Mowatt Close, London

“A private south-facing balcony traces the passage of the sun over the neighbouring park”

This maisonette occupies a desirable position within the end block of Mowatt Close, a distinctive low-rise modernist development situated in the north London Borough of Islington. The interiors have been beautifully renovated with considered finishes throughout. Set among mature trees and open green space, homes within Mowatt Close, and the broader Elthorne Estate, such as this one, were designed with an emphasis on light, generous proportions and private outdoor space.

The Tour

The building was purpose-built in the late 1970s to a distinguished, subtly expressive design. Staggered red-brick elevations rise in a series of terraces, with clean horizontal lines and a neat geometric composition. Recessed entrances and generous external walkways create a sense of depth, while the stepped form allows light to be drawn in from multiple aspects.

Entry is from a private entrance off the street, and up a set of stairs to the second floor. Inside, the house’s blueprint places a spacious, bright living room and kitchen-dining area on the lower floor, and three well-composed bedrooms arranged around a shared bathroom on the floor above. A hallway with a natural cork floor and a dark-painted staircase creates an understated, yet surprisingly tactile, introduction.

Cork flooring runs straight through to the living room, washed with Farrow & Ball 'Calke Green'. Here, dramatic glazing on the southern elevation frames neighbouring treetops and draws in natural light. A sliding door opens to a private corner terrace that stretches the width of the room.

The refined, minimalist scheme continues to the kitchen-dining room, pared back with crisp white walls. Sage-green cabinets sit above and below solid oak surfaces, and mottled white splashback tiles and stainless-steel fixtures complete the design. Convenient, bespoke shelving has been fitted above.

A darkened timber staircase is a striking counterpoint to the otherwise subtle palette and rises to the upper-floor landing. The principal bedroom is on the left; its wide proportions are flooded with light drawn in by the south-facing window, while a walk-in wardrobe and a wall of tailor-made joinery provide plenty of storage.

From here, there is an uninterrupted line of sight to the two additional bedrooms, one of which is currently arranged as a study. In each room, a selection of neutral, soothing tones has been applied to the surfaces. The bathroom is well-appointed, decorated in considered, earthy tones, with a shower over the bath.

Outdoor Space

A private balcony extends from the living room, providing a wonderful spot for morning coffee. The development is set opposite a generous public green, and a residents' allotment offers space to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers, lending a strong sense of community to the building.

The Area

Mowatt Close occupies a quiet position in north Islington, opposite open green space and within easy reach of Highgate and Crouch Hill, as well as Upper Street's renowned cafes, restaurants and independent shops. Nearby favourites include Jolene for bread and pastries, The Great Indian gastropub, and Trullo, one of north London's most celebrated neighbourhood restaurants.

The landscaped paths of the Parkland Walk to Highgate Woods and the expansive areas of Highbury Fields, Hampstead Heath, and Waterlow Park are within walking distance, providing welcome pockets of greenery in this well-connected part of the city.

Archway and Upper Holloway stations are within a 10-minute walk, providing excellent Underground and Overground connections across London. Numerous bus routes also serve Holloway and Hornsey Road.