BRICKWORKS SAYS

"Hidden gem" is a well-worn superlative, but it fits the bill for this three-bedroom flat: how else to describe a loft that gazes down on a courtyard block shielded from the hubbub and completely concealed behind an unassuming gate on the Holloway Road?

The whole space has a secret-clubhouse feel, but with the airy atmosphere of a California Eichler in the sky—all vaulted ceilings, exposed timber beams and huge skylights that lure in light from all angles. This flat was born to entertain, but its clever layout keeps the quiet bedrooms separate from the spacious sweep of the communal areas. The mid-century vibe persists in the modern pastel palette, subtly shifting from the warmth of the master suite to the freshness of the subway-tiled bath to the cool of the open-plan living space. Rare and refined, this top-floor roost is (quite literally) a cut above.

Empire Square is a short stroll to stations on four lines—Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria and Overground—so it's easy to get anywhere from Hampstead Heath to King's Cross to the City (and everywhere in between). Cafes, shops, restaurants and pubs dot Holloway and Seven Sisters Roads all the way to Finsbury Park. And there's no dearth of green space, with some of north London's best parks, walks and playgrounds within easy reach.

POINTS TO CONSIDER

The EPC gives a current Energy Efficiency Rating: D.

In the Borough of Islington, the flat falls into Council Tax Band E (£1,896 in 2020/21).

One of 23 in the building, the flat has 978 years remaining on the lease and a ground rent of £300 p.a. There is a yearly service charge of circa £2,500.

Over the past five years, the current owners have fitted two new bathrooms, inserted a partition wall to create a third bedroom, added a modern fire alarm system and installed a new boiler.

THE OWNERS SAY

Stepping away from the hurly-burly of Holloway Road into a quiet, quaint courtyard lined with geraniums and a particularly exuberant palm tree was the first sign that this flat was a unique proposition. As soon as we entered the light-filled living room, with its atypical combination of soaring ceilings and cosy corners, we knew it was too good to pass up. We love hosting parties; this is the unusual space that, no matter how many people pile through the front door, it never seems crowded. But it’s a very restful flat, too. Backing onto North Library, Manor Gardens and the imposing Beaux Arts Building, it’s wonderfully peaceful, with friendly neighbours and a community feel.

Holloway has changed since we first moved in, and we have come to love its quirks. Our local is The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms, which does a decent pub quiz and a solid pre-match and commiseratory post-match pint. Hana Sushi, Girasole, Osteria Tufo and new addition Big Jo, sister restaurant to Jolene and Westerns Laundry, are other haunts, along with Clissold Park to the east, and Waterlow Park (our favourite) up the road. Provisions, the Holloway deli, has provided us with wine and heaving boards of cheese. We will miss this corner of North London, full of lively local characters and unstudied charm.

THE LEGAL BIT

While we endeavour to maintain accurate photographs, floor plans, and descriptions, these are intended as a guide and purchasers must satisfy themselves by personal inspection. Total floorplan measurements have been rounded for ease. Distances are also provided as an approximate.