Taplow House II, London E2

This two-bedroom apartment lies on the second floor of the wonderful Taplow House, a Grade II-listed building on the Boundary Estate conservation area in Shoreditch. A sympathetic selection of paint colours and materials have been applied throughout, chosen to complement the home’s handsome period features and elegant proportions. Oriented on an east-west axis, the home receives light through original windows to the south and north, making it beautifully bright all day long.



Setting the Scene



The Boundary Estate stands as a remarkable testament to the pioneering era of social housing, both in the United Kingdom and globally. Designed by architect Owen Fleming and his talented team for the London County Council, construction of this historic estate commenced in 1890 and reached completion a decade later.



Comprising of 23 five-storey tenement blocks, Taplow House’s banded brickwork, chequered tympanums, and elegant stucco cornicing are a beautiful celebration of Victorian architectural detailing. While each apartment in the estate has a different layout, they all share common characteristics, including large sash windows, impressive ceiling heights and generous proportions.



The Grand Tour



A communal entrance leads to the building’s staircase, which provides access to this home’s second-storey front door, which is painted a charming butter yellow. Entry is to a hallway, grounded with recycled-plastic faux sisal carpet, which provides access to each room. On one side is a cupboard for coats and shoes.



The living space is at the far end of the apartment. A delightful space, it has tall ceilings, original sash windows, and a reinstated cast-iron fireplace with slate hearth. Period pine floorboards run underfoot, and the walls are washed in a simple white from Little Greene, a clean backdrop for art and furniture. Antique Brass Corston light switches can be found here and throughout the apartment. The Victorian proportions of the room allow ample space for a comfortable sitting area and a well-appointed dining table.



Across the hallway, the kitchen is a thoughtfully composed space with herringbone-laid oak parquet floors and khaki-green shaker-style cabinetry, complemented by a Brass Perrin & Rowe tap. Appliances have been neatly integrated and include a dishwasher, fridge-freezer, Neff oven and gas hob with Smeg extractor above. A thick American walnut countertop wraps around the space in a U-shape, below windows that look out across the Estate.



There are two bedrooms, both comfortable doubles with bespoke ceiling-high built-in wardrobes and original floorboards. What is currently the principal has a large six-over-six sash window and walls painted in 'Cass' by Atelier Ellis. The second room has two sash windows and walls washed in Farrow & Ball's 'School House White' with woodwork in their 'Light Blue'. All windows have been refurbished whilst maintaining original glass where possible.



A WC and separate shower room lie towards the front door, both with traditional fittings from Burlington. Beautiful design choices here include ceramic wall tiles, encaustic floor tiles and painted timber panelling.



The Great Outdoors



At the centre of the estate is Arnold Circus, an ornamental garden planted with mature London plane trees and a Grade II-listed octagonal bandstand. Spanning two terraces, these beautifully landscaped gardens were created using the earth excavated during the estate’s construction, initially a cost-saving measure. However, this ingenious decision has resulted in a raised vantage point for Arnold Circus, which has long-reaching vistas along the radial tree-lined avenues, making an excellent spot to relax with a book or a morning coffee.



Out and About



Positioned within the Boundary Estate Street Conservation Area, Taplow House and the surrounding buildings are of particularly special architectural and historical interest. Seven avenues radiate from central Boundary Gardens, each lined with embellished mansion blocks that emanate a late Victorian elegance.



A short walk away from Columbia Road, Broadway Market and the City, the Boundary Estate has access to all the renowned spots Shoreditch has to offer. It is within walking distance of Brat, Bistro Freddie, Sager & Wilde, Morito, and Equal Parts. Just across the gardens is Leila’s Shop, rustic greengrocers and café offering fresh produce all year round. The much-loved Rochelle Canteen is around the corner for seasonal fare, set within what once was a primary school for the estate. Jolene on Redchurch Street is an ideal spot for a morning coffee and only a couple of minutes’ walk away.



The ever-popular Columbia Road flower market is recommended for a Sunday morning stroll, followed by the green open spaces of London Fields, which are also close by. Spitalfields and Shoreditch offer further dining, entertainment, and shopping opportunities, with restaurants including Ottolenghi, Crispin, and St. John Bread & Wine.



Transport links are excellent; Shoreditch High Street station is a five-minute walk away for Overground services, and one stop away from Whitechapel for the Elizabeth Line. Old Street (Northern Line) and Liverpool Street station (central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines) are also nearby.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: approx. 89 years remaining / Service Charge: approx. £1,800 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £10 per annum / Council Tax Band: C