Manor Road, Stoke Newington, London, N16

Positioned on a popular road in Stoke Newington, this exceptionally well-conceived home by Paul Archer Design was inspired by Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich’s Barcelona Pavilion. Set back from the road behind high hedgerows and an established Magnolia Grandiflora tree, the façade of this late Victorian terrace conceals the radical contemporary interventions within. Shortlisted for the ‘Don’t Move Improve’ 2018 Award, the home unfolds across the lower and ground floors and extends to over 2,000 sq ft, giving it the scale and feel of a house rather than a garden maisonette.

Entry is via steps leading to a handsome front door framed by classical-style columns and a decorative lintel above the storm porch. Inside, the reception room sits at the front of the plan, where wide sash windows draw in an abundance of natural light. Original features, including a working fireplace and exposed floorboards underfoot, preserve the home’s Victorian character. On this level there are two bedrooms, one currently used as a study.

Steps at the rear of the home descend to the expansive kitchen extension, which stretches almost 10 metres and provides ample space for a dining table, kitchen island, informal seating, as well as a handy WC. The bespoke kitchen runs along the right-hand wall and is fitted with integrated Siemens appliances. Frameless floor-to-ceiling glazing by Fineline opens directly onto the paved garden, creating a seamless connection between the interior and exterior.

The lower floor is given over to the bedrooms and family bathroom, where generous proportions and thoughtful design choices create a light, airy atmosphere. The rear bedroom has double doors opening onto decked steps leading up to the garden, alongside built-in storage. The bathroom continues the home’s refined material palette, with Crosswater brassware and Duravit sanitaryware contributing to its clean, understated design.

The exceptional execution of the kitchen extension can be best appreciated from the landscaped garden, which echoes the clean, minimalism of the spaces within. A paved terrace extended from the kitchen is shielded from the sun by a cantilevered canopy, which sits next to an area for wild flowers. A gravelled space is the ideal spot for outside dining, while steps lead to neat lawn which extends to the length of the garden.

Recent maintenance works include the new guttering, roof tiles and lead work, along with repointing. This wonderful home was shortlisted for the ‘Don’t Move Improve’ 2018 Award and featured in Grand Designs Magazine November 2018.

At its heart lies Church Street, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with independent boutiques, artisanal coffee shops, and diverse eateries. Notable spots include Esters, celebrated for its seasonal dishes and tranquil garden seating, and The Dusty Knuckle in nearby Dalston, renowned for exceptional sourdough and pastries. For an authentic taste of Mexico, Sonora Taquería offers some of the city’s finest tacos. Pisco’s serves up traditional Peruvian fare, including standout ceviche and pisco sours. Green spaces abound with Clissold Park only a 7-minute walk, providing a serene escape, complete with a café and animal enclosures.

The house is within walking distance of the highly regarded Grazebrook Primary School and William Patten Primary School, both Ofsted-rated Outstanding and long considered among the area’s most sought-after primary schools.

Transport connections are excellent. Stoke Newington Station is around a 10-minute walk, providing swift links to Liverpool Street and the City, while numerous bus routes offer convenient access across north and central London. Finsbury Park Station is approximately a 25-minute walk away. A direct bus ride just outside the house takes about ten minutes, offering access to the Victoria and Piccadilly lines, Thameslink and mainline services. Numerous bus routes also run nearby, ensuring convenient connections across north and central London. For those who prefer to travel under their own steam, the City is within easy reach by bike or even on foot, with Old Street approximately 2.5 miles away.