BRICKWORKS SAYS

A sunlit modern expanse of living space inside the gothic shell of a Victorian-era schoolhouse, this two-bedroom penthouse flat inspires more than a few gasps, especially when taking in the panoramic views of London from its two(!) rooftop terraces. Drenched in light from its quadruple-aspect windows and plentiful skylights, this is a remarkable, one-of-a-kind space, purpose-built for entertaining, day or night, any time of year.

Clever design touches—the gorgeous burlwood wet bar, tonness of bespoke shelving and storage, a sleek modern fireplace and projector TV-ready overmantel—make even more of this flat’s ample square footage. The communal areas are big, bright and welcoming. Yet the bedrooms feel private, self-contained and peaceful.

Both bedrooms and the open-plan living space lead onto the swoonworthy terraces, with views over Emirates Stadium and eastward. It’s rare to find this much combined indoor and outdoor space in the beating heart of north London, and even rarer to find it in such a unique, thoughtfully designed flat.

THE OWNERS SAY

Lateral space, height and light: that’s what made us fall in love with our home from the moment we first walked in. It’s a rare space that can accommodate 15 people without feeling full, has windows on four sides—mostly facing south—and isn’t overlooked in any way. On the daybeds outside in the blazing sunshine, surrounded by plants, reading a book in peaceful privacy is our favourite place to be in the whole world.

The flat has been a wonderful place for our young family and all our friends to gather together. We love the centrality of the area, the ease of hosting and our sun terraces. We will miss Highbury Fields, all the great restaurants and playgrounds of Islington, Holloway and Kings Cross, the perfect quiet and unbroken views across London and of course, our lovely neighbours.

POINTS TO CONSIDER

The EPC gives a current Energy Efficiency Rating: C & Environmental Impact Rating: C

In the Borough of Islington, the house falls into Council Tax Band G (£2,148 for 2019/20).

One of 24 in the building, the flat has 120 years remaining on the lease and a ground rent of £300 p.a. There is a service charge of £400 per month.

Over the past five years, the current owners have replaced laminate flooring with wooden floorboards and carried out extensive carpentry and cabinet making throughout the flat.

The flat is a three-minute walk from Holloway Road tube station on the Piccadilly Line, with direct service to Kings Cross in 15 minutes. Highbury Fields is strollable, as is Finsbury Park. Not to mention all the shops, pubs and restaurants lining Holloway Road all the way to Islington.