Oxford Gardens, Oxford Gardens, London W10

This magnificent house in Notting Hill was completed to a design by Stephen Marshall Architects, with interiors by the Designers Guild and a wraparound garden by Arne Maynard. An exquisite example of contemporary renovation, the house extends to over 4,600 sq ft and combines dynamic, light-filled spaces with elegant materials and examples of outstanding craftsmanship throughout. Ladbroke Grove station is a seven-minute walk away.



The Tour



This Victorian house occupies a commanding position midway along Oxford Gardens, in the Oxford Gardens Conservation Area. A yew hedge along the exterior wall ensures privacy, and a tapestry of box fir lends a fairytale quality to the entrance at raised ground level.



A formal entrance lobby opens to an expansive living room with soaring ceilings. The space flows without partitions, allowing light to pour in from glazing on three sides. There are areas for relaxing, reading and entertaining. Simple window shutters and crisp shadow gaps create a contemporary finish, further enhanced by a harmonious palette of white, turquoise and emerald. Smooth Dinesen wide-board oak flooring runs throughout the upper ground floor and above.



A spacious open-plan kitchen and dining area is on the lower ground floor, where a smooth concrete floor grounds the space. Corian is used in the kitchen to great effect, and a central island provides a sociable focal point. Appliances are by Miele and Gaggenau. Hues of blue and white juxtapose beautifully with the garden, visible through the rear swathes of glazing in the room adjacent to the dining area. Two glazed doorways allow access to the terrace and garden. There is also a second kitchen on this floor.



One of the house’s finest features is an oak staircase that connects the five storeys. The joinery is seamless and is met neatly by smooth walls and recessed lighting.



The house has seven bedrooms, with two of these currently used as dressing rooms. The principal bedroom occupies the entire first floor. Light floods in from both aspects, and opaque white sliding doors open to reveal a wonderful bathroom. It has a Corian double vanity unit and an elegant freestanding bathtub. There is also a generous walk-in shower that remains hidden from view. A separate room forms the first of two dressing rooms, with floor-to-ceiling bespoke wardrobes and natural light that pours in from a sash window.



There are two bedrooms on the second floor, as well as a second dressing room which is also used as a study. The first bedroom has a large sash window overlooking the garden. The second bedroom looks toward the front of the house. There is a shared bathroom with a walk-in shower and Corian fittings.



On the top floor, there are two further bedrooms, a laundry room, and a room used for storage.



Outdoor Space



The garden bears all the Arne Maynard hallmarks, with a strong formal framework centred around elements of repetition and succession. The scheme encircles the house and has a grand and unexpectedly modern edge. Domes of clipped fir topiary flank one side, while yew plays a prominent part around the perimeter, with trees planted in raised planters for extra height and drama.



Designed for entertaining and relaxing, the garden brims with spots for contemplation and delicate details that create a verdant sanctuary. A wall behind a sculptural water feature mirrors the blue used in the adjoining dining area to create a serene and green sanctuary.



A gate on the St Mark's Road perimeter of the house opens to reveal a car parking space. There is a rendered storage area for garden furniture at the far end of the garden.



The Area



One of west London’s most desirable areas, Oxford Gardens is minutes from the boutiques of Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road, including its world-famous market.



The immediate area is replete with fine dining destinations, including the three Michelin-starred The Ledbury, alongside Granger & Co. and Ottolenghi. Other bars, restaurants and pubs can be found in nearby Notting Hill, as can The Electric Cinema and the ever-popular Notting Hill Arts Club. We’ve written more about the area in our Journal.



The house’s location brings many of London's top private schools within easy reach, including Wetherby, Notting Hill Preparatory, La Petite Ecole Francaise and Institute Espanol Canada Blanch. Local state-run options include Thomas Jones Primary and Kensington Aldridge Academy. There is also a Montessori nursery nearby.



Transport connections in the area are excellent, with Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith & City and Circle lines), approximately seven minutes' walk away.



Council Tax Band: H