A fine Grade II Listed refurbishment in Canonbury, North London is the setting for our latest London townhouse. A five storey townhouse offers no shortage of space but the reception floor was under used. The lower ground floor started and ended the day to day of family life. The imposing stairwell walls of the London townhouse form a barrier to the welcoming nature of our client. With a simple architectural move: removing the stairwell walls to bring the raised ground floor into the living space. Opening on to the reception and views of the garden beyond the space is transformed to provide a bright and airy reception space.
The house has a rich variety of traditional architectural features. Original detailing, from the ornate cornice to the ceiling, timber staircase handrail and full height timber window shutters have been retained and modified to the rear. A set of new full height French doors have been added between the existing windows to provide free flowing access to a new roof terrace. The reconfiguration is a more contemporary intervention but the intention is deliberately restrained.
A soft, muted green colour palette runs through the principal rooms, giving the period detailing a quieter backdrop and allowing the furniture, artwork to sit comfortably together. To the lower ground floor, adjacent to the garden provide warmer and deeper tones. This floor remains the focal point to the house. The palette is rich but remains informal with the kitchen, dining and lounge space perceived in one large open plan arrangement.
To the rear, a new minimalist glazed extension opens onto a large verdant garden beyond. Large glazed doors slide open to ease the transition to the landscaped garden. The view is framed rather than overworked with mature trees and planting providing a rich backdrop to a wonderful London townhouse.
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