The pandemic has enabled many of us to think about decamping from the capital, in the new knowledge that remote working is more viable for many than once imagined. But there are some who will always need to base themselves in London. And then there are others who, having escaped the city full of dreams of bucolic idylls, now find that they are itching to get back to the hustle and bustle (when, indeed, London resumes its frenetic ways of old). For all of those in such a mind frame, we round up some of the best buys on the market for inspiration, from the stuff of dreams to the more realistically priced.

Main Image: The Modern House

Holly Mount, Hampstead


£2.5m
Foxtons
Holly Mount, Hampstead, NW3

We know what you’re thinking. Two and a half million for a two-bed property. There’s absolutely no denying it; it’s eye-watering.

Holly Mount, Hampstead, NW3 Roof Terrace

But hear us out. While Hampstead comes with amped-up price tags at the best of times, this house is packed full of character, thanks to its charmingly uneven façade and interior beams, and comes with one of the most covetable roof terraces in the city, with far-reaching views across London. The heath is but a stroll away too. Not quite a bargain, but definitely a beauty.


Liverpool Road, Islington


£860,000
Chestertons
Liverpool Road, Islington

For anyone who needs to be within easy reach of the city, Liverpool Road is brilliantly connected, being a short walk from no fewer than three stations: Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line, Overground and National Rail) and Caledonian Road or Holloway Road. And yet this flat is so much more than a series of transport links. Arranged as a duplex apartment, we love the industrial aesthetic of the former commercial building it is housed within. Characterful and light, we’d spend happy hours taking in the views over lovely St Mary Magdalene Gardens. A great buy, both in terms of style and practicality.

Icon Apartments, Bermondsey


£1.3m
The Modern House
Icon Apartments, Bermondsey

Icon Apartments were originally designed by the architect Lea Katz. This particularly beautiful example has since been reconfigured by the current owner in partnership with architectural contractors, Tekne. Together, they have applied the open plan concept and then taken it to its logical conclusion; the result is that the adaptable living space can be easily reconfigured according to need. As they say, ‘The result is a striking set of living spaces that fuse mid-century and reclaimed elements in a truly eclectic approach to design.’ What we love most of all, however, is the garden room, whose glazed doors can be opened to create a fluid indoor/outdoor space in summer. A perfect oasis in the middle of the city.


Strathearn Place, Bayswater


£2m
The Modern House
Strathearn Place

You can rely on The Modern House when it comes to showcasing exclusively the most beautiful of properties. This three-bed apartment – a short walk from Hyde Park – is flooded with natural light. What we love most of all is the pared back beauty in a restrained palette. This is elegant city living at its finest.


Arundel Court, Notting Hill


£995,000
Knight Frank
Arundel Court, Notting Hill


This two-bedroom flat in the heart of Notting Hill would be glorious for a couple. Flooded with natural light, it is situated on the top floor of one of the loveliest streets (which, given that we’re talking about Notting Hill, is really saying something). We are coveting the beautiful balcony, overlooking the equally pleasing square (to which the owners of this property will be given a key). The perfect place for a pepping up morning coffee.

Campbell Road, Bow


£600,000
WJ Meade
Campbell Road, Bow
Anyone longing to be in the beating heart of London’s coolest district will certainly have acquainted themselves well with the eastern pockets of town. Though the days of nabbing a steal here are well and truly gone, you can certainly be assured of a plentiful supply of handsome town houses and beautifully spacious flats within. We love this one, in Bow, with its two bedrooms, its split-level configuration and its light-flooded rooms. Housed within a very fine Grade II-listed building, it has bags of character and original features while being in immaculate condition. There are plenty of green spaces nearby and you’ll even be within earshot of those famous Bow bells.

Ullswater Road, West Norwood


£550,000
Galloways
Ullswater Road, West Norwood

Oenophiles take note. Do you fancy having your own cellar? Don’t we all. Alas, in the capital, most properties that feature such come with attendant eye-wateringly hefty price tags. This lovely two-bed Victorian ground-floor conversion is not only very stylish, but also comes with its own place to lay down your vintages. Plus, who can resist bi-fold doors you can pull back completely and thus create a summer indoor/outdoor vibe? All this could be yours for £550,000.

By Nancy Alsop
March 2021

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