Upper Tollington Park, Finsbury Park, N4

Behind a tall, neatly clipped hedge on a quiet Stroud Green corner, this two bedroom ground floor Victorian garden flat has been renovated with real care from front to back. Original period character meets a crisp, contemporary finish throughout - making this a calm, easy home to settle into, just minutes from Finsbury Park Station.

Pale wide-plank oak flooring runs right through the flat, setting a light, airy tone from the moment you step inside. The entrance hall is practical too, with built-in cupboards to keep coats, shoes and the hoover out of sight. At the front, the reception room is the showpiece with a wide bay window with tall sashes draws in the daylight. Ornate cornicing and a cast-iron fireplace with tiled insets and a white mantel nod to the building’s Victorian roots. There’s room for a pair of sofas plus a dining table beside the fireplace, ready for long Sunday lunches or a quiet supper for two.

A wide opening leads through to the kitchen, which is every bit as considered. Matt graphite handleless units sit beneath textured oak-effect wall cabinets with open display shelving and a splashback of handmade-style glazed tiles in soft grey adds a subtle shimmer that catches the light. Integrated appliances include an electric oven, a sleek flush-set hob, an eye-level microwave and a concealed extractor. Tall larder units flanked by slim open bookcases offer plenty of storage for everything from the weekly shop to your favourite cookbooks.

Both bedrooms sit at the back of the flat, peacefully set away from the street. The principal bedroom is a bright double with a sash window overlooking the garden and space for a dressing table alongside the bed. The second bedroom is a long, versatile double with its own door straight out to the garden. There’s room for a double bed with a desk by the window, making it a great option for anyone working from home.

Two shower rooms share the same stylish finish, with terrazzo-effect tiling rises to half height, while crisp white hexagonal tiles line the generous shower enclosures. Wall-hung basins, chrome fittings and warm oak ledges framing the windows and mirrors complete the look. While a mirrored cabinet and heated towel rail are welcome finishing touches.

Outside, the garden is a peaceful spot to unwind. A paved terrace sits right outside the back of the house, perfect for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine. Stepping stones lead across gravel beneath a mature tree, while old brick and painted walls give the whole space a pleasingly enclosed, private feel.

The Neighbourhood: Stroud Green

Upper Tollington Park sits moments from the independent cafés, delis and pubs of Stroud Green Road. Common Ground is a local favourite for speciality coffee and relaxed brunches, while Clapton Craft is the place to pick up a well-chosen beer for the evening. For a pint, The Faltering Fullback is a much-loved neighbourhood pub with a rambling garden and The World’s End is a dependable choice right on the high street.

Finsbury Park itself is a short stroll away, with its boating lake, tennis courts and running track. The Parkland Walk, meanwhile, offers a green, traffic-free route towards Crouch End and Highgate. Finsbury Park Station is close by too, with Victoria and Piccadilly line services plus Great Northern and Thameslink trains - so the West End, the City and King’s Cross are all an easy commute.