Holmesdale Road, London

“An architect-designed home close to Highgate Village”

This handsome five-bedroom house in Highgate, north London, has been renovated to an exquisite standard. Meticulous attention to detail has introduced a pleasing contemporary palette of oak and glass within the home’s original Victorian proportions, creating a series of bright, welcoming spaces. Wonderfully positioned between the lush greenery of Hampstead Heath and Highgate Wood, the home enjoys a bucolic setting that belies its proximity to the city centre.

The Tour

Set behind a tidy front garden and beneath the dappled shade of a mature plane tree, the house presents a traditional London stock-brick façade with stucco and red-brick detailing.

The front door opens onto a bright hallway, where the gentle, whitewashed colour scheme is immediately established, and high ceilings are adorned with original cornicing. At the front of the house, a two-part reception room is lit by a large bay window; a timber slatted partition delineates the two halves, allowing natural light to flow from one end to the other. Engineered oak floorboards run underfoot here and in most rooms, while a modern log burner warms the space in colder months.

A few steps descend to the kitchen, part of a considered rear extension. The design emanates a timeless quality, with streamlined black lacquered cabinets, a copper splashback wall, and a slender stainless-steel island unit. The kitchen spans the full length of the room, with ample storage and seamlessly integrated appliances, while designated dining and seating areas are arranged opposite, creating a perfect spot for communing and hosting. Full-width folding doors frame and open to the leafy private garden.

The upper floors house the bedrooms, with two half-levels comprising a bathroom and a bedroom respectively. The front bedrooms are the largest and feature wide sash windows and bespoke joinery; one has book-filled shelving, while the other has floor-to-ceiling wardrobes. The rear bedrooms are particularly bright, with access to exceptionally restorative views of the treetops from their private balconies, while the furthest bedroom opens to a delightful roof terrace. Throughout, a tonal colour scheme has been adopted to calming effect.

The bathroom and a separate WC sit on the first floor, with chalky, black-tiled surfaces – a surprising counterpoint to the otherwise whitewashed design. There are two walk-in shower,s and a built-in bathtub is beneath a large picture window overlooking the garden.

On the lower-ground floor, a large cellar provides additional storage.

Outdoor Space

The house has access to a series of private outdoor spaces, namely a rear garden, a first-floor balcony, and a roof terrace. The garden is beautifully maintained: a tiered, paved pathway descends from a decked terrace to a secluded seating area, bordered by a thoughtful planting scheme and established trees. The terrace extends from the living space, creating a natural continuation of the home, and receives fantastic light throughout the day. Access to the roof terrace is from the second floor; here, views stretch over the surrounding woodland, and the atmosphere is one of quiet and calm.

The Area

The house sits on Holmesdale Road, a quiet residential street in Highgate, renowned for its village atmosphere and extensive surrounding green spaces. Nearby Highgate Village has a selection of independent cafes, boutiques, and classic pubs, including The Holly Bush and The Flask. Excellent dining options such as The Bull and local artisan bakeries are just a short walk away.

An array of natural green spaces frames the area, with the ancient woodland of Highgate Wood and Queens Wood practically on the doorstep, while the vast open expanses of Hampstead Heath and Waterlow Park are within easy reach. The area is also well-regarded for its exceptional schooling, including Highgate School and Channing School.

Highgate Underground Station (Northern Line) is within walking distance, providing quick and direct links into King’s Cross St. Pancras, the City, and the West End.