Sylvester House

Beautifully finished, this one-bedroom apartment in Hackney lies on the second floor of Sylvester House, between London Fields, Dalston and Lower Clapton. Colours and materials have been masterfully curated to create a clean-lined and contemporary space that preserves the building’s Edwardian integrity. Original features remain, including a series of sweeping sash windows that capture the best of the morning light.

Setting the Scene

Hackney has been known as such since the 13th century, when it was spelt as Hackenaye/Hacquenye. During the Tudor period, the land was a retreat for the nobility; Henry VIII had a palace close to what is now the Lea Bridge roundabout. Sutton House, a National Trust-managed 16th-century house close to this apartment, stands as a reminder of the area at this time.

The area is also known for its handsome stock of 18th, 19th and early 20th-century architecture, of which Sylvester House is a stellar example. The building was built as flats in 1908 and is defined by its ruddy red-brick frontage with white detailing and charming gable ends. A pair of gates sets the building back from Wilton Way, a characterful street with a host of well-loved local provisors and pubs.