Royle Building V, London N1

“A warehouse-style apartment in a picturesque pocket of Islington”

Set on the second floor of the iconic Royle Building, a pioneering printworks factory conversion, this one-bedroom apartment occupies a sought-after corner of Islington, overlooking Regent’s Canal and Wenlock Basin. Royle Building’s industrial fabric is preserved through exposed brickwork, raw concrete, and Crittall windows. Lofty proportions are complemented with a neutral colour palette, lending the space a particularly open and light-filled quality.

The Building

The Royle Building, formerly Royle Print Works, was one of the earliest development schemes on the Wenlock Basin. This impressive five-storey, brick building was converted in 1997 to a design by Davy Smith Architects, and the communal areas maintain the original terrazzo flooring, large terrazzo stairs and a passenger lift to all floors. There is also a porter, and the residents have use of secure underground bike storage.

The Tour

Entry is into a spacious hallway that introduces the apartment’s industrial character, with high ceilings and polished concrete underfoot.

Beyond, the living room is generously lit by large Crittall windows, while the surfaces are defined by a natural palette of exposed and white-painted brickwork and concrete. There is ample space for a dining table and chairs, and exposed concrete pillars add striking architectural detail.

A hatch connects the living room to the kitchen, creating a sense of continuity. The kitchen features sleek, grey cabinetry and countertops, set against teal-coloured splashback tiles.

The bedroom is generously sized and brightened by a large Crittall window. There is built-in storage, so as to make the best use of space. Adjacent, the bathroom has a walk-in shower and mirrored cabinets.

The Area

The building is excellently located next to the Regent’s Canal towpath, which leads towards Angel in one direction and Victoria Park in the other.

Towpath and The Baring in De Beauvoir Town are reachable in 15 minutes along the canal. Victoria Miro Gallery is just around the corner, and the Almeida Theatre is a 20-minute walk away. The shops, bars and restaurants of Upper Street and Islington are just 10 minutes north, where local favourites include The Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Essex and Afghan Kitchen, as well as Pophams and Jolene bakeries. The cultural hubs of Hoxton and Shoreditch are both within a 20-minute walk to the east.

Wenlock Road is conveniently positioned for easy access to the city. Both Angel and Old Street stations are under a 20-minute walk away, providing access to Northern Line services. There are also numerous local bus routes on City Road, serving the City and West End.

Tenure: Leasehold / Lease Length: approx 97 years remaining / Service Charge: approx £2, 375 per annum / Ground rent: approx £200 per annum / Council Tax Band: C