Kensington Place, London, W8

Set behind a punchy 1970s redbrick façade, this three-bedroom home has been crafted to pair the past with the present. Courtesy of West Architecture’s sensitive interior renovations, contemporary amenities work seamlessly with Barbican-inspired, mid-century modern detailing and spatial configuration.

A bright red acer tree makes a bold introduction in the front garden – beyond which, the house opens into a spacious, split-level layout. Earthy floor tiles run underneath the kitchen and dining area, while whitewashed walls brighten the space. Bespoke oak cabinetry forms an L-shape, laid with glossy worktops and hi-tech integrated appliances. Sunlight beams through a black-framed picture window; come evening, a minimalist linear pendant light casts a warm glow.

There’s a voluminous feel to the living area, accessed down a set of steps. The room is brilliantly lit through full-height glazing – paired with floor-to-ceiling curtains that amplify the capacious proportions. Pale wood floors, engineered with underfloor heating, span the space. Completing the ground floor is a WC, featuring a Barbican sink that’s in keeping with the home’s modernist heritage.

Echoing the ground-floor interior plan, Kensington Place’s private garden has a multi-level configuration, split between a decked patio and redbrick side return. An array of verdant plating brings natural charm to the south-facing setting, which enjoys abundant morning sun.

The basement level is imagined for work and relaxation. A serene office has textural intrigue, with its exposed brick wall and timber floors. Next door, an indulgent cinema room is fitted with a projector screen and a high-quality sound system.

A staircase engineered with a bronze balustrade ascends to the bedrooms upstairs. The principal bedroom suite is located on the second floor, maintaining the home’s minimalist material and tonal palette. Bespoke wardrobes face the en suite bathroom, while sunlight pours in through a sash window and sliding glass door – which opens onto the private roof terrace. Overlooking the neighbouring rooftops, it’s a secluded al fresco spot to make the most of London’s warmer months. On the second floor, two guest bedrooms share the same restrained colours, bespoke wardrobes and illuminated aspects – served by a contemporary bathroom with a built-in bathtub.

Enviably positioned in the ‘Hillgate Village’ enclave around Notting Hill Gate, there’s a peaceful yet connected feel to Kensington Place. To the east and west of the home, the vast leafy spaces of Holland Park and Kensington Gardens are within easy walking distance. Holland Park Avenue is set for luxury groceries from Supermarket of Dreams or Jeroboams and La Piccola Deli, while retail therapy is best along Portobello Road with its famed antiques market. For fine dining, there’s a rollcall of popular restaurants and pubs to choose from including Mazi, Clarke’s, The Windsor Castle and The Churchill Arms.

Notting Hill Gate - 5 mins (Central, Circle, District)
Holland Park - 10 mins (Central)