Ardilaun Road, Highbury

Description

Lost and found

When your hosts first took possession of Ardilaun Road, it was deeply neglected. But with hard work, dedication and love, they stripped away a hundred years of grime to reveal something very special indeed. Now, hand-painted tiles nestle within a Victorian fireplace, while the large rooms are given life and energy with a Scandinavian colour palette and mid-century Danish furniture. Step outside to explore the artisan grocers of Highbury Barn, to stroll in Highbury Fields, and to eat out in the restaurants that jostle for space on Upper Street, each more tempting than the last.

Voyage of discovery

A classic yacht builder by trade, your Dutch host used his skills to uncover and restore this home’s original floors. Indeed, the wardrobes, shelves and beds are all his, both in design and exquisite execution.

Forward thinking

Spacious, airy and filled with light, the sitting room features gentle textiles and intricate modern art, framed by stunning original cornicing. The back of the house flows through a wall of glass to the landscaped garden, pendant lighting giving a sense of drama to the sleek charcoal kitchen, with its top of the range appliances and handy breakfast bar. Upstairs, the master bedroom is particularly special, with its handmade four-poster bed, resplendent amidst acres of honeyed floorboards, and a chic, grass-green couch, sitting sweetly in the sun.