Mare Street, London E8

This wonderful garden apartment lies on the lower ground floor of a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse in the heart of Hackney. High-quality materials and a distinctive decorative scheme have been added, creating a home that effortlessly marries old and new. Hackney Central and London Fields stations are both seven minutes away on foot, providing easy connections across the capital.



Setting the Scene



Built in the late 18th century, the handsome end-of-terrace building in which this apartment lies is defined by a curved, stock-brick façade rising across three storeys with original sash windows and stuccoed detailing. At the front is a tall, central round-headed window set in a wide, stuccoed round-arched recess spanning the first and second floors.



Set back from the street behind wrought-iron railings and a well-kept front garden, this apartment is approached via a set of steps leading down to the private entrance on the lower ground floor. Despite the apartment’s central setting in bustling Hackney, the living spaces feel secluded and quiet.



The Grand Tour



The front door reveals an expansive, open-plan reception area, with kitchen, dining and sitting room. Here, the walls and ceilings are washed in a deep shade of blue and complemented by floorboards, also doused in a dark, brooding tone. A large, original fireplace hints at the period character of the house, while shuttered, high-level windows allow natural light to pour in.



Set along a wall toward the back is a contemporary kitchen, fitted with flat-fronted cupboards and a glazed splashback. Integrated appliances by Zanussi include an induction hob, oven, fridge/freezer and dishwasher.



The plan flows into an internal hall with access to a substantial utility room. A generously proportioned bedroom sits toward the back, wonderfully quiet and finished with walls and floors in the home's characteristic dark palette. It has a wide, open fireplace with stone surrounds, fitted cupboards and direct access to the private outdoor patio.



Further toward the back of the apartment is a striking bathroom, appointed with streaked marble tiles in dark tones extending from floor to ceiling. It has a walk-in shower with a Crittall-style screen and a heated towel rail.



The Great Outdoors



A private, walled patio unfolds at the back and can be accessed from the bedroom. Offering a wonderfully quiet oasis, it can accommodate large potted plants and has space for a small dining area.



Out and About



Mare Street is perfectly positioned for the best of London Fields, Wilton Way and Hackney Central. There are many fantastic restaurants nearby, notably Lardo, Pophams and Elliot’s. Neighbourhood favourites also include Violet, Wilton Way’s Deli, The Spurstowe Arms, and Teal, all just a short stroll away on idyllic Wilton Way.



E5 Bakehouse, on the edge of London Fields, is excellent for freshly baked artisan bread, and nearby Netil Market is a thriving hub of restaurants, breweries and coffee roasters. London Fields’ heated lido and tennis courts are five minutes away.



Victoria Park, east London’s largest park, is a short 15-minute walk from the house and encompasses over 200 acres of green space. Designed by John Nash’s pupil Sir James Pennethorne, it was laid out in the 1840s and is now a Grade II*-listed public space. Attractions include the vast boating lake, several activity spaces, tennis courts, and the ever-popular Pavilion café at the heart of the park. A beloved farmers’ market takes place in the park every weekend.



Hackney Central overground station (Mildmay line) is a seven-minute walk from the house, offering quick connections to Stratford in one direction and Richmond in the opposite. St Pancras International and Central London can also be easily reached via Highbury & Islington. London Fields overground station (Weaver line) is also seven minutes away on foot, with eight-minute journeys to Liverpool Street.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease length: 990 years / Service Charge: approx. £850 per annum / Ground Rent: £50 per annum / Council Tax Band: C