This Grade II-listed two-bedroom house is one of only a handful of original Georgian terraces in the area. It was part of a scheme built by Quaker families in 1822, at a time when Tottenham was still largely pastoral. Its 900 sq ft of living space is divided between bright, thoughtfully updated rooms, including an airy conservatory looking over its generous rear garden. Positioned next to a park and former pleasure garden, its green feel belies its proximity to central London, with Overground services running to Liverpool Street in less than 30 minutes.
Setting the Scene
The present-day Bruce Grove Park and surrounding green space, along which Prospect Place runs, is all that remains of the vast estate that existed from the time of the Conquerer. With enduring ties to the Scottish crown from the 12th century, the grounds and house were renamed Bruce Grove in the late 18th century, with the manorial estate broken up and homes built alongside new roads within the parkland.
The name ‘Prospect Place’ originates from the unencumbered views of the rolling fields enjoyed by the terrace when built. Today, still encompassed by green space and stately trees, the houses are a tranquil retreat. For more information, see the History section.
The Grand Tour
An offshoot of a quiet and leafy street, Prospect Place is a pretty blink-and-you’ll-miss-it lane bordered by a green privet hedge along one side. Despite its proximity to the bustle of busy Tottenham, it has a decidedly bucolic appeal.
At the front is a long and pretty garden bordered by a picket fence and a box hedge. Spring flowering bulbs, hardy perennials and a well-pruned wisteria hone an enchanted, whimsy feel. The house’s white stucco façade sits beyond the garden, with large shutters in Farrow and Ball Pigeon that would be just as at home on a cottage in a sleepy French hamlet.
From the panelled front door is a wide entrance hallway lit by Velux skylights and lined with useful built-in cabinetry. The convenient downstairs WC and shower are tucked under the stairs within the hall.
A large sitting room and adjoining study lie to the front of the plan, with cast-iron fireplaces and a peaceful, neutral palette of Farrow and Ball Wimborne White. To the rear is the kitchen, where further Velux windows flood the space with natural light, enhancing its pared-back, minimal design. A bright, airy conservatory adjoins here, with doors to the garden that can be thrown open in fine weather. At the bottom of the plot sits a useful garden shed.
Ascending a short flight of stairs lined with panelling recreated meticulously from the 1822 original design, a central hall leads to two bedrooms and a family bathroom. The principal bedroom lies to the front of the plan, with tall six-over-six sash windows that frame views of the garden and park beyond. A cast-iron grate provides a focal point for the room and is flanked by built-in storage.
A second bedroom at the rear of the plan overlooks the charming back garden. The family bathroom beyond also takes in garden views and has a well-placed clawfoot bath.
The Great Outdoors
The cottage is surrounded by delightful outdoor spaces, both public and private. At the front is a red-brick paved garden with riotously planted beds and a substantial wisteria, a spot rivalled only by the even larger space to the back of the house.
Flowing out from the iron-trussed conservatory, the rear garden begins with a patio area perfect for outdoor dining. Beyond is a central lawn flanked by a brick path and herbaceous borders. Hazel hurdles bisect the garden, creating a series of distinct yet flowing outdoor ‘rooms’. At the furthest edge is a very productive eating apple tree that creates a dappled shade over the potting shed and frames well-conceived vegetable beds. Here, dwarf fruit trees dot among tumps of rainbow chard and rhubarb.
Out and About
The house lies in the heart of old Tottenham, opposite the expanse of Bruce Castle Park, where there are Lawn Association tennis courts, a play park and the much-loved The Pavillion Café. There are also basketball courts, a children’s play area and a paddling pool, as well as outdoor exercise classes which take place regularly. Tottenham Cemetery and duckpond lie immediately in front of the house, ensuring a serene setting. Tottenham Marshes and Lee Valley Regional Park are a short walk away, and Downhills Park and Lordship Recreation Ground are also within easy reach.
Community spirit comes in droves in this quiet lane, with locals throwing open their doors during matches at the nearby stadium (Tottenham fan or not) to enjoy the bon vivant waves of enthusiasm. The Antwerp Arms (lovingly known as the ‘The Annie’) was saved from closure in 2015, becoming north London’s first community-owned pub. It still acts as a hub of neighbourhood activity with events such as the annual Halloween party and fireworks display. The display is a highlight of life in the area not to be missed, and people gather in the park to watch with neighbours and friends. The pub also keeps local traditions alive, still producing “Tottenham cake”, a scone-like treat with bright pink icing, on special occasions.
On Tottenham High Road, Philip Lane and West Green Road, there are many independent shops, pubs and restaurants, including Sushi Heads, The Palm Pub, wine and cheese shop Wine & Rind, Beavertown Brewery, Perkyn’s Coffee and Craft Beer Shop and the Bernie Grant Arts Centre. The recently regenerated High Road is home to the locally-owned organic delicatessen and cafés Fieldseat and The Cinnamon Leaf, as well as the much-loved pub The Bluecoats.
Several good primary and secondary schools are located nearby, the closest primary school a two-minute walk across the park. London Academy of Excellence Tottenham, named as The Sunday Times Sixth Form College of the Year, is located a five-minute walk away.
Church Road is a short walk from White Hart Lane Overground Station, which provides quick access to Liverpool Street. The C1 cycleway runs directly in front of the house, providing access to the city of London. The area is also extremely well served by a variety of bus routes that run regular services to central London.
Council Tax Band: C
History
Tottenham’s roots stretch back into the far depths of British history. Conveniently located along the well-travelled Roman road to Lincoln, Ermine Street (now the present day A10), the village grew around the larger manor house. Tottenham Manor owned by the earls of Huntingdon is noted as far back as the Doomsday Book, with the peculiar name seeming to have originated from the Saxon “Tota’s hamlet”. In 1075, after a disruptive succession following the Norman Conquest, the new Earl of Huntington came into the Manor. Later becoming King David I of Scotland, this particular part of north London has always had close associations with the far north. By the 13th century, the manor was held by the Bruce family, hence the name Bruce Grove. The present house was built circa 1514 likely near the site of the early medieval structure. A noted building, it is rumoured to have been visited by Queen Elizabeth I during her reign.
All Hallows’ Church, which stands to the northwest of Bruce Grove Castle, is believed to have been established during the Norman period by the Earl of Huntingdon. Of 13th century origin, the church was constructed on the site of a much earlier church with roots in the 10th century. The tower and most of the current fabric of the nave date from the 14th and 15th centuries, but the main structure of the church remains essentially intact, despite a series of subsequent alterations and restoration during the 19th Century.
The 18th and 19th century picture of Tottenham was one of agrarian farmland and idyll. However, the rapidly expanding city of London and subsequent railway soon encroached and then subsumed the once pastoral village as integral part of north London territories.
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