The Grand Tour
A short flight of stone steps leads to the building's entrance, which is framed by stuccoed square columns supporting a moulded cornice head. A partially glazed, black-painted door is surmounted by a rectangular fanlight.
Entry is to a ground-floor staircase, which leads straight ahead to a WC/utility room with traditional fittings, alcoves for storage, and a striking marble windowsill.
Entirely occupied by the reception area, the first floor is bathed in natural light from two aspects and has remarkably high ceilings. The walls are dressed in creamy white
'Galao I' by Francesca's Paint, whilst understated finishes highlight the generous proportions and original period details, including intricate cornices and mouldings on the ceiling. The sitting area is oriented toward a reclaimed Derbyshire fossil chimneypiece. There is also space to accommodate a large dining table.
At the rear, the kitchen strikes the perfect balance between functionality and elegance, pairing cupboards with lavish, mottled green 'Verde Antigua' marble surfaces and a matching splashback. Above, a practical open shelf traces the length of the wall, providing additional space for storage. Toward the rear, French doors open to a private south-easterly balcony overlooking the surrounding roofs and treetops.
Upstairs, the peaceful principal bedroom is positioned at the front of the plan and is defined by tall sashes drawing in warm afternoon and evening light. The room has a soft, neutral palette, pine floorboards, and carefully crafted joinery, and hand burnished cast-iron radiators, as seen in the rest of the apartment too.
The bathroom is at the rear, impeccably appointed with Tadelakt plastered walls and
'Adoration Rose' by Francesca's Paint on the ceiling. Symmetrical arched niches were carved to house a striking antique fireclay bathtub with a mudstone base from a reclamation yard in Devon. There is also a custom-designed shower with a marble tray and
Lefroy Brooks fittings.
A striking new staircase, designed by the owner, has replaced the original to open up the space and harness the light streaming through an almost three-metre-tall sash with 19th-century glass panes. With open treads, a helical oak form, and a slender metal handrail, it winds effortlessly between the second and third floors.
The uppermost storey has two further bedrooms set beneath the eaves. The largest one spans the depth of the plan and is currently occupied by a quiet additional living and study space. Additional storage can be found on the landing.
The Great Outdoors
Seemingly floating among the canopy, the decked balcony is accessed directly from the kitchen. Extended by the current owners, it has space for outdoor dining and potted plants and is bordered by a wrought-iron balustrade that frames views of the surrounding area.
Out and About
Loraine Road is brilliantly placed, close to Holloway Road, Liverpool Road and the Emirates stadium.
The area offers an abundance of independent restaurants, cafés and wine bars. Xi’an Impression, known for its spicy hand-pulled biang biang noodles, is a short walk away from the house; the beloved Westerns Laundry is also nearby, renowned for its seasonal seafood menus and extensive list of natural wines.
For green spaces, Highbury Fields is a 15-minute walk from the apartment. Caledonian Park is also within easy reach to the south on foot and has a café, woodland and meadow areas, community gardens and an orchard.
There are excellent schooling options in the area. Primary schools include Ambler Primary School and Children’s Centre, Gillespie Primary School and Yerbury School. Paul’s Steiner School is also within easy reach. St Mary Magdalene Academy offers an all-through programme, while further opportunities for secondary education are also found at Highbury Fields School and The London Screen Academy.
The house is exceptionally well-connected by public transport. Holloway Road station is an eight-minute walk away, reaching St Pancras International in five minutes, Covent Garden in 11, and Heathrow in one hour. Highbury & Islington station is a 21-minute walk from the house, with wide-reaching Underground, Overground, and national rail services.
Tenure: Share of Freehold / Underlying Lease Length: Approx. 103 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £1,200 per annum / Council Tax Band: E
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