Sturmer Way, London

“A modernist maisonette with two south-facing balconies”

This two-bedroom maisonette forms part of Sir Basil Spence’s iconic modernist Stock Orchard Estate in Holloway. Its reverse configuration places the living spaces on the upper floor, maximising natural sunlight throughout the day, while two east-facing balconies overlook leafy views of the estate and gardens. The interiors have been sensitively updated with a bespoke kitchen and vibrant pops of colour. Sturmer Way is just a five-minute walk from Caledonian Road underground station, with Highbury, Islington and King’s Cross all within easy reach.

The Estate

Sturmer Way was designed in the 1970s by Sir Basil Spence, who, at the time, ran his architectural practice nearby. The plan, originally intended for the D-shaped site at Stock Orchard Crescent, comprises six red brick, low-rise housing blocks positioned around a central communal garden. The façades are stepped, overlooking the beautifully maintained lawn and garden, allowing each apartment to have its own outdoor space and as much natural light as possible.

The Tour

Sturmer Way is a private road that runs parallel with Caledonian Road, set behind a row of sweeping sycamore, plane and cherry trees. The building’s striking exterior is characterised by a warm red-brick façade.

The apartment is entered on the second floor, where a bright and open hallway has built-in storage and a staircase that leads to the living spaces.

Upstairs on the third floor, a spacious living room and kitchen occupy the plan. Full-width glazing brings abundant natural light into the living space, opening directly onto one of the east-facing balconies.

The L-shaped kitchen is fitted with bespoke oak cabinetry and has blush-pink plaster walls, complementing the soft, natural light of the space. There is ample space for a dining table, and a glazed door opens onto the second balcony.

There are two well-proportioned bedrooms on the second floor, with a palette of pastel yellow, crisp white, and carpet underfoot. The bathroom, with a bathtub and overhead shower, has been decorated with plywood storage and monochromatic mosaic tiles by Bert & May.

There is an additional storage cupboard accessed via the communal hallway.

Outdoor Space

Two east-facing balconies extend from the upper floor living space, enclosed by a stone wall and brick detailing at each end. The balconies have a peaceful, secluded feel, overlooking mature specimen trees and the leafy communal lawn below.

The estate has EV charging points, while a private garage space can be rented from the freeholder.

The Area

Sturmer Way lies within easy reach of central Islington, Upper Street and King’s Cross to the south, and Camden and Kentish Town to the west. Local facilities, including supermarkets, can be found on nearby Holloway Road. There are many good pubs and restaurants in the area, including Westerns Laundry towards Highbury Fields, the Tufnell Park Tavern to the north and The Drapers Arms and The Albion to the south.

Caledonian Park and Market Road Gardens are just over a 10-minute walk away. The latter has a popular indoor tennis centre and gym. To the east, Freightliners City Farm, in Paradise Park, and Highbury Fields are both reachable in 20 minutes.

Both Caledonian Road and Holloway underground stations are a short walk away, and there are numerous local bus routes into Central London. Caledonian Road & Barnsbury overground station is a 15-minute walk, running services to Stratford, Clapham Junction and Richmond.