Away from the hubbub of city life, this two-bedroom flat in Finsbury Park exemplifies tasteful and soothing living.
Wilberforce Road, Finsbury Park, 2 Bed. Flat
£685,000
Under offer
BRICKWORKS SAYS
The stillness of the wide tree-lined street in the Brownswood conservation area (between Finsbury Park and Stoke Newington) sets the tone for this two-bedroom flat. With a soft palette and considered touches, it's a calming refuge from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Take the living room: light pours through two expansive sash windows, illuminating the spacious lounge with a dining table big enough to host a feast with friends. Along one side, the kitchen is understated and contemporary, with cupboard space galore. And there is still plenty of room for a relaxing spot on the sofa.
The flat is split level, which amplifies the feeling of space. It also gives a pleasing separation between the bedrooms and the social areas. The bathroom feels fresh and inviting, with a cute Japanese soaking tub. Meanwhile, courtesy of the in-built cupboards and shelving, you can find a place for everything and live the minimalist dream.
The beauty of Wilberforce Road is its location. At one end of the street, you have the wide open spaces of Finsbury Park; at the other lies Clissold Park and Stoke Newington Church Street. Go south and soon find yourself in Highbury, heading towards Upper Street. And, whichever direction you go, your journey will be punctuated by some of the best cafés, bars and restaurants in North London.
THE OWNERS SAY
I have loved living in Wilberforce Road. From the moment you turn onto the street, you notice how quiet and peaceful it is, with minimal passing traffic, thanks to the fact it's closed to cars at one end.
The location is hard to beat. It is brilliantly connected to central London (thanks to Finsbury Park Station) and a dream for Sunday pottering. I have particularly loved sun-drenched mornings in the open-plan kitchen and living room and watching the changing seasons through the huge sash windows. Spring is my favourite time when the cherry blossom is in full swing, lining the road with colour.
But, perhaps most of all, I will miss the lovely neighbours. From the plant sales to the annual street party, it's a neighbourhood with a genuine sense of community.
POINTS TO CONSIDER
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC):
Current Energy Rating C. Potential Energy Rating C.
Council Tax:
The property falls into Band D (£1,773.29 in 2023/24) in the borough of Hackney.
Utilities:
Current monthly costs are approx: Electricity £45, Gas £50 and Water £14.
Tenure:
Share of freehold with approximately 125 years left on the lease.
Service charge:
None.
Ground rent:
None.
Neighbours:
In the building, there are 4 flats in total.
Recent work:
Having been completely renovated in 2015, everything is relatively new. The current owner installed double glazing and has recently repaired the roof.
Getting around:
You are a short walk from Finsbury Park Station, where you can pick up the Piccadilly and Victoria Lines. You can also pick up National Rail, giving you direct links to Gatwick, Heathrow and Brighton. There are also myriad buses to take you wherever you choose.
Onward plans:
The current owner is actively looking and is hoping to stay local.
Anything else:
The Brownswood conservation area is a wonderful spot. Set within Hackney borough and close to Finsbury Park, it's a collection of streets sitting in a pocket between two parks: Finsbury & Clissold. Most have been closed at one end to minimise traffic. Designated on 24 February 2020, it is a high-quality late Victorian suburb dating from the 1860s onwards. The aim is to preserve the features that give these streets their special character, such as original windows, doors, brick detailing and distinctive porches.
THE LEGAL BIT
While we endeavour to provide accurate photographs, floor plans, and descriptions, these should be intended as a guide. Total floor plan measurements are sometimes rounded for ease, and distances are approximated. Purchasers should always satisfy themselves through personal inspection.
Brickworks loves:
Explore North London
landmarks
1 Finks Salt & Sweet
Open all day every day, Finks serves up simple yet delicious morsels to an ever-growing troop of (well fed) locals. It’s a laid-back neighbourhood spot that’s serious about great food. You can happily have coffee and cake, or switch it up and have something more substantial on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. You can't go wrong.
2 Beam
Good food with a good heart - as well as a superb brunch selection, this independent cafe supports local charity Action For Kids. Don’t leave without trying the fiery but sublime shakshuka.
3 Frank's Canteen
When you’re searching for brunch, look no further. All the classics, but with an upgrade. Who knew fried egg baps could taste this good?
4 Clissold Park
This lovely big Victorian Park is the centre of Stoke Newington life. A gorgeous green space packed full of family friendly delights, there's a great cafe and events centre with food and activities, a wildlife area with deer, a skate park, tennis courts and a brilliant kid’s paddling pool and playground. All kinds of events pop up here over the summer including steam fairs, and festivals of Nigerian art, Anatolian culture and literature.
5 Da Mario
Want to feel like an Italian Nonna without any of the work? Featured in the Financial Times’ top London delicatessens, it’s the real deal. Fill up on handmade tortellini, fresh arancini as well as antipasti - buon appetito!