Anna Sewell, author of Black Beauty, was a particularly notable past resident of Parkholme Road
Anna Sewell, author of Black Beauty, was a particularly notable past resident of Parkholme Road
Wonderfully located in the heart of Hackney’s Graham Road and Mapledene conservation area, this charming two-bedroom flat is flooded with natural light from its large windows. Set on the upper floors of a handsome 19th-century terraced house, the pitched gable façade and crenellated porch entrance make a striking first impression. Stretching to 828 sq ft arranged over 3 storeys with a private entrance, the flat has a number of original period features, including an expansive three-light sash window in the front room.
Setting the Scene
The area around Parkholme Road (originally called Park Road) developed through the early and mid-19th century. With curving roads and wide houses, many with eye-catching architecture, the area appealed to the growing middle classes of London. One notable resident of Parkholme Road was Anna Sewell, author of Black Beauty, who spent her childhood in the area. Another, Michael Rosen, author of the beloved children’s book Going on a Bear Hunt, lived on the road in the 20th century.
The Grand Tour
Parkholme Road is a quiet side street lined with striking 19th-century London stock brick façades. A large ash tree frames the front garden, casting beautiful shadows across the front aspect. Steps lead to an Arts and Crafts front door, opening onto the private hall; stairs ascend to the first floor, where the apartment sits.
An open-plan front room takes in views of the tree-lined street below, as well as the pretty neighbouring houses. Shelving has been built into the alcoves on either side of the fire breast; a period cast iron grate is set within, surrounded by colourful tiling. A kitchen lies to the rear of the plan, where striking geometric floor tiles with underfloor heating run underfoot. A breakfast bar has been cleverly constructed in the nook where the original fireplace would have been. Adjacent is a large family bathroom with a clawfoot bath; creamy tiles by Fired Earth, as well as a feature arrangement of period tiles, finish the room. Walls are painted in refreshing tones of ‘Lichen’ by Farrow and Ball, and the room features a large chrome rail, the perfect accoutrement for soft towels after a relaxing bath.
Ascending to the second floor, Velux windows flood the landing with light. Using the spacious landing to best effect, extensive joinery has been built into the space to provide ample storage. A large bedroom lies to the front of the plan, painted in the cosy muted ‘Caddie’ by Paint and Paper Library and with a view over the treetops. The front wall has been stripped back to reveal the original brick fabric of the room, providing an interesting textual feature. To the rear of the plan, a second bedroom is painted in the chic shade of ‘Inchrya Blue’ by Farrow and Ball and overlooks the garden space below.
The Great Outdoors
Behind wrought iron railings and a gate is a small front garden running along the façade of the building, wrapping around the white stucco front steps. Timber structures shield bins from view and the space is planted with mature shrubs and herbaceous perennials. A large ash tree provides a leafy focal point and varying seasonal colour.
Out and About
Parkholme Road is excellently located in central Hackney. There are many fantastic restaurants locally, notably Little Duck The Picklery and Angelina’s on Dalston Lane, Pidgin and Violet on Wilton Way, and Elliot’s and Bright on Mare Street. The E5 Bakehouse, on the edge of London Fields, is excellent for freshly baked artisan bread and grains. Near Netil Market is a thriving hub of restaurants, breweries and coffee roasters.
Ridley Road Market is considered by many to be the beating heart of the local community. It has run every Monday to Saturday since the 1880s and is home to over 150 stalls offering fresh produce from around the world.
Dalston Junction and Hackney Downs Overground stations are a short walk away, providing transport links on the east/west and southbound branches of the London Overground. Hackney Downs runs direct services into Liverpool Street in approximately 18 minutes. Buses run regularly to London Bridge and the City from nearby Kingsland Road.
Tenure: Share of Freehold
Lease Length: 984
Service Charge: n/a
Ground Rent: n/a
Council Tax Band: C
Interested? Let’s talk
Related Listings
Related Stories
