Mountfort Terrace, London N1

This Grade II-listed home's original grandeur has been carefully upheld and is still visible in sweeping proportions and beautiful shuttered sash windows. It unfolds over two storeys, with three peaceful bedrooms and generous interconnected living spaces. Set in the heart of Barnsbury, Mountfort Terrace is a quiet offshoot of Barnsbury Square, with grand white-stucco buildings and plenty of mature leafy trees.



Setting the Scene



The construction of Barnsbury Square, one of north London’s most coveted addresses, began in the early 19th century. It is unique among Islington’s squares in that it didn’t evolve as terraces, but rather as a single central green space surrounded by single and paired homes - as a result, no side is the same. Notable former residents include Ford Maddox Brown and Dante Gabriel Rossetti.



Mountfort Terrace is to the west of Barnsbury Square Garden. It is made up of four symmetrical houses, constructed between 1837 and 1847 and dressed with crisp white stucco. This maisonette lies across the top two floors of one of the buildings, accessed via a private front door at the top of a short set of steps.



The Grand Tour



Behind the private front door to this apartment is a set of beautiful stairs that wind up to the first floor. At the top is a wide landing from which the primary living spaces extend.



On the right are two large, interconnected rooms with sisal carpeting, currently arranged as a living room and a dining room respectively. Double doors, painted the same mushroom-grey hue as tall skirting boards, allow the rooms to remain open to one another, or create an intimate feel when desired. Original sash windows - one set with shutters still in place - rest at either end, drawing in plenty of natural light.



From the dining room is a spacious pantry and a neat WC. Beyond is the kitchen, with U-shaped units and integrated appliances. Views from here extend towards central London; on a clear day, the Grade II-listed BT Tower in Fitzrovia can be seen.



At the front of the first floor is a study or additional bedroom. Three larger bedrooms lie upstairs; each extends from a large space with original floorboards and a deep roof light. All of these bedrooms are of a good size and have peaceful outlooks. A traditionally styled bathroom with green and white metro tiles serves the upper level, also with far-reaching views.



Out and About



Within the Barnsbury Square conservation area, Mountfort Terrace is close to some of north London’s best-loved restaurants, shops, green spaces and weekly food markets. The Tamil Prince, an especially well-regarded Indian restaurant, is minutes away, as are popular pubs Drapers Arms and The Albion.



King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard are both a short distance away; the latter is home to Caravan, Vinoteca, Dishoom, Granger and Co, plus shops A.P.C., COS and Margaret Howell. Nearby Upper Street offers a wealth of retail, culinary and design amenities, including Ottolenghi, Gail’s, Le Labo, Aria and twentytwentyone, as well as a host of national and independent retailers and restaurants.



Green space is provided by nearby Barnsbury Square, Thornhill Square, Barnard Park, and Highbury Fields, slightly further afield but with tennis courts, a playground and a swimming pool.



This home is also well-placed for access to a wide offering of well-regarded schools. There are also good transport links to some of London’s top-rated private schools.



Caledonian Road and Barnsbury Overground and Caledonian Road Underground (Piccadilly line) are both close, along with Highbury and Islington (Overground and Victoria line) and Angel (Northern line) stations. King’s Cross/St Pancras International Station is reachable on foot or one stop away on the Victoria line for Eurostar connections to the continent.



Tenure: Share of Freehold | Lease length: Approx. 990 years remaining | Council Tax Band: G