Two sets of French doors provide easy access to the apartment's private terrace, an arrangement of particular convenience come summertime
Two sets of French doors provide easy access to the apartment's private terrace, an arrangement of particular convenience come summertime
This marvellous two-bedroom apartment unfolds across the ground floor of a double-fronted Victorian villa in Willesden Green, north-west London. Its period sash windows and staggering proportions have been preserved amidst bold contemporary interventions that capitalise on light and space. A handsome colour palette has been adopted throughout, with walls washed in spirited shades of blue, off-pink and deep aubergine. Two private terraces adjoin the apartment, as well as an expansive and tree-lined shared garden. Milverton Road is brilliantly situated for the shops and eateries of Willesden Green, as well as those in much-loved Queen’s Park and Kensal Rise.
Setting the Scene
Wellesdone, now known as Willesden Green, has a rich history dating back to the Domesday Book. Initially recorded as ‘Wellesdone,’ this humble settlement emerged in the 14th century around a picturesque woodland clearing, eventually evolving into the vibrant Willesden Green it is today. The advent of the Metropolitan Railway in the 19th century heralded a new era of growth for the area, attracting professionals who constructed grand townhouses alongside the existing agricultural lands—a pivotal moment arrived in 1879 with the opening of the tube station, propelling Willesden into becoming one of London’s fastest-growing districts.
Today, the area is known for its stock of Victorian homes such as this. Built in the 19th century, the grand double-fronted house bears many of the architectural hallmarks of the period: a stock-brick exterior, stucco-dressed bay windows and impressive symmetry. Inside, sweeping proportions and reinstated cornicing nod to the building’s early life.
The Grand Tour
Entry is from the side of the building, via a security gate and private front door. Tucked around the corner is the expansive open-plan living space, a flexible, light-filled room currently divided between a sitting area orientated towards a log-burning fire on one side, and a large dining table on the other. Two sets of French doors with beautiful teakshutters provide easy access to the apartment’s private terrace, an arrangement of particular convenience during the warmer months. The walls are painted in both Farrow and Ball’s ‘Off-Black’ and ‘Peignoir’, a refined pairing that enacts a compelling interplay between light and dark.
The kitchen is sunken down two steps below the living space, a thoughtful yet subtle delineation. Though soaring ceilings feature across the plan, they are here particularly amplified care of two deep-set skylights that beckon in plenty of natural light. Seamlessly painted in the same blue hue as the living space, the kitchen units provide plenty of storage, while the long countertop is brilliant for preparing a seasonal feast. There is a deep sink as well as an integrated Bosch hob and an integrated fridge-freezer. A side door at the far end of the room opens directly to the secluded side terrace.
Of similar proportions to one another, the apartment’s two bedrooms lie at the front of the plan. The main bedroom is lit by an original sash window and has a generous walk-in wardrobe and a pristinely finished en suite with a freestanding bath tub; both are neatly concealed behind sliding doors. The second bedroom, presently used as an office/library, has a built-in wardrobe and a second sash window. The room is served by a smart shower room which, like the en suite, has been picked out in a deep aubergine colour – Farrow and Ball’s ‘Brinjal’ – and has hexagonal monochromatic floor tiles.
The Great Outdoors
A private and secluded courtyard opens directly from the kitchen and has space for an outdoor dining space, if desired. There is also plenty of scope for some artfully potted plants or some conveniently placed kitchen herb for the budding chef.
Twin glazed doors open to the terrace that abuts the rear of the house. Wisteria grows around the rear face of the house, erupting into lilac blossom in the springtime. Steps descend from the terrace to the garden, which has a substantial lawn surrounded by mature trees including a vibrant rhus typhinia ‘Dissecta’. A bench at the foot of the garden is a lovely spot to sit and sip a coffee on a bright morning.
The Area
Positioned between Willesden Junction, Kensal Rise and Brondesbury Park, the apartment is well-located for village-style amenities. Chamberlayne Road is within easy reach, with its fine selection of independent cafés, restaurants, delis, pubs and shops – including a butcher, greengrocer, specialist bakery and one of London’s finest florists. Local favourites include Sacre Cuore pizzeria, indie cinema The Lexi and Retrouvius for design lovers.
There are several well-regarded state-run primary schools within walking distance, as well as a handful of private options.
The house’s nearest train station is Willesden Green station, which runs Jubilee line services on an east-west axis. Nearby Overground stations include Brondesbury Park, for services towards Richmond, Clapham Junction and Stratford, and Queen’s Park/Kensal Rise for services into London Euston. There are a wide range of bus services in the area too.
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