Balconies and oriel windows overhang the street.



Completed in 2006, this award-winning housing project was selected, among 150 entries worldwide, as the winner of the Architecture Foundation’s Innovations in Housing Competition. It also won a Housing Design Award and was runner-up in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, AIA Award, and RIBA Award. It was short-listed for the 2006 Stirling Prize and included in the exhibition of 50 of the most significant UK buildings of the last half-century.



The Tour



This apartment is positioned on the ground floor, with entry to an open-plan kitchen, living and dining room. Light enters from floor-to-ceiling glazing at the far end, which opens to the private gravel-laid garden. A continuation of the exterior, white-painted walls create a simple backdrop for art and furniture. Oak floorboards extend underfoot.



The L-shaped kitchen is positioned next to, but discreetly removed from, the living area. Cupboards run above and below a plywood worktop with a splashback of minimally detailed tiles. There is room for a dining table within the kitchen zone, although the flexibility of the space beyond would suit multiple configurations. At the rear of the room, a low-level plywood unit provides plenty of storage space.



Like the living space, the generous principal bedroom also has direct access to the private garden through floor-to-ceiling glazing. Finished in a neutral palette, it has a built-in wardrobe, additional shelving units and space for a desk. The second bedroom has a large bespoke built-in wardrobe and is currently used as an office.



The bathroom has a shower above a bath, mirrored storage, and a heated towel rail. White tiles in a geometric pattern are a simple counterpoint to a playful blue rubber floor and terracotta walls.



Outdoor Spaces



Extending from the reception area, the private garden is framed by neat timber fences and edged with planting beds with a mix of herbs, flowers and ornamental greenery.



Shingle lies underfoot, punctuated with concrete paving to create a convenient spot for seating. A host of mature trees and bushes lie just behind the far boundary, creating a natural, shady canopy.



The Area



The Donnybrook Quarter is brilliantly located between Victoria Park, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and the Regent’s Canal.



Mexican Seoul is a short walk away, serving Mexican/Korean-inspired street food. Lakeside Pavilion café is also nearby in Victoria Park, renowned for its exquisite pastries and Sri Lankan breakfast. There are plenty of stellar pubs nearby: local favourites include The Crown, The Victoria and Lord Morpeth.



Victoria Park village is close at hand, with excellent dining and shopping options. Local favourites include The Deli Downstairs, Bruno, Pophams, The Hawke and My Neighbours the Dumplings. The park also hosts a popular weekend market.



There are several small galleries within walking distance, including Chisenhale Gallery on Old Ford Road, Auto Italia and The Approach Gallery, above a brilliant local pub, The Approach. The Young V&A is also a short walk away and runs a first-rate programme of events and exhibitions for younger and older audiences alike.



There are excellent schooling options in the area. Primary schools include Old Ford Primary and Chisenhale Primary School, while secondary education is provided by Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy and Mulberry UTC.



Bow Road station is a 20-minute walk away and runs direct journeys to King’s Cross and West London via the Hammersmith and City and Circle lines. Mile End and Bethnal Green stations are a 25 and 30-minute walk away respectively; both run Central line services.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: Approx. 109 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £1,200 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £150 per annum / Council Tax Band: D