All things considered in this sanctuary above the city; an enchanting two-bedroom flat where listed charm meets contemporary design — with King’s Cross station right on the doorstep.
Balfe Street, King's Cross, 2 Bed. Flat
£675,000
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THE LEGAL BIT
While we strive to create true-to-life photographs, floor plans and descriptions, our marketing material is only a guide. Purchasers should always visit in person, ask relevant questions and triple-check details. Brickworks takes our duty of care incredibly seriously and takes all reasonable steps to ensure all presented information is correct. However, we sometimes rely on the accuracy of the information provided to us by the seller and others. Also, please note that we often round up/down total floor plan measurements and/or use approximate distances.
BRICKWORKS SAYS
This two-bedroom flat in King’s Cross occupies the top floor of a Grade-II-listed Victorian terrace, built around 1847 by George Crane. The current owner bought it 16 years ago and set about creating a tranquil city retreat. Thoughtfully renovated, it's touches like bespoke cabinetry that truly ground this flat, ensuring it’s ready for life as it happens.
The living room centres around a flueless fire, while the kitchen keeps things fuss-free, with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, integrated appliances and space to dine. The bathroom has a distinctly hotel-like feel, with a lightwell above the shower letting daylight in where you least expect it. There’s also a cocooning, colour-drenched study, and the principal bedroom’s architectural angles are a reminder of the building’s Victorian bones.
Outside, King’s Cross couldn’t be closer, with its restaurants, cultural spaces and transport links that put London, the wider UK and international travel within easy reach. The nearby canal offers a slower way through the city too; a useful reminder that even here, there’s room to take your time.
THE OWNER SAYS
What I loved most about living here is how peaceful and light-filled the flat feels, despite being so central. The transport connections are excellent, making it easy to get around. And I particularly enjoyed the lateral layout, with everything on one level.
POINTS TO CONSIDER
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC):
Current Energy Rating C. Potential Energy Rating C.
Council Tax:
Band C in the borough of Islington.
£2,108 in 2026/27.
Utilities:
Current monthly costs are approx:
Electricity £34
Gas £25
Water £46
These figures naturally change seasonally.
Tenure:
Leasehold, with 96 years left on the lease. The freeholder is Islington Council.
Service charge:
£1,009 per annum. This covers building insurance and ground rent.
Ground rent:
£10 per annum.
Neighbours:
In the building, there are three flats in total.
EWS1:
The building is exempt.
Getting around:
Balfe Street is a three-minute walk from King’s Cross St Pancras (Zone 1), putting an impressive spread of Tube lines, national rail services, international trains and bus routes within easy reach. The Regent’s Canal is close by, too, offering a more leisurely route through the city, whether on foot or by bike.
Onward plans:
The current owner is selling chain-free.
Anything else:
Once known as Albion Street, Balfe Street sits at the crossroads of King’s Cross’s residential streets and its thriving commercial quarter. The result is an energetic mix of residents, workers and visitors, with the 67-acre King’s Cross estate just a short walk away. Tech, media and science companies sit alongside restaurants, cultural spaces and public squares, with neighbours ranging from Google and Meta to AstraZeneca and Universal Music Group.
Brickworks loves:
Explore Central London
landmarks
1 The School of Life
Settled behind an unassuming storefront on Marchmont Street, the School of Life is dedicated to helping you “live a calmer, wiser, more fulfilled life.” It offers courses, conversation evenings and events on topics ranging from finding love to finding a job you love. For something completely different, try a Bibliotherapy session: one hour of expert listening, followed by a list of books as your prescription.
2 Coram’s Fields
Unique amongst Bloomsbury’s many garden squares is the family-friendly Coram’s Fields. Playgrounds, an adventure area (complete with zip wire), a city farm and a year-round paddling pool are just some of the attractions to keep kids of all ages entertained for hours on end.
3 Furanxo
Their website claims that it is ‘a shop by day, aperitivo and wine bar by night’. We can’t see anything wrong with that! Specialising in all things Spanish, edible and artisanal, products are sourced from independent, Spanish farmers. Fab.
4 The October Gallery
This small, contemporary art gallery on Old Gloucester Street was founded in 1979 and has been instrumental in bringing attention to many of the world’s leading international artists. During this time, it has pioneered the development of the Transvangarde – the trans-cultural avant-garde. The rich diversity on show is consistently surprising and inspiring.
5 magCulture
This bookshop in Clerkenwell stocks over 600 independent publications covering everything from Design to Travel. Their motto is "we love magazines" and it's true - if there's something you're looking for, they (most likely) have it.